After 32 years of being a staple of the Wantagh community and a figurehead of the Wantagh English Department, Mrs. Magnuson is retiring at the conclusion of this school year. She began teaching teaching in 1991 and over the years, has taught Spanish I and II, English 9, 10, 11, and 12, Journalism, Public Speaking, Adolescent Literature, and Sports Literature. “My favorite thing to teach is of course my students,” she shared, “but I really loved tenth grade English.” Taking on Journalism in her last year was an impressive feat, and she led The Warrior with grace and poise. “Teaching journalism in my final year actually terrorized my whole summer; however, working with kids in a collaborative setting and watching inspired, smart kids bring articles to life made my whole year,” she said.
According to Mrs. Magnuson, the atmosphere of Wantagh hasn’t changed much since she started in 1991. “It’s more that I have changed,” she said. “I started at 23 as a single, nervous Ms. Euston and I’m leaving at 55 as a married mom of three and a confident grandma Mrs. Magnuson.” Her favorite thing about teaching here has been that she has “two different roles here.” She said that as a teacher, she loves “the connections [she’s] made with [her] kids and as a colleague, [her] favorite thing is the banter and camaraderie among the faculty.”
“I’ll miss my alarm blaring at 5:30 AM, fighting traffic to get to school, wrestling with my keys, bags, and desk, grading mountains of paper, and… But seriously, I will miss the human connection and fun banter with amazing people,” Mrs. Magnuson said. “How lucky am I to see best friends every day without working for it. I’ll miss seeing my students’ bright faces glow with newfound knowledge, triumphs, and successes. I’ll miss chilling with secretaries in the main office and lunch with besties in the faculty room, but most of all, I’ll miss seeing Ms. Harclerode’s face.”
Ms. Harclerode shared similar sentiments when asked about Mrs. Magnuson retiring and their time working together. “Mrs. Magnuson and I met in September of 1994 and we had an instant connection,” she said. “I never thought I would find a soulmate and best friend in a colleague. She has changed the course of my life, made me a better person, a better mother, and has taught me to see the world through different eyes. To quote a song from Wicked: ‘Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.’ She is the best person I’ve ever met (besides my children lol). She is brilliant, humble, and an amazing mother. Her spirit brightens a room and I can’t believe she’s leaving me here by myself for three years.”
Mrs. Magnuson is going to be very busy enjoying her retirement once the school year comes to a close. She’ll be traveling to Greece, Barcelona, and France in September. Then, she plans on filling her time with “more travel, yoga, hiking, pickle ball, and golf. And of course, spending time with [her] family, especially [her] grandson baby Bo.”
Mrs. Magnuson’s legacy here will be one of warmth and positivity. The halls will certainly feel barren next year without her smile, and her absence will be felt by the entirety of the faculty and student body. “When I entered the building 32 years ago, I knew I’d be here for most of my formative adult years,” she said. “Therefore, I really tried to foster a fun-family feel with the staff and of course I hope that I have made my kids feel loved, special, and supported.” I think it’s safe to say that she was absolutely successful in that. Mrs. Magnuson will not be someone Wantagh is soon to forget.