Thorndale ISD

Mark Sims, a proud member of the Class of 1977, looks back on his time at Thorndale ISD as one shaped by strong relationships, meaningful experiences, and a supportive community. “It’s been a long time,” Mark shared, “but I relied heavily on influential friends and caring teachers in all things—academics, sports, and social life.”

During his time at THS, Mark was involved in football and track all four years. While he humbly says he “was not great at either,” he quickly adds, “it was fun—yes, even the running.” Beyond athletics, he explored a variety of activities including band, UIL One-Act Play, and even livestock shows—taking advantage of every opportunity to be involved.

After graduation, Mark’s journey led him into an extraordinary career path. Following college (Hook ’em!), he began working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston during the early days of the Space Shuttle program. “1981 marked the first year of many shuttle flights,” he said. “It was a great place to work then and still is today as the Artemis program gets going.”

With a strong desire to fly, Mark pursued aviation and, in 1986, joined the 150th Fighter Wing of the New Mexico Air National Guard. After completing pilot training, he was stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and flew A-7s and F-16s. His service took him across Europe and the Middle East, giving him the opportunity to experience different cultures and parts of the world.

Despite his travels, Thorndale always remained home. Mark and his wife, Wendy (Weise), made frequent trips back to Texas with their two children to stay connected with family and friends. In 1996, Mark joined United Airlines, a move that brought his family to Parker, Colorado, where their children were raised—but with strong ties to Thorndale still intact.

In 2022, Mark and Wendy returned home, just as they always knew they would. He retired from United Airlines in 2024 due to the FAA’s age 65 rule but continues to follow his interests today, working with Skyways, a drone manufacturer and operator based in Austin.

Reflecting on his roots, Mark credits Thorndale ISD for instilling the values that have guided his life. “The faith, family, hospitality, and work ethic you see here stay with you,” he shared. “Wendy and I have often said we could live anywhere, but it always comes back to Thorndale. Many of the people I look up to are right here—their faith, friendliness, and willingness to help others are truly inspiring.”

When asked what advice he would give to today’s students, Mark offered a few meaningful reminders:

• Start each day with gratitude and end it the same way
• Stay curious—there is always something new to learn
• Be persistent—success rarely comes the first time
• And, of course… make your bed every morning

From the fields of Thorndale to the skies around the world, Mark Sims’ journey is a powerful example of following your passions, embracing opportunities, and always staying grounded in where you come from.