Megan De Fazio once walked the hallways of Wangaratta High School as a student and now walks them as the school’s alumni program coordinator.
Wangaratta High launched its alumni program last year, and with Megan’s help, it has become a dynamic addition to the school community.
As an alum herself, Megan has a unique perspective about the alumni program, while also being a part of the alumni network. Here are her thoughts:
Are any teachers still teaching from when you attended as a student?
MD: Yes, there are a few! It’s always lovely catching up with them and seeing how the school has evolved since my time as a student.
Have you had any “full circle” moments?
MD: Absolutely. Walking past the old buildings that are still standing always brings back a flood of memories.
It’s surreal to be back in a place where so many formative moments happened.
What do you enjoy about being an alumni program coordinator?
MD: I love the variety and creativity the role offers, as well as the flexibility.
But most of all, I enjoy seeing the excitement and nostalgia in the alumni community as they reconnect with their “good old days.”
It’s inspiring to see where people end up after school, and the role has given me lots of opportunities to reflect on my own journey from then to now.
Is it easier to be an alumni program coordinator as an alum?
MD: I think so, yes. Being an alum means I already have familiar connections, which helps build rapport.
It’s also been special to involve some of my own friends and family in the program.
Why is Wangaratta High School different or special compared to other high schools?
MD: Wangaratta High has a beautiful country feel. The campus is surrounded by big old gum trees woven among the buildings, creating a really unique and welcoming environment.
What advice do you have for alumni considering giving back to their old school through an alumni session?
MD: Go for it. Everyone who’s come back has said how worthwhile the experience was.
There’s no need to overthink it—just enjoy revisiting the memories and sharing your journey with current students.
Why do you think it’s important for a school to have an alumni program?
MD: Alumni programs create real, meaningful connections with real people. In a world where so much of our interaction happens online, having genuine human connections matters more than ever.
Megan De Fazio once walked the hallways of Wangaratta High School as a student and now walks them as the school’s alumni program coordinator.
Wangaratta High launched its alumni program last year, and with Megan’s help, it has become a dynamic addition to the school community.
As an alum herself, Megan has a unique perspective about the alumni program, while also being a part of the alumni network. Here are her thoughts:
Are any teachers still teaching from when you attended as a student?
MD: Yes, there are a few! It’s always lovely catching up with them and seeing how the school has evolved since my time as a student.
Have you had any “full circle” moments?
MD: Absolutely. Walking past the old buildings that are still standing always brings back a flood of memories.
It’s surreal to be back in a place where so many formative moments happened.
What do you enjoy about being an alumni program coordinator?
MD: I love the variety and creativity the role offers, as well as the flexibility.
But most of all, I enjoy seeing the excitement and nostalgia in the alumni community as they reconnect with their “good old days.”
It’s inspiring to see where people end up after school, and the role has given me lots of opportunities to reflect on my own journey from then to now.
Is it easier to be an alumni program coordinator as an alum?
MD: I think so, yes. Being an alum means I already have familiar connections, which helps build rapport.
It’s also been special to involve some of my own friends and family in the program.
Why is Wangaratta High School different or special compared to other high schools?
MD: Wangaratta High has a beautiful country feel. The campus is surrounded by big old gum trees woven among the buildings, creating a really unique and welcoming environment.
What advice do you have for alumni considering giving back to their old school through an alumni session?
MD: Go for it. Everyone who’s come back has said how worthwhile the experience was.
There’s no need to overthink it—just enjoy revisiting the memories and sharing your journey with current students.
Why do you think it’s important for a school to have an alumni program?
MD: Alumni programs create real, meaningful connections with real people. In a world where so much of our interaction happens online, having genuine human connections matters more than ever.