Every school day begins with thousands of small moments that set the tone for what follows. For McCaskey High School students, one of those moments is often being greeted by Chris Wenden in the East Cafeteria. His arrival duty is more than just supervision. He makes it intentional, meeting students where they are, saying their names, asking about their weekend, noticing who seems tired or who might need an extra word of encouragement.
A simple greeting often grows into a meaningful check-in. Students know that someone is watching out for them, someone sees them before the day even begins. These consistent points of contact create trust, and over time, that trust makes it easier for students to reach out when they need help.
A journey from Sydney to Lancaster
Chris’s story begins on the other side of the world. He was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, alongside his older brother. In 2008, his journey brought him to Lancaster after he married his wife, who grew up in the community. Adapting to a new country, a new culture, and eventually a new career path gave Chris perspective on what it means to belong and to find your place in a community. That experience has shaped the way he relates to McCaskey students, many of whom are navigating their own stories of change, adjustment, and growth.
From radio to leadership in education
Chris did not begin his career in education. His undergraduate degree in Media and Communications led him to a career in radio, where he spent seven years behind the microphone. He enjoyed the energy and creativity of the work, but he also recognized that the field was changing. He later pursued a postgraduate MBA in Executive Management and Leadership, broadening his skills and preparing him for new opportunities. After moving to the United States, Chris entered the nonprofit sector and eventually served as the Executive Director of Advoz, Mediation and Restorative Justice. In that role, he led initiatives focused on conflict resolution and restorative practices, experiences that continue to shape his work with students today.
The heart of the work: students first
Before joining SDoL, Chris served as Executive Director of Advoz, Mediation and Restorative Justice. In that role, he helped lead efforts to bring people together through dialogue, to resolve conflict, and to build stronger communities. That experience revealed his passion for working with young people, who often carry both challenges and extraordinary potential. When the opportunity at McCaskey opened, Chris recognized it as a chance to bring his skills directly to students. “I saw this as a unique opportunity to work with students and help them be successful,” he explains. “I have had a passion for working with young people for a long time and this was such a special chance to bring my skills to serve the student body.”
At McCaskey, Chris’s role shifts daily. He may spend a morning meeting with a student struggling with chronic absenteeism, breaking down the barriers that keep them from school, and celebrating every step of improvement. He may spend an afternoon collaborating with his Student Support Team, which he proudly describes as “amazing,” as they find creative ways to respond to student needs. On other days, he focuses on building partnerships with community organizations that can provide tutoring, mental health support, internships, or enrichment programs. No matter what the task, the constant thread is his belief that students come first. He sees his role as a coach, an advocate, and a bridge-builder who helps young people navigate both school and life.
One of Chris’s most impactful accomplishments from his first year was organizing school information nights tailored for families who do not speak English as their first language. He recognized that many parents wanted to be engaged but felt shut out by language barriers. With the support of interpreters and careful planning, Chris organized evenings where families could hear important updates, ask questions, and feel fully included in their child’s education. For parents, it was an affirmation that their voices mattered and that the school community valued them. For students, it meant that their parents were better equipped to support their journey.
Life beyond McCaskey
Chris’s dedication to young people is reflected in his own family life. He and his wife are parents to four children adopted from the Lancaster area, a decision that reflects their deep commitment to providing stability, love, and opportunity. Parenting has given Chris insight into the joys and struggles young people carry, and it strengthens his work at McCaskey because he sees each student not just as a learner, but as someone’s child with hopes, dreams, and challenges. Chris also carries with him unique life experiences from beyond Lancaster. In 2008, he worked as a journalist covering the Beijing Olympics, where he put his basic Chinese language skills into practice while navigating the excitement of an international event. These experiences add layers to the perspective he brings into his work every day.
Looking back on his first year with the district, Chris points to graduation as an unforgettable highlight. For him, it was more than a ceremony. It was a moment to stand alongside students he had come to know, to celebrate the victories they had earned, and to witness their joy as they crossed the stage. Graduation represented the culmination of relationships built over the year and a reminder that every conversation, every piece of encouragement, and every connection made a difference in helping students reach that milestone.
Chris often speaks of his mentor, John Zeswitz, who has encouraged him to think about where his skills and passions can be put to use for the greatest good. He also draws strength from his faith, which guides him to see his work as service and his life as a chance to create positive change. That perspective helps him embrace both the challenges and the opportunities of each day at McCaskey.
A shoutout well deserved
This week, we proudly recognize Chris Wenden as our staff shoutout. He has become a trusted part of the McCaskey community. His journey from Sydney to Lancaster, from radio to nonprofit leadership to education, has given him a unique set of skills that he uses to support students and families every day.
Whether greeting students in the cafeteria, guiding them through attendance challenges, or opening doors for families to feel included, Chris has shown a deep commitment to making McCaskey a place where students can thrive. We celebrate his dedication, his creativity, and the many ways he helps our district live out its mission.