After a decade of working at South Lakes, director of student services Shannon Tully is retiring at the end of the school year.

Tully has been a member of the Seahawk faculty since 2001.  Her time at South Lakes culminates a 37-year career in education.

“My father was a teacher, counselor and principal at my high school,” said Tully.  “He encouraged me to pursue a career in education.”

After schooling, Tully began her career as an English teacher at James Madison High School.  After five years, she transferred to Fairfax High School where she became a counselor and eventually the director of student services.

After 22 years at Fairfax, Tully became a part of the South Lakes community where she has been in her current position.

 In addition to her role as director of student services, Tully is also the supervisor of the counseling and fine & performing arts department.  Tully loves the role she has played in the decisions made by South Lakes.

“I was proud to be a part of the re-making of South Lakes,” said Tully.  “I had a major role in the renovation project and the redistricting. I enjoyed watching people learn more about what a great school South Lakes is and how the students take pride in their school.”

Tully thoroughly enjoys the benefits of working with the Seahawk community of teachers and students.

“I especially like building the master schedule–trying very hard to give students all of the classes they need and want.  I get to know all of the teachers.  I also love working with all of the fine and performing arts kids and teachers.  They are all so talented.”

Although Tully looks forward to retirement, she is sad to leave all of the students she has worked with.

“I will miss working with the students the most,” said Tully.  “Being around teenagers most of my life keeps me young.  They make me laugh.”

Principal Bruce Butler says that Tully has left her mark and has been a fundamental part of South Lakes.

“Mrs. Tully has given her heart and soul to South Lakes for over a decade now,” said Butler.  “She is extremely supportive and has helped organize many facets of the counseling and clinical staff.  Every year, she organizes the master schedule to meet teachers and students wants for their schedules.  She will be greatly and deeply missed.”

Tully’s replacement is Davina Johnson, who is currently the school counseling director at John Rolfe Middle School in Henrico County, Virginia.