A Radiant Presence
Wendy Wenger ’95 Hochstedler
Wendy’s megawatt smile and genuine presence light up any room she enters. Her ability to make others feel seen and valued is a testament to her authenticity. Honest, hopeful, and sincere, Wendy shares life’s anecdotes with warmth and clarity. While memories from high school may blur over time, her steadiness and genuine spirit have remained constants, guiding her journey into forestry and farming, and her care of family and enduring legacy at EMS and beyond.
Rooted in Heritage, Growing with Purpose
Wendy, alongside her husband Mark, both graduates of EMS’s Class of 1995, operate Wenger Grapes in Waynesboro, Virginia. This family farm and her family’s attendance of EMS are rooted in tradition. Both grandparents and her parents also attended EMS. Wenger Grapes specializes in growing Concord and Niagara grapes and has been in Wendy’s family since 1938. Under Wendy and Mark’s stewardship, the farm has evolved with a renewed focus on environmental responsibility. Their “pick-your- own” grape experience not only supports local agriculture but also a connection between the community, their food, and the land.
The Seeds of Environmental Stewardship
Wendy’s passion for the environment was germinated as a little kid growing up on a farm, and with lots of family camping trips, and enhanced during her time at EMS, particularly through her active involvement in science classes with teacher Dave Mumaw ’58 and a transformative composting research project. These experiences sowed the seeds for her lifelong commitment to sustainable practices. Following high school, Wendy went to College and joined Mennonite Voluntary Service in Topeka, Kansas, where she contributed significantly to the Kansas Rural Center. This organization champions sustainable agriculture, supporting small farmers. Wendy’s role aligned seamlessly with her gifts of connection and presence, as she walked along other farmers to bring eco friendly methods to their farming practices.
A Forester’s Multifaceted Journey
Like many family farmers, farming is not Wendy’s only job. Beyond the vineyards, Wendy serves as a Forester for the Shenandoah region. Her participation in wildland firefighting training equips both herself and her colleagues with critical skills to manage and contain wildfires—which is vital in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding areas.
