For many, graduation marks the end of their time in high school. As they move forward with their future, few ever look back to their alma mater. This, however, is not the case for those in attendance at the Second Annual Alumni Conference. Hosted by Dr. Brian Wargo, the conference serves as a way for alumni who took part in Freedom’s STEM classes to come back and meet with other like-minded individuals to share their advice, opportunities, knowledge, and experiences. 

“It’s a formal social gathering; we have some that come back to do a formal presentation like those we see at the Science Conference and others that just talk about the post-high school experiences,” Wargo said.

The conference serves as a networking hotspot full of opportunities for both the younger and older alums. This year’s conference was represented by over 20 years of alumni, with the two oldest having graduated in 1999.

“It’s about introducing them to one another,” Wargo said. “Bringing people together who might not have been able to come together otherwise.”

The networking comes into play when a majority of the attendees have chosen unique and separate career and educational paths. Older alumni can come back after establishing themselves in their field and offer internships as a foot in the door for younger alums who may have just finished their high school career and may not have any experience yet. After attending the conference, relations extend beyond the annual event.

“All of the contact between the alumni used to have to go through me. Now, we are all on LinkedIn and have a way of professionally communicating,” Wargo said.

The dream doesn’t stop there, however. Wargo hopes that the event can expand to include alumni being able to help current students. There is no one better to give advice to current students than those who were in their shoes before.

“I want our students now to be able to meet some of our superheroes from the past,” Wargo said.

The conference gives students and alums alike the opportunity to make a legacy within the district. The work put in is set to become a continuing cycle that both benefits and supports the district and its students. It serves as a chance for graduates to learn, share and grow themselves, their communities and their endeavors.

“It truly is a great time,” Wargo said.

There is simply no better place for alumni to catch up. They get all of the memories of Freedom and its stem program while also getting the opportunity to help others on their journey. Whether it comes in the form of a formal presentation or simply a conversation that sparks an idea or opportunity that wouldn’t be possible with the alumni conference.