Mesquite ISD

West Mesquite High School

Class of 2006

Royce Sinclair Sarpy is a 2006 graduate from West Mesquite and the school’s first Gates Millennium Scholarship recipient. He went on to earn a bachelor’s in sociology from Texas Tech University, a master’s in elementary education from Texas State University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies at Howard University. He is currently an elementary educator for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Washington D.C. He also is an instructional coach and published author.

Royce entered college as a pre-med student with hopes of becoming a reconstructive surgeon. During his college years, he realized that his passion was working with youth. He switched his plans to study medicine and decided to pursue a career working in social services with youth. 

Finding His Career

After graduating, Royce applied for leadership positions at various after-school and youth-development non-profits. He was a Licensed Childcare Program Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of Mesquite before moving to Round Rock to work for the YMCA of Greater Williamson Co. He managed after-school programs in Round Rock ISD and served as a Camp Director in the summers. While there, he realized he could make a more significant impact on black and brown students in the classroom. He relocated to New York after completing a master’s of elementary education. He became a Lead Teacher, Coach and Mentor Teacher in schools in Brooklyn and East Harlem. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies at Howard University, teaching fifth grade ELA, private tutoring, coaching novice teachers, and recently published his first children’s book. “I will be a doctor after all,” Royce said. “A doctor of education.”

Best HS Memory

According to Royce, he was an “overly involved student” at West Mesquite. Among his accomplishments, he was voted Prom King, Senior Class President, Spanish Club President and National Honor Society Vice President.

Advice from Royce to Current Students

“Reflection is key to growth. Not just thinking about the past, but intentionally sitting with self and thinking about how actions are additive—how these impact the long term. Each small action you do affects the next. Discipline happens in these small moments and small actions.

I tell my students to reflect each day. Write it down or make a voice memo of your highs and lows in the day, and how you responded to each moment. How can you grow as a person from these moments? What did you learn about yourself? 

Lastly, everything in life is purposeful. Look at the negative and mistakes as moments of pruning for growth.