They’re a force when they’re together — and now they’re making local history.

According to ABC Columbia (ABC Columbia), Dr. Tracy Pickett has served as principal of Pine Grove Elementary School in South Carolina’s Richland County School District One for the past eight years. Her leadership has earned broad respect in the district, and this year, she is watching someone very special follow in her footsteps: her younger brother, Dr. Greg Pickett, who has just begun his first year as principal of Heyward Gibbes Middle School. Their appointments mark a milestone, making them the first siblings ever to serve simultaneously as principals in Richland School District One — a district that serves thousands of families in the Columbia area (The State).

“I’m Dr. Pickett number one. This is now Dr. Pickett number two — and I don’t let him forget it,” Tracy joked, highlighting the loving sibling banter that remains intact despite their impressive academic titles.

Both Tracy and Greg trace their dedication to education back to their family. Their mother and older sister are former educators, and their father is a retired Army National Guard instructor, giving the siblings a deep-rooted appreciation for service, responsibility, and learning (Associated Press). Greg often says his journey into education began long before entering a classroom professionally — and long before he ever imagined becoming a principal.

He vividly remembers being just three or four years old as Tracy sat with him at their kitchen table, giving him “lessons” and pretend quizzes. “I was her first student, and so I’m still her student. I still learn from her,” Greg shared. Then with a smile he added, “But sometimes a student can teach a lesson too.”

“No comment,” Tracy replied, laughing.

Even as the pair break barriers in their district, they still function like any close-knit siblings. For Tracy, being a big sister and a veteran school leader comes with the instinct to guide and support Greg — especially as he navigates the challenges of being a first-year principal.

“I would definitely tell him to take one day at a time. It will get done,” she said. “Not everything happens in a day, but with consistency and heart, it comes together. I’d also tell him to find joy in the journey. If you truly enjoy what you do, you’ll pour your whole heart into it — and you won’t want to let anyone down. Enjoy the ride, so you can have longevity.”

Their approaches to education may differ in style, but their mission is the same: to uplift their community and empower future generations. Richland County School District One has long emphasized community partnerships and student-centered leadership (Education Week), and the Pickett siblings embody that philosophy completely.

“We’re extremely proud of the communities we serve because we’re products of this community,” Greg said. “We were educated in Richland County School District One from pre-kindergarten all the way through high school, so we have a deeply personal connection and attachment to these communities.”

Together, the siblings plan to continue advancing student success, supporting faculty and staff, and building strong, trusting relationships with families. They both view education as a lifelong calling — and the joy of doing it side by side makes the work even more meaningful.

Congratulations to the Pickett family — a true example of leadership, legacy, and community love.