Maryfrances Cusumano Wagner, Raytown High School, Class of 1965

Maryfrances Cusumano Wagner is known by many as their favorite English teacher at Raytown High School. Even more know her as an accomplished poet. Wagner has been teaching students at her alma mater for 35 years, almost as long as she has been writing her poetry.

Wagner says she practices what she teaches. She says, “I think it’s important for students to take their learning beyond the classroom and find ways to use their skills and share them with others.”

Wagner has published five books, including a tribute to her father
“ Salvatore’s Daughter”, and has been published in numerous publications. Her awards are lengthy, among them are the Thorpe Menn Book Award, the Stanley Hanks Poetry Contest and the Writers Place Award.

Moreover, Wagner was given an Excellence in Teaching Award, was Raytown High School’s Teacher of the Year, and was in the top five semifinalists for the Missouri Teacher of the Year. Wagner is a graduate of UMKC, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The Alumni Hall of Fame welcomes the graduate who came back to further the Raytown School District’s mission.