The Rotary Club of Northwest Des Moines recently celebrated a UCSD educator who exemplifies the Ken Lepley Memorial Hero in Education Award by demonstrating Service Above Self. Urbandale High School Counselor, Darlene Wagner, was awarded the 2022 Ken Lepley Memorial Hero in Education Award. The annual Hero in Education Award is presented to an educator who has gone above and beyond the responsibilities of a professional educator. The award recipient also receives $500 to use toward professional development or school supplies. 

Wagner’s dedication and service to the Urbandale school district and students since 2006 has positively impacted students, families, and staff. Her efforts to ensure students get what they need to be successful have been tireless.

Serving as a great partner with the English Learner Department, Wagner notices patterns in students’ achievement or lack thereof in classes and recommends options or courses be added to the system in order to better serve students. Often, these students come to the U.S. as high schoolers with an interrupted education. Becoming a high school graduate is especially challenging for these students. Wagner takes the time to get to know students during the enrollment process to ensure they get connected and on the right path for them individually.

Being one of the lead schedulers at the high school requires in-depth knowledge of how all parts of the system work together. It is the foundation of what becomes the high school experience for both students and staff. This is just one of the behind the scenes tasks Wagner handles for her team. They rely on Wagner and know that she won’t let them down.

As the main contact for students in the Urbandale High School at-risk program, her regular communication with the staff at Metro West Learning Academy ensures a smooth transition between buildings. Wagner’s continued relationship with off-campus students enables them to know and feel that they are still Urbandale students. Her support and involvement are a tremendous encouragement to them to continue their studies and work toward success.

UCSD congratulates Darlene Wagner for receiving this well-deserved award; we are thankful for the countless ways in which she supports students, staff and families. 

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