1995–2020

At every school, there will be a teacher or headmaster who is remembered because of their abilities, skills, and leadership qualities, but not always will there be a person who has served the school in a non-teaching role and who is probably remembered with more affection and warm regard. This occurs because of their ability to relate to every pupil not only when at school, but equally thereafter when they become an “ex pupil.”

A person who so admirably meets those criteria is Ann Walker, who we are here today to acknowledge and recognise as having met the criteria to be entered on the Garden of Honour through a plaque recording her name. The Garden of Honour was initiated by the Old Boys (Collegians) Association at the time of the 90th anniversary of the College’s founding, in order that people who have provided a model of the values and achievement for which Scots is known and recognised both locally and nationally, can be duly honoured and recorded in a tangible manner, and their name not lost over time.

The criterion for this recognition provides that:

The service rendered to the College must be of an exemplary nature with a firm foundation of merit.

The award does not purely recognise length of service or benefaction, but rather one that acknowledges service that has reached a deserving and laudable level of effort and contribution.

A person to be recognised must have made a contribution of prolonged significance or are acknowledged as having made a real impact if of short duration

The person must have formally ended their connection with the College.

The dates shown on the plaque for Ann of 1995–2020, clearly indicate the years when Ann made her mark at Scots and contributed in so many ways both in front of students at all levels, but even more so with parents and especially with Old Boys, to show those features which have marked Scots as a prime example of an independent school.

An early photo of Ann at work at Scots shows her on the telephone, an essential feature in her being able to relate so easily and efficiently in both listening to a question, providing an answer, or even perhaps making a call to check on a fact or gain some background advice on a specific issue.

In 2019, Ann received an Honours Award from the Independent Schools of New Zealand to reflect her contribution to Scots College with input from members of the community and fellow colleagues. The nomination included these comments:

“Ann commenced as a college receptionist in 1995 and since then has served in various roles in marketing and development. The building of community is integral at our schools, and Ann has worked tirelessly to do this.

Ann’s professionalism and unwavering enthusiasm for her role at Scots are inspiring. Her ability to work extremely hard behind the scenes to make things happen and then to also front and engage publicly with the community with such warmth and energy is a rare skill, and to be observed. No matter how tired or stressful things may be in the office environment as she works to meet a deadline, Ann is known to drop everything to take the time to meet with an Old Boy, a former parent or guest who has called to reconnect with the College. She has a love of people and in particular the Scots community which is invaluable.

Ann can be described as a true servant of the College; this loyalty has ensured her relationship with the College as a member of the staff has always been more than just a job. She has always gone far and above and beyond for the College, long hours and weekends, a myriad of evening meetings, hosting guests and meeting up with donors outside working hours all for the College’s benefit.

Through all this, Ann has been central to the unique sense of family within the College, and for so many in that wider community she is the ‘face’ of the College, and the person with whom they feel most connected. That ability to relate warmly, sincerely, and seemingly effortlessly with people of all ages and background is one of her greater assets." 

Very appropriately, Ann is featured in Educating the All-Round Man, the centenary history of Scots, with that notable picture of her on the phone, and with the caption “Ann Walker was highly efficient in a variety of roles, and she established a remarkable rapport with her knowledge of people in and outside the college. Her several roles included receptionist, marketing assistant, development officer, and liaison person for the Scots Foundation and Parents’ and Collegians’ Associations.”

Headmaster Graeme Yule rightly stated, “Ann is a true servant of the College and her endless hours going above and beyond are an indication of her commitment to Scots and what it stands for. For many, she is the face of the College, and the person they feel most connected to. She is central to the College’s unique sense of family.”

Today, it is fitting to also acknowledge other Scots family members present, some who have been recognised in the Garden of Honour. More importantly it is a special pleasure that Richard, along with their family, can be present when Ann’s contribution to Scots can be marked in this very tangible manner.