A Fond Farewell

When I was a child, my family would spend our vacations camping. Being a family of ten, it was the kind of vacation we could afford, and we loved it. At the end of the week, when we were breaking camp and packing the family station wagon, my dad would remind us, “Make sure this camp is in better shape than we found it.”

That has been my professional mantra over my 23 years as a Head of School. I don’t know that I’ve always been successful. I certainly hope that I leave Sandia Prep in better shape. If that’s the case, I have not been alone in making this happen. Over these past seven years, I have been part of a family that has worked together to move this beautiful school forward. It has been my greatest joy to have been part of a community that cares so much about its children and the school, and which recognizes that great things happen when we share in the work. Sandia Prep is a shining example of what can be accomplished when people commit themselves to the mission of serving children and preparing them to serve their communities.

Sydney J. Harris wrote, “The true purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” I believe that, through the examples set by our teachers, administrators, parents, grandparents, and alumni, our students are achieving this. Rather than focusing on themselves, they are looking out on the world and seeking ways to help their fellow human beings. Though our students may not recognize the Latin phrase, non nobis solum—i.e., “not for ourselves alone”—they live by it.

I’m proud of the work that we have done here at Sandia Prep. I have every confidence that incoming Head of School Heather Mock, with your support, will continue to move the school forward into a bright future. She will, of course, bring her own authentic self and style to the work, as she must. And I fully expect that, under her leadership and in collaboration with this fantastic faculty and staff, she will make this camp better than she found it.

Finally, because you know how much I love a good quote, let me leave you with this:

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh 

Warmly,
Bill Sinfield
Sandia Prep Head of School, 2015 - 2022

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