After 31 years of teaching and being a principal, Tony Grippi is retiring. He taught at North for 19 years before becoming a principal for the last 12 years.

“I have really enjoyed my time at this school, being the only one left of the first 17,” Grippi said. “I will always treasure good memories of this school.”

Some of the good memories he will take with him are working with a lot of kids and teachers and working hand-in-hand with parents to help them teach their kids.

“It is always good seeing kids who were troubled throw some hard work into it and end up becoming successful,” Grippi said.

His fellow principals always loved seeing him everyday and being around his good sense of humor and his kindness.

“I’ll miss eating lunch with him every day together,” Assistant Principal Andrew Downs said. “He really likes food and it is always entertaining to watch him sit down to a meal.”

After retirement, Grippi doesn’t plan on becoming a principal, but plans on playing a lot of golf and doing things around the house.

“I hope he enjoys his retirement and that he will continue to come and attend North and be a supporter of the school,” Head Principal Dr. Darlene Jones said.