WHS welcomes new assistant principal: Dan Wargo

Washingtonville Central School District is proud to welcome Dan Wargo as the new assistant principal of Washingtonville High School, a familiar face returning home after a year away.

Now entering his 20th year in education, Mr. Wargo's connection to the profession began long before his career. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a family of teachers, it always felt like a natural path.

"My mom taught students who were visually impaired, and my grandmother, same thing. She worked with students with special needs," he said. "That definitely drew me into the profession. I always knew I loved to work with kids."

Beyond his own family, Mr. Wargo credits a long line of teachers and coaches, from his first grade teacher to his high school swim coach, with shaping the person and educator he is today. It's one of the reasons he's spent his career both teaching and coaching.

"I look at teaching and coaching as hand in hand," he said."It's a lot of the same skills, the same skill set of working with people."

Family eventually brought Mr. Wargo to Washingtonville. He taught for seven years in the suburbs of Western Pennsylvania before moving to the Hudson Valley in 2014 to be closer to his wife's family. His wife, Erin, is also a Washingtonville graduate.

Mr. Wargo then spent 11 years as a Wizard, teaching 10th grade Global History and 12th grade government and economics at Washingtonville High School to students with a wide range of goals and interests.

"It was fun to see all these kids that had goals but different pathways," he said. "Whether it's college, career, military, each of those are excellent and should be pursued."

He also served as the boys and girls varsity swimming and diving coach, a role close to his heart. As a former Division I swimmer at Duquesne University, he met his wife on the team there, and swimming has remained the family business ever since. All three of his children are swimmers.

Last year, Mr. Wargo took his first administrative position as an assistant principal at Pine Bush High School. When an opening came up back at Washingtonville, he jumped at the chance to come home.

"To be able to come home, come back to Washingtonville and be a Wizard again, it was really special," he said.

As a leader, he credits former principal Brian Connolly for the mantra he's carried with him – pride, passion, purpose – but with one addition of his own: people.

"Find a purpose in life and something to strive for. Tie that into your passions, whether it's art, music, athletics, science. But then find those people that support you and love you for who you are," he said. "Surrounding yourself with good people is so important, especially in high school."

Outside of school, Mr. Wargo stays busy with his three children. His oldest daughter, Natalie, is entering high school; his middle daughter, Reagan, is heading into middle school this year; and his son, Grady, is starting fourth grade. When he finds free time, he enjoys golfing, staying active and, most of all, time with family.

"It's good just to have family time," he said. “Whether it's going on a trip, spending time with the kids or swimming in the backyard pool."

As the new school year approaches, he's looking forward to reconnecting with students, including the sophomores he once taught who are now seniors, and to the energy that comes when the building fills back up.

"It's good to be back home and back to Washingtonville," he said. "I'm excited for the year ahead."