TWO EDUCATORS, FOUR DECADES Assistant Head of School Ann Pickrell and Academic Dean Greg Tuleja retire after a combined 79 years of exceptional service to Williston
When Assistant Head of School Ann Pickrell and Academic Dean Greg Tuleja began their careers at Williston, Ronald Reagan was in his first term as president, Michael Jackson’s new album Thriller was filling the airwaves, and IBM had just introduced what it was calling a PC. Over the next four decades, the world would change considerably, but the guiding presence of Pickrell and Tuleja at Williston would remain a reassuring constant. As teachers, administrators, coaches, dorm parents, and advisors, they would demonstrate the empathetic professionalism that distinguishes the school today. With their double retirement at the end of this academic year, a remarkable era comes to a close, even as their example continues to shape the institution. The heartfelt words of their former students suggest just how consequential their impact has been. “What Williston, and specifically Ms. Pickrell, taught outside the classroom are the lessons I carry with me every day,” noted Olivia Moses Clough ’09, one of dozens who recently posted tributes to the pair on the Williston 16 WILLISTON NORTHAMPTON SCHOOL
website. “I am forever grateful for the privilege of her counsel.” Added Abbie Coscia ’19, “I promise without Mr. T, I would not have made it through my years at Williston. The most amazing mentor, advisor, coach, and person all in one.” For all of their achievements as educators and coaches, these interpersonal connections are what Pickrell and Tuleja say they most cherish about their time at Williston, relationships forged in the unique environment of boarding school. “Williston is a student’s home away from home,” Pickrell explains. “We don’t take the place of their parents, but we’re an additional parent. I’m still in touch with people that went here 40 years ago.” Tuleja agrees: “When these alums come back, and they’re running up to you because they haven’t seen you in years and want to say hello—there’s something really warm and valuable and authentic about the relationship that’s established here.” How did these two educators become so beloved by the Williston community? To understand that, we have to start at the beginning…
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHATTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JONATHAN ADOLPH
