Good heroes often have tragic backstories. Sara Wagner is no exception.
In 2003, her 15-year-old daughter and 17-year-old niece went over an ice patch while driving and slid into oncoming traffic. The two were both killed in the crash. Through her pain, Wagner worked to create something new: Angels 5k Run/Fitness Walk.
Wagner humbly credits former principal Pam Burke and student Katie Davis for helping start the event in the summer of 2004. It began as a memorial walk around Merrimack Valley High school, where the girls attended school, as a part of Davis’ senior project.
“The race started one way because we’re all full of emotion and not knowing what to do and feeling lost,” Wagner recalled. “My daughter would be so happy to see what it’s become.”
Now, it is a sanctioned 5k race and has grown to include awards ceremonies, concessions and, as always, remembrance.
Held on the third Saturday in August, the event is hosted by the Loudon Lions Club, where Wagner was recently elected president.
“I’m amazed because I honestly don’t think the race would be where it is without the Loudon Lions Club and without support from friends and neighbors and communities,” she said. “You hear of all these great races in New Hampshire, but I’m pretty proud of the Angel’s Race. Of course, I have my own personal reasons about it, but it comes together nice and people just have a good time.”
As the race prepares to celebrate its 18th year, it has evolved to take on a new meaning for Wagner as well. Over the last nearly two decades, the event has raised some $30,000 in scholarship funds for MVHS seniors.
Two students are selected each year, but for Wagner that’s also a challenge.
“It’s so hard because I want to give all of them money. That’s the thing,” she said. “You want to give all of the students money because they work so hard to ensure they are at a point in their lifetime where they’re going on. Even just a little something to try to help someone.”
Through her position with the Lions Club, she was able to help a Loudon Elementary school student by securing funding for the child to attend before and after school programs, underscoring her true passion for the Loudon community.
“We can’t help the whole world, but just a little something to help somebody is what our club is all about,” she said.
As a part of the club, Wagner also helps facilitate numerous other community volunteer events — all on her own time. She has helped her local food pantry myriad times and raised money for places like the Richard Brown house.
She has embodied the Lions Club’s mission of banding together to achieve what cannot be done individually.
Volunteering and community building are the cornerstones of Wagner’s life, and she hopes to be a source of inspiration for others in the area.
“Everybody has to try and do something in their lives. We as adults need to give back to each other in our communities as well. And it doesn’t mean that it’s going to be a full time job,” she said. “You get out of it what you’ve put into it, and I think if everybody just did a little fun thing for something that they believe in, in their community, I think it would just benefit us all.”