Linda Wagner - Class of 1978

I often feel that the Newman system is in my blood. Perhaps that is because I was part of the Newman Catholic school system long before it was even a thing.

I was born and raised in Wausau, baptized at St. Anne church and remain a lifelong member of the parish. I attended St. Anne parish school for grades 1-8. I had a wonderful childhood with many fond memories of my grade school days, including walking home from school, skipping along, singing “They’ll Know We are Christians” with my older sister and our neighborhood friend. Along with my loving parents, many marvelous teachers, including religious sisters and lay teachers, formed my early years.

After graduating from 8th grade I attended and graduated from Newman Catholic High School. I then attended UW-Marathon Center and UW-Stevens Point, graduating with a degree in elementary education, with a concentration in math. At that time, unlike the current situation, teachers were a dime a dozen, so getting a job wasn’t immediate. After substitute teaching in many Wausau area schools, both public and parochial, I was drawn back to the Newman Catholic school system. I felt then, as I do now, that teaching was not only a job for me, but my vocation. I was hired at St. Michael School and was teaching there when the Catholic schools in the area consolidated as Wausau Area Catholic Schools (WACS). As time went on WACS consolidated even further, becoming Newman Catholic Schools.

When I interviewed for my current position at NCES: St. Anne, it was my first time back in the academic area of the building since graduating from eight grade. Many rooms had been repurposed, and different personnel staffed the building, but there was definitely a familiarity about being back, like being reunited with a long-lost friend. I was hired for the third grade position that I still hold today.

I have gotten to know so many wonderful families and colleagues, and am honored to have worked with a plethora of students who shared my classroom with me over the years! The Newman Catholic school system is truly a part of my being.