Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Danielle Wagoner, director of marketing and events for Hastings Catholic Schools, will be honored with the St. John Bosco Award as Support Staff Member of the Year. Wagoner’s connection to Catholic education began early, attending Christian preschool before moving on to St. Bonaventure School and Scotus Central Catholic in Columbus, where her mother was involved in teaching and coaching.

“I’ve grown up Catholic,” she said. “One of the neatest memories that I have growing up would be hanging out with my mom after school and watching the big kids with their speech and drama practices.”

After graduating from Scotus in 2004, Wagoner attended Hastings College, earning a degree in media productions focused on advertising and public relations. She credits her college experience for providing professional skills and mentorship that led her into marketing and communications.

Wagoner worked at Lochland Country Club in Hastings as membership and communications director before returning to Catholic education when Hastings Catholic Schools created a full-time marketing position.

“It was really a great blessing to be back in a faith-filled atmosphere and really do some meaningful, impactful work,” she said. “I’ve been able to share some of the things that I’ve learned and help the schools in their mission.”

Wagoner highlighted her passion for Catholic schools’ mission and community spirit.

“I believe that our Catholic schools and our Catholic education are just so impactful for our students who are preparing to go out into the real world and live their own lives and become Christian witnesses to other folks around them,” she said.

She emphasized that relationships form a core part of Catholic education alongside academics.

“The part of Catholic education that really stands out to me is the community that’s created within our schools and our parishes,” Wagoner explained. “It’s that community that really gets us through the highs and the lows of normal everyday life.”

Wagoner described being inspired by witnessing what goes into supporting this mission.

“It’s been truly amazing to now be on the other side of Catholic education, not just experiencing it as a student or a parishioner, but to be on the working side of it and to see all of the awesome team members that we have,” she said.

In her role, Wagoner works to highlight activities across Hastings Catholic Schools.

“Probably the most fulfilling part of my job is being part of a team that gets to share the story of all of the wonderful things that are happening in our schools,” she said.

She recalled helping plan events such as a celebration following Pope Leo XIV’s election: “We had a ‘Pope Party,’ and we lit the white smoke and we had vanilla ice cream, and the kids got to watch everything live in the gym,” she recalled. “It was just really eye-opening and amazing to me how excited these kids were for this whole experience.”

Reflecting on receiving an award for service, Wagoner expressed gratitude.

“Of course, all glory to God. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, my husband Colin, who is my best friend and my rock, and my children, June and Bruce, who keep me young at heart.”

She acknowledged others who contribute behind-the-scenes:

“It’s just really neat to be part of a team who’s all working towards the same mission with the same foundation and the same love for Christ,” she said.

With students returning this fall, Wagoner looks forward to renewed energy at school.

“I am excited for the upcoming year,” she said. “I’m very much looking forward to experiencing Mass with the elementary students and hearing their voices come back together once again. It’s just truly a spiritual feeling.”

Wagoner also noted optimism about arts programs at Hastings Catholic Schools: “I’m really excited for the direction in our fine arts program,” Wagoner said, noting new teachers joining music and art. “I’m just really looking forward to growing those programs and helping share all of the really awesome things that those folks are doing.”

She was nominated as Support Staff Member of the Year due both to creative marketing efforts sharing school stories with broader audiences as well as supporting evangelization efforts within Catholic education.

“It takes donors, faculty, staff, parents who make sacrifices, and those who support us in prayer,” Wagoner reflected. “It’s really that community that supports us through highs and lows…works to prepare these children for this life—and next.”

Wagoner will receive her award October 12 during this year’s Saints & Scholars dinner celebrating educators from Diocese of Lincoln. More information can be found at www.goodshepherdscholarship.com.