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John Stanford's Dream

“Do what you say you will do” — John Stanford

One day many years ago (November 28, 2003 to be precise), I was writing in my journal, and the words that came out were: “Write a book: ‘John Stanford’s Dream: The Story of Seattle’s First International School.'” As soon as I wrote them, I tucked them away in my heart and long-term memory, for the time was not right yet. There was still too much to do to achieve his dream.

Photo of Supt. John Stanford
Photograph of Supt. John Stanford given by the Lincoln High School Alumni Association in honor of the opening of John Stanford International School in 2000

One day many years ago (November 28, 2003 to be precise), I was writing in my journal, and the words that came out were: “Write a book: ‘John Stanford’s Dream: The Story of Seattle’s First International School.'” As soon as I wrote them, I tucked them away in my heart and long-term memory, for the time was not right yet. There was still too much to do to achieve his dream.

I had been driven by his dream ever since General John Stanford, who had been hired by the School Board to come to Seattle in 1995 to bring a new vision for education here, unexpectedly passed away from leukemia in 1998. He had a sign on his desk, his son told us at the memorial gathering, that said “Do what you say you will do.” It was mainly because of that sign that the first International School in Seattle actually came to fruition. And when it opened, in September 2000, it bore his name: John Stanford International School.

Now it is time for me to achieve my dream of writing a book about this story. I hope this blog will help me get there. I am counting on many collaborators to share their memories (and correct mine) so that we get an accurate accounting that is worthy of this great man’s memory.