NC State Family of the Year
Blood runs Wolfpack red in the Wagoner family, recipients of the 1999 NC State Family of
the Year Award.
Karen Wagoner (1973) wears a Mr. Wuf puppet before game days at Raleigh's Martin Middle school, where she is the resource
teacher for academically gifted students. Vaughn Wagoner (1973), who met his wife in a campus singing group, continues the
family tradition of fall tailgates and football games. Their younger daughter Lisa remains a die-hard Wolfpack fan, though
she's a student at Meredith College.
When the NC State Parents & Families Association asked students to nominate relatives for the new Family of the Year Award,
their older daughter knew just what to say.
"We embrace the NC State traditions in our family," wrote Lori, a graduating senior studying English education in the College
of Humanities and Social Sciences. "My entire family was excited to have a legacy in the family. Starting college was
slightly intimidating, but I had my family behind me every step of the way...Not only are we the perfect Wolfpack family;
in my opinion, we have the perfect family, too."
During Parents & Families Weekend festivities in the fall, the Wolfpack community took time to honor the Wagoners' dedication
and enthusiasm, and to recognize the supportive role all NC State families play in the lives of their students. Chancellor
Marye Anne Fox presented the Wagoners with the first annual NC State Family of the Year Award, which included a commemorative
plaque and check for $250.00.
Karen Wagoner is proud, but says support for education is just part of being a family. "From the time our daughters were
babies, we placed the utmost importance on education...and on the doors that would open with a good education," she says.
"we tried to model that in our home...You have to be supportive."
Parents & Families Services hopes to make the Family of the Year Award and NC State tradition. Look out for next year's
contest! Call the toll free Parents' HelpLine (877-568-5733) with questions.*
Find out more about the Wagoner family and the Family of the Year Award here.
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