Share this story:

Planned giving makes a difference

Sanford alumnus, supporter, and friend John Squires passed away in late 2011. Before he died, John shared his thoughts about why he included Sanford in his estate plan.
"Last year, for the second year in a row, my wife and I were honored as our Home Helper Non Medical companion care office was named Franchise of the Year from over 650 offices throughout the United States and Canada. There is no question in my mind that who I am today as a successful business owner, and, more importantly, a compassionate, ethical person would not have happened without Sanford. Sanford became my home after my father passed away when I was 14 and after my first year at Sanford. My mother had died when I was 3. Returning to Sanford for 10th grade was obviously full of challenges and emotions. To deal with my issues and realize a feeling of self worth, I focused on the only two things that made me happy: sports and music. A rousing 23 on a Mrs. Hollingsworth Latin test should tell you academics weren’t too high on the priority list. And then came Jackie’s [Pitts’] algebra class, Mrs. Taylor’s history class, and Nancy’s [Sawin’s] every presence influence. They refused to let me fail. They saw something in me. They cared. They pushed and prodded and would not let me get anything but an A. Looking back, I was becoming the poster boy for No Talent Lies Latent. I’m not sure where I would have ended up without my Sanford experience, but I’m certain it would not be anywhere as good as where I am today.  While Sanford is no longer a boarding school and in appearance is no longer the school I attended, recent visits have made me realize the “school’s soul” is the same. There is tremendous diversity and an ongoing commitment to challenge every student to be the best they can be, while providing multiple avenues for those students to accomplish that goal. Recently, as my wife and I were revising our wills it became important for me to give back. In some small way I hope my bequest will help the school to continue to prosper, to maintain the same vision, and to provide other students the same guidance and benefits that it gave me.

My fondest Sanford memories include:
• The sense of family that existed while I was there
• The friendships that were made, many of which I maintain today
• Carter Hubbard running night lights to his room off of Commander Aydelott’s apartment
• Making up excuses to get to Wilmington on Saturday and really believing that someone believed our excuses were real.

If others are considering  a bequest, I suggest that they do it. Joining the Evergreen Society is a simple process.  It will make you feel good.  And, your gift could make a real difference in a student’s life."
Back

Ask Us A Question About Sanford School

Do you need help?

If you have questions or need help using the site, send an email to webhelp@sanfordschool.org.