At Marais des Cygnes Valley, we are fortunate to have a School Resource Officer who understands that his role goes far beyond the badge.
During our recent community service day, Deputy Justin Wagstaff stepped right alongside our students—not as someone standing on the sidelines, but as a leader in the work. He took a group of students through Olivet, helping with storm cleanup efforts in a community that needed it. Together, they walked streets, cleared debris, and assisted residents who were still recovering from significant damage.
What stood out was not just the work that was accomplished, but the example that was set.
Deputy Wagstaff didn’t just supervise—he taught. He modeled what it looks like to serve others, to step in when people need help, and to take pride in the community you are sworn to protect. Our students saw firsthand that being a law enforcement officer is not just about responding to situations, but about building relationships, showing compassion, and being present in the lives of others.
That is what makes a great School Resource Officer.
In a small district like ours, relationships matter. Our students know Deputy Wagstaff. They talk with him in the halls, they joke with him, and most importantly, they trust him. Days like this only strengthen those connections. When students see him working alongside them—sweating, serving, and helping others—it reinforces that he cares not only about their safety, but about them as individuals and about the communities we call home.
We want our community and Osage County to know how much we appreciate Deputy Wagstaff. He represents the very best of what an SRO can be. He is not only a deputy in our school—he is a mentor, a role model, and, in many ways, a teacher.
We are proud to have him as part of our team.