WAYNESBORO – St. Andrew Catholic School is marking a historic milestone this year, its 100th anniversary. For the new principal Dr. Candy Wagner, the timing of her transition into being the principal feels like a perfect fit. After 34 years of teaching in public schools, Wagner said she was looking for the right opportunity when the opening at St. Andrew presented itself.
“I taught for 34 years in public education. I was an elementary and middle school teacher at Fairfield School District,” Wagner explained. Over the years, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Mary’s University and a master’s in elementary education from Shippensburg University. She also completed coursework at McDaniel College before pursuing her administrative credentials. “In the last five years, I worked on and received my principal certificate through Point Park University, and then I finished my doctorate, my doctoral work and dissertation at Point Park University, and in April of 2024, got my doctorate.”
With her doctorate completed, Wagner began applying for administrative positions. “I just happened to consider looking at the Diocese of Harrisburg and away from public education to private education. The opportunity presented itself… they had an opening over here at St. Andrew. So I applied, I interviewed, and it felt like a great fit,” she said. “It gave me an opportunity to still be in education, but also pair that with my faith.”
That faith component is a key difference she has noticed in transitioning from public to private education. “I have found it very refreshing to be able to incorporate into the academics your faith,” Wagner said. “The students have a religion class each day, just like your math, reading, science or social studies. We also have a beautiful program that runs from pre-K to fifth grade, the Good Shepherd program, which uses Montessori-type lessons in practicing their faith. It’s just so beautiful to watch them be able to practice their faith.”
This year, St. Andrew’s 100th anniversary has been a central focus for the school community. “Our focus has been just to celebrate our traditions and the rich history behind St. Andrew Catholic School,” Wagner said. She emphasized how meaningful the community’s support has been. “It has been just heartwarming, the support from the parishioners and the alumni of the school. They’ve all been very welcoming to me and very supportive.”
The school has also earned recognition for its commitment to positive behavior initiatives. “Our [school], St. Andrew Catholic School, will receive recognition for Tier One Sustaining,” Wagner said proudly. This means that they have implemented a schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program, and they are maintaining that.
Looking ahead, Wagner hopes to balance tradition with growth. “What I hope to see is that the students are always looking for growth, success and being able to progress through and use technology so that they will continue to be wonderful citizens,” she said. St. Andrew already maintains a one-to-one technology program, which Wagner believes will help prepare students for the future.
Reflecting on her first months at St. Andrew, Wagner said the most rewarding part has been building connections. “There have been lots of wonderful moments,” she said. “Where I’ve had the greatest moments is when there’s community connections. The support from the alumni and the community, the parents, they’ve all been so wonderful, welcoming and supportive”.
She added that she looks forward to strengthening those relationships even more. “I look forward to building relationships and strengthening the relationships between the parents and the community and the parishioners.”
For Wagner, the move to St. Andrew Catholic School has been both a professional and personal blessing. “It gave me an opportunity to retire from public school teaching and then be able to take this position as an administrator here at the school,” she said. “It allows me to continue my passion for education while also pairing it with my faith.”
