Alumni Award: Jay and Betsy Grant

Photo by Joanna Chattman
Photo by Joanna Chattman

Natalie Aquadro ’17 presented Jay and Betsy Grant the Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony at the Phillips Stevens Chapel on May 14, 2016.

The Distinguished Service Award is the preeminent service award the school can give. Since its inception in 1959, the Distinguished Service Award has been given to the person who has shown through his or her actions an exceptional measure of devotion to The Williston Northampton School. That clearly applies to Jay and Betsy.

On June 8, 2016, Jay and Betsy Grant will officially retire after 38 years and 37 years respectively at Williston Northampton. Since his arrival in 1978, Jay has filled many roles: the school’s first full-time athletic trainer, dorm parent living in Memorial Hall, then with Betsy in Willy Cottage (now known as Conant), Manchester House and Gilbert House before moving off campus. He coached the boys ice hockey team for four years, including the 1985-86 New England Championship team. He has seen the construction of the Athletic Center in 1990, been the faithful keeper of athletic records, taught Middle School PE, and wrapped thousands upon thousands of ankles.

Betsy arrived on campus in 1979 where she coached sailing for two years, advised the yearbook and taught all levels of Spanish in both the Middle and Upper School.

Betsy and Jay got married in the Williston chapel in July 1981 with Reverend Roger Barnett presiding over the ceremony, Al Shaler playing the organ, Armand Davy doing the catering, and Bob Couch ’50, taking the photos. Together, they raised two children, Sam Grant ’08 and Jill Grant ’11, both of whom attended the Middle and Upper Schools and are faithful alumni.

Congratulations to Jay and Betsy, and best of luck in your future endeavors!

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