In Remembrance of Ted Sanford

Charles Wright Academy’s highly esteemed former Headmaster Ted Sanford peacefully passed away the morning of Sunday, October 6.

Ted was CWA’s first long-term Headmaster serving for ten years from 1959-1969. Ted’s enormous talents, fine intelligence, and energetic leadership nurtured and shaped an amazing, young school. Under his leadership, the faculty, board of trustees, and student body flourished into an era of growth. Ted ushered in the beginning of many CWA traditions we see today. He expanded the staff and faculty to offer academics up to 12th grade, led the school to its first accreditation, assembled our first athletic teams, first stage play, coined the term Tarrier and our iconic green, hired CWA’s first librarian, laid the foundation to admit girls to CWA, and presented our first senior class; every senior was accepted into college. He was an ardent believer in arts and athletics, and how they were not extras, but a fundamental part of the CWA experience. Ted inspired generations of students with his motivation, charisma, and spirit. Ted and his wife Diana first visited campus in February of 1959 and their decision to stay was a profound moment in Charles Wright’s history. Ted is survived by his children, Wendy, Tim ’72 and Lindsay ’80, and predeceased by his wife Diana. We will honor Ted and his legacy in the next issue of TIES magazine.