ALUMNI Program

Wangaratta High School recently welcomed back two outstanding alumni whose stories and insights are helping shape the future of our students.

Alumni Career Insight Sessions: Bek Nash-Webster & Marc Bongers

Bek Nash-Webster: Building Resilience in Wangaratta – Class of 1998

On Monday, August 25th, our Year 10 Psychology students had the privilege of hearing from Bek Nash-Webster, Grit and Resilience Project Coordinator at the Rural City of Wangaratta and proud WHS alumna.

Bek delivered an inspiring session focused on the mental health continuum and the transformative work of the Grit and Resilience Program, which aims to strengthen community connections and promote mental wellbeing across Wangaratta.

Students learned how upcoming events like Old School Night Out and the Grit and Resilience Festival are more than just social gatherings - they’re powerful opportunities to foster resilience and unity.

One of our very own students is even part of the festival’s organising committee and will be a bubble-ologist on the day, spreading joy and creativity throughout the event.

Special thanks to teachers Rheanna Lang and Rachel Tennant for facilitating this enriching experience.

Marc Bongers: A Career Journey from WHS to the Skies - Class of 1996

Marc Bongers, Class of 1996, will be visiting the school on Friday, 12 September to speak with our VCM VM students and selected Year 9 and 10 students. Marc’s session will include a career insight talk and a drone demonstration, showcasing the exciting intersection of technology, creativity, and community service.

During his time at WHS, Marc excelled in subjects like Photography, Maths Methods, Specialist Maths, and Physics, and was actively involved in the school band and photography club.

After graduating, he travelled through Europe, explored various career paths, and eventually found his niche in computers. His journey led him to launch a photography business, work for a local newspaper, and now serve as a civil draftsman, licensed drone pilot, and volunteer mapper with Emergency Management Victoria and the CFA.

Marc’s story is a testament to the diverse and meaningful paths life can take after school, and we’re excited for our students to learn from his experiences.

These alumni visits are a powerful reminder of the impact WHS graduates continue to make in our community and beyond. We look forward to more opportunities to connect past and present students in meaningful ways.

Alumni Spotlight: Share Your Journey!

Do you have an inspiring story to share? We would love to feature you in our Alumni Spotlight! Whether you’ve reached career milestones, started your own business, or simply want to share what you’ve been up to, your experience can help inspire others. Reach out to us at alumni@whs.vic.edu.au to share your journey.

Our Wangaratta High School Alumni Facebook page is now live!

Please follow and share the Alumni Facebook page with anyone you think would be suitable for the alumni program. Click on the logo below to check out our page!

Join the Alumni Program!

Do you, or someone you know, want to join the Wangaratta High School Alumni Program? By joining the program, you can stay updated on school events, reconnect with old friends and teachers, and even help inspire the next generation of Wangaratta High School students.

To join our alumni community and get involved, please complete the form on our webpage https://www.whs.vic.edu.au/alumni/ or email us at alumni@whs.vic.edu.au with your contact details, and Megan De Fazio will be in touch with you.

Stay tuned for more updates and events as we continue to grow and strengthen our alumni network!