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Creating Lifetime Memories
What a fall we have enjoyed at Sanford! A few of the highlights that have positively colored the air in the Sanford community in 2019–20:
- Opening the year with an overall increase of 20 students enrolled (117 new students)
- Completing last year with record-breaking fundraising ($1.7 million in total giving)
- Improving our facilities with a refreshed Middle School and a new Bermuda grass field for our boys' lacrosse and girls' and boys' soccer programs
- Launching our new preschool program.
It is no wonder that energy, excitement, and enthusiasm abound within our Sanford community.
In a fall of highlights, two that continue to burn brightly for me are the wildly successful night games our field hockey and boys' soccer teams hosted recently. Not only did both squads pull out thrilling 2–1 overtime victories over Wilmington Friends and Tatnall, the events were huge wins for our entire community. When the student body rushed the field both nights, students of all ages—players and fans alike—were proudly waving the Sanford blue and gold while we parents and school leaders watched from the sidelines with full hearts, thinking about the power that true school spirit elicits. Those memories will stay with all of us for years to come.
Sports are a powerful thread at many schools; this is certainly true at Sanford. For many of our students, athletics defines their time at our school. Lessons learned on the field and court—teamwork, collaboration, communication, responsibility, dedication—directly complement the work happening in the classroom. Even our “non-athletes,” students who wouldn’t participate on a team if given the choice, often report to us years later that they are grateful that Sanford helped them to leave their comfort zones and learn new skills. I see this policy and practice as a great example of the Sanford motto, No Talent Lies Latent.
Sports are a powerful thread at many schools; this is certainly true at Sanford. For many of our students, athletics defines their time at our school. Lessons learned on the field and court—teamwork, collaboration, communication, responsibility, dedication—directly complement the work happening in the classroom. Even our “non-athletes,” students who wouldn’t participate on a team if given the choice, often report to us years later that they are grateful that Sanford helped them to leave their comfort zones and learn new skills. I see this policy and practice as a great example of the Sanford motto, No Talent Lies Latent.
Of course, there are many Sanford students who thrive on the athletic experience and love the competition sports provide. The number of committed college athletes in Sanford’s class of 2020 (Allie Kubek, Zöe Collins, Brianna Kung, Jack Valentine, Bella Warner, and more to come)—along with Annie Leo '21—is a testament that Sanford students shine at high levels in the athletic arena. Furthermore, it is a testament to Joan Samonisky and our coaches that Sanford can meet the needs of all our athletes—from Division I recruits to those who are true novices to sports.
As a head of school, I love to see our students play and compete. Sometimes the Warriors win; other times we go down in defeat. My hope for our students is that win or lose, they play their very hardest. Regardless of the outcome, life lessons are being learned and taught.
When we added our new Bermuda grass fields this summer and last, we wanted to improve the space for our athletes, fans, and coaches. Donors generously stepped forward to make the improvements possible. All of us who support Sanford athletics—from spectators to coaches to athletes—will benefit from these new spaces. By improving our facilities, we are making Sanford stronger. We anticipate sharing an even grander improvement project in the coming months, one that holds the potential to be transformative for Sanford’s campus and athletic programs for years to come. Stay tuned.
I have said for years that school improvement focuses on three areas: people, programs, and places (facilities). Our current strategic direction reminds us that all three of those domains must be fostered and grown. Sanford’s students, now and in the coming years, will enjoy a world-class, student-centered program delivered by inspired and inspiring teachers and coaches. All of this will happen in state-of-the-art facilities on our exceptional campus.
Our Sanford experience is already excellent in many ways. We are excited that you and your family are part of our journey to achieve even greater success in the future.
Photos courtesy of Ted Rosenthal/Izmaddy Studios.
Photos courtesy of Ted Rosenthal/Izmaddy Studios.
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