Barbara Wengernuk brings new meaning to the saying, “Music is not what I do; it’s who I am.” With that, the pianist and cellist brings all that she is and all that she has to Mayo Elementary School two days a week. That means lots of heartfelt musical exposure and expression to the school’s young, aspiring musicians – something she has happily done for the last 11 years. 
She initially got involved when her granddaughter started in the strings program. Her granddaughter has long since graduated from high school, but you can still find Wengernuk at the school during school time, at concerts in the evenings, and even on the weekends throughout the community.
“During these years, she has volunteered entire days, on a weekly basis, accompanying the band and strings classes and providing individual assistance to students in these groups,” says former Mayo ES Principal Kirk Greubel. “She does so with a passion for passing on the gift of music. Her positive attitude and compassion for students is contagious around the school.”
Wengernuk works so closely with the school’s instrumental music teacher, Jackie Mattingly, that she also volunteers at Rolling Knolls Elementary School where Mattingly splits her work schedule.