Freshmen will not be the only new faces entering South High for the 26-27 school year, South will also be welcoming a new head principal, Dr. Greg Wagener. Wagener will be replacing Dr. Angie Pappas-Muyco, who has been South’s head principal for the past 4 years.

Wagener has been a part of Parkway for over 20 years, where he has worked in multiple positions including an English teacher, assistant principal, and most recently as Coordinator of Student Discipline. 

Wagener said he is confident that all of these roles and experiences will help him be a better leader at South.

“I believe that at the core, each of those experiences is about serving others, and that is my philosophy of leadership,” Wagener said. “In being called to lead others, I am called to serve them.”

According to Assistant Principal Brionne Smith, there are multiple ways Wagener can work to be successful at South.

“I hope he continues to build strong relationships with students, staff, and parents. This is critical for the South High community,” Smith said.

Wagener said he understands how valuable forming relationships will be in his time at South, and he is already planning how he wants to begin making these connections.

“Be present. Be in the halls. Be at lunch. Be at games, events, plays, concerts, ceremonies, and competitions. I will make what’s important to the students and staff important to me,” Wagener said.

Wagener has already had a few chances to begin making these connections and meet some of South’s staff and students. He said beginning to build these relationships has made him even more excited to come to South.

“I’m most excited to be working with the people there. I know some of the staff and have gotten to know even more since the announcement, and I can’t wait to work with them every day,” Wagener said. “I’ve also had a chance to meet students both in PGA and at Culture Night on April 8. They’ve all been so welcoming to me and that makes me excited that they will be the student body I get to work with every day.”

Math teacher Allison Macdonald said she thinks it won’t take long for Wagener to realize how great of a school South really is.

“We are the best! I truly think that South is a special place and I hope he will embrace it and add to everything we already do so well,” MacDonald said.

Wagener has spent the past 8 years as the Coordinator of Student Discipline where he said he has had the opportunity to help students and families through all types of difficult situations. Wagener believes this helping mentality will help him be a better principal and leader.

“Really, that’s all I want to do–help people. I believe in working with people with empathy, kindness, and patience. I think these are good skills to have to work with people regardless of their circumstances,” Wagener said.

Smith, who has worked with Wagener multiple times over the past few years, has also noticed how willing he is to help others.

“I have had to seek guidance from him on occasion. My first impression of Dr. Wagener was that he was very helpful and supportive,” Smith said.

While a new principal will inevitably bring changes to a school, MacDonald is hopeful that Wagener will take in all of the good things South has to offer before making any changes.

“I think we have a good thing going at South already, and a great staff. I hope Dr. Wagener will take the time to get to see all the good we are doing before deciding how he wants to add his mark,” MacDonald said.

Wagener said he is aware of how sudden change could be difficult for South, so he has no immediate plans for changes as he joins the South High community.

“I’m not coming in with any agenda of immediate changes I want to make when I start,” Wagener said. “Change in the best of circumstances is hard and takes time, and I’m not about to barge in on day one and make sweeping changes.”

Filling the gap left by Pappas-Muyco will not be easy, but MacDonald believes that if Wagener is willing to support and listen to staff ideas, he will be successful.

“I think Dr. Pappas-Muyco does a very good job of supporting teachers and letting teachers do what they do best and trusts them to do their job,” Macdonald said. 

According to Wagener, the interview process to become a head principal was difficult, so he was very glad when he received the news that he had gotten the position.

“Parkway cares very much about their schools, students, and staff, and they want to make sure they put the right people in the right places. I was very thankful to reach the end of that process and find out I would be at South High,” Wagener said.

Wagener said he appreciates the time he gets to spend working in schools, but he also has many hobbies that he enjoys outside of school, along with spending time with his wife and 3 kids.

“My biggest hobby is cooking. I’m happiest messing around with mother sauces and trying to perfect biscuits. I hunt when I can, because there is nothing like bringing your own harvest to the kitchen to prepare and serve,” Wagener said. “I love time outside, and I love nothing more than biking the Katy Trail where I grew up.”

Wagener believes that one of his biggest jobs as a principal is to help students be ready to enter the world as adults. As Wagener prepares to join the South community, he is ensuring that this mindset and goal remains a priority.

“The lessons we want you to learn at South High, both within the classrooms and without, are there to get you ready to one day leave us and go make your place in the world, wherever you may be called to be,” Wagener said. “I look forward to being with you all every day at South High. And remember, what we do every day prepares us for the next one.”