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Jackie Pitts

In Memory of Jacquelin Pitts '55

Jackie Pitts ’55 was a cornerstone of the Sanford community, dedicating more than five decades to enriching the lives of students, athletes, and colleagues. As a teacher, coach, mentor, and member of the Evergreen Society, Jackie’s unwavering commitment to excellence and generosity shaped the fabric of Sanford School.

Beyond her transformative impact on campus, Jackie’s influence extended to the world stage as a trailblazer in women’s lacrosse, where her leadership and passion helped grow the sport internationally.

To celebrate Jackie’s remarkable life, we invite you to honor her memory by making a donation in her name. You can also take a walk through history by browsing Sanford Yearbooks here or share your own memories and reflections by sending us a note at alumni@sanfordschool.org. Together, let’s ensure Jackie’s spirit continues to inspire future generations of Sanford Warriors.

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Order of Service:
0:00 Slideshow and archival memorabilia
6:00 Welcome: Mark Anderson, Head of School
8:20 "Can You Hear?" By Jim Papoulis - Sanford Upper School Choir
13:50 Janet Smith, USA Lacrosse
30:40 Joan Samonisky, Former Athletic Director
43:10 Meghan Hannum Kivler '00, Sanford Alumna
44:50 Video: Gavin Gibson '15
50:10 Remarks: Jaime Morgan '02, Associate Head of School
55:25 Community
1:17:00 Closing: Mark Anderson, Head of School
1:18:50 Sanford School Ama Mater: Upper School Choir
Postlude: Jody Cross & Clint Williams

Jackie had a huge impact on the person I am today! She was a very special person for many students at Sanford! - Sanford Alum Class of 1969

Continuing to Honor Jackie Pitts '55 at Sanford School

Jackie Pitts '55 profoundly influenced the school's culture through decades of dedication to students and alumni. Sanford will honor her legacy in the following ways.

Each year at Commencement, the Alumni Award is given to the senior whose participation in extracurricular activities has been most dedicated. We know these are the students who live our motto, "No Talent Lies Latent." This award will now be known as the Jackie Pitts '55 Alumni Award.

This summer, we completed the first phase of renovating the Nancy Sawin Math/Science Center. Kevin Needham and the Buildings and Grounds team worked tirelessly to transform the spaces into bright, modern labs and classrooms. The second floor of the building—where all math classes are held—will be named the Jackie Pitts ‘55 Mathematics Floor in honor of her decades-long commitment to teaching.

Jackie strongly believed in giving to the Sanford Endowment, recognizing its power to sustain and strengthen Sanford’s future. In her honor, we are thrilled to announce the creation of the Jackie Pitts ’55 Sanford Champion Award, an endowed gift of $50,000 that will ensure Jackie’s legacy lives on perpetually. This annual award will be presented at the closing faculty and staff meeting to a faculty or staff member who embodies Jackie’s love for the Sanford community—a team player, a force for good, and a true Sanford Warrior. The recipient will receive a monetary gift in Jackie’s memory, reflecting her enduring values of generosity and service.

Donations In Memory of Jackie Pitts '55

Caron Anderson-Kotschessa '69
Nicol and Mark Anderson
Susan and Paul Arruda

Lucy Benson '13

Frances and Peter Buttenheim

Nelia Cagle Cheney '67

Steven Daiber '73

Sue and André Dagenais

Josiah Hannon '11

Stacey Hendrix
Mary Ann Hitchens

Susan Lin '96

Kathryn Marshall '11

Andrea Martin, Ph.D. '71
Mary McDowell

Sara Davis McCue '75

Chris and Jamie Mosberg

Lisa Nowicki
Raj Ramachandran '96
Joan and Marc Samonisky

Mary Schempp-Berg '69

Jacqueline Crowell Sham '70
Janet Smith

Kendall Towe '10

James Wagner '65

Robert, Wes, and Louise Young

I learned from Ms. Pitts that it's never too late to try something new or step outside your comfort zone. These values continue to shape my life decisions and have made an incredible impact on who I've become. Thank you, Ms. Pitts!
-Sanford Alum, Class of 2000

As a former classmate of Jackie, I am truly saddened by this news. Jackie was a wonderful classmate and a consummate athlete. She was always friendly and we often corresponded over the years via email and notes. She visited me in Florida and we got together down here with some alumni from Sanford a couple of times. I will surely miss her.
-Sanford Alum, Class of 1955

She always made me feel that I mattered to her, whether on or off campus. I do feel that I'm a better person for having known her. Her time was well spent helping others.
-Sanford Alum, Class of 1966

I had the privilege of teaching next door to Jackie for over 20 years. At first, it was a bit intimidating, especially when she told me that one of her Algebra 2 students was doing his work on the board using Roman numerals. Jackie's warmth, however, soon helped me feel more comfortable, and I have benefitted from her example of how to have a long career at Sanford.

Jackie knew when to have fun and when to be serious. Even though I did not always agree with her on issues, she respected my input and made it clear that I was an important part of the Sanford family. Jackie was always about doing what was right for the students and creating a community of responsible, respectful citizens.
May her legacy continue to guide Sanford as it already has since her retirement.

-Sanford Mathematics Teacher

Letter from Head of School, Mark Anderson

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Dear Sanford Community,

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Jacquelin “Jackie” Pitts ‘55, a beloved teacher, coach, alumnus, and indispensable member of Sanford School. Jackie’s influence on our community has been profound.

Born August 18, 1937, Jackie first came to Sanford in the summer of 1943 for summer camp. She returned to Sunny Hills in 1952 as an upper school student and quickly immersed herself in all aspects of the school. She began her unmatched teaching tenure in 1959, where she served many roles over fifty-five years, including athletic director, dorm parent, dean of girls, coach, mathematics chair, and alumni relations coordinator.

Jackie’s - or Ms. Pitts as students knew her - dedication to teaching was unmatched. Fondly referring to her students as “tigers” she prioritized building strong relationships that lasted years after graduation. She was a constant fixture at athletic games and performances - always supporting her students as they explored their talents. As a math teacher, she aimed to help all students succeed and take the fear out of a challenging subject while always insisting on appropriate grammar, manners, and respect.

Another passion of Jackie’s was lacrosse. An exceptional player and coach, she represented her country on the US Lacrosse Team for many years, served as President of the US Lacrosse Association and the International Lacrosse Association, and was inducted into numerous Halls of Fame. She was integral in bringing her beloved sport to other parts of the world, including Japan and Cuba.

We will share details for Jackie’s Celebration of Life as they become available. We welcome alumni and Sanford community members to share their memories and stories of Jackie with our alumni office - alumni@sanfordschool.org. Sanford will continue to honor Jackie and share her story throughout the year. Her impact on our community cannot be overstated.

We look forward to reading and sharing your messages with Jackie’s loved ones. Rest assured, her legacy will continue to live on our campus and in the generations of Sanford students, faculty, staff, and families she loved.

Warmly,

Mark J. Anderson

Head of School