After graduating from La Pietra in 2009, Rachel Wagenman is excited to be back in a new role as communications coordinator! Even as a student, writing had always been her passion. Little did she know that it would lead her on a path back to her alma mater. 

While attending La Pietra, Wagenman was the Yearbook Editor for two years running and also created the school’s first online newspaper: La Pietra News. 

“Being here after all these years… the memories just come flooding back,” she says. 

Wagenman went on to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and another in Women’s Studies. 

She continued to write and create throughout her career. Wagenman joined the news department at Hawaii News Now fresh out of college, and later moved to the marketing department where she became lead producer of HI Now, an Emmy Award-winning lifestyle show.

Now, she’s thrilled to bring her new skillset to her alma mater.

“La Pietra is such a special place, and I’m excited to be be able to share that with our local community and beyond,” she adds.

To this day, she cherishes the friends she made at La Pietra. She and a small group often get together to celebrate life’s big milestones — or even for a quick catch up lunch!

“I don’t know how I’d get through life without them,” she laughs. “I’m so thankful to have made these lifelong friendships while at La Pietra.”