532 Spring 2015.pdf

From the Head of School
Leadership opportunities are often well planned and thought out. Sometimes, they
occur when least expected, and the need is urgent or great. Transitions often fall into the
latter category. During this year of transition for Sandia Prep, many adults and students
have risen to take on important leadership roles that have benefited and moved the
School forward. We have remained true to our mission by providing a balanced program
that inspires and challenges our students, while also providing growth opportunities
for our dedicated faculty. The world is constantly changing, and the need to be skilled,
informed and prepared becomes increasingly important.
The members of Sandia Prep’s faculty and staff bring a wealth of interests and strengths
to the School; and they graciously share these with students. I hope you will enjoy
reading and celebrating two important leaders of our school, Ron Briley and Rick
Wettin. Words cannot express the impact these two gentlemen have made on the many
students whom they have taught and coached. Even as I write, a group of students and faculty members are returning from
a kayaking trip on Lake Powell. The teachers not only teach many important safety skills and kayaking techniques; they also
encourage collaborative work with camp set-up and cooking each day. Our faculty members show up each day to share their
passions with our future leaders; and they enjoy every minute of doing so, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Sandia Prep offers many opportunities for students to thrive. Each opportunity is unique and valuable, as demonstrated by
alumna Maya Higgins ’06 and current student Juhee Patel ’16. These two young women are poised and confident in their
differing leadership roles, from Juhee’s focus on New Mexico needs to Maya’s global interactions. Theirs are merely two of
thousands of stories we can tell about our students and alumni being inspired to action, as they move through Sandia Prep
and on to adulthood.
Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, as a mentor on a backpacking trip or competing in the state Mock Trials,
Sandia Prep’s leaders are identified. As a school, we embrace leadership in varying ways, from one-on-one tutoring, to
leading an athletic team as captain, to interacting with all the students as President of the SGA. We celebrate our students
and alumni as they become leaders and contributing members of the global community in which we live.
Warmly,
Joyce Whelchel
After a national search, the Sandia Preparatory School Board of Trustees proudly announced
the selection of Bill Sinfield as Sandia Prep’s next Head of School. Sinfield will succeed Interim
Head of School Joyce Whelchel beginning July 1, 2015.
Bill Sinfield’s career has included teaching, coaching and leading in both American and
Canadian schools. He is currently Headmaster of Good Hope Country Day School, the largest
of 22 non-public schools on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. During his tenure, he
successfully merged two schools, St. Croix Country Day School and Good Hope School. One
hundred percent of Good Hope Country Day’s graduates are accepted into colleges throughout
the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
“I am honored and humbled by the incredible privilege of serving as Sandia Prep’s next Head
of School. I was drawn to the breadth and depth of Sandia Prep’s outstanding programs— not
only the academic program, which is rigorous, but also the athletic, arts and outdoor leadership programs. That’s what
a real education should be,” said Sinfield. “Sandia Prep’s faculty and administrators understand that the time, energy,
and enthusiasm they expend on their work of educating the whole child will make a significant and positive difference
for students. At Sandia Prep, I found a place of joyful learning wholly committed to developing the thinking skills, the
interpersonal skills, and the qualities of character that our children will need to succeed in this ever-changing world.”
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