That was the path Stawell Historical Society's Greg Robson took when he was doing research on the Stawell Town Hall.

Uncovering some old details about the significant building in old newspapers, he came across some information he said was probably not known to most in the town.

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A former 502 Primary School student named George Michael Prendergast became premier of Victoria on July 18, 1924.

Through his research, Mr Robson has found some interesting facts about Mr Prendergast.

"He was born in Adelaide and moved to Stawell in 1856 travelling by a bullock wagon, he said.

"He received his education at 502 Primary School from the early 1860s until 1868.

"He then started work as an apprentice printer for the Pleasant Creek News and later became a printer for Ballarat and Sydney newspapers.

"He returned to Victoria in 1888 and soon became involved in political organisations."

Mr Prendergast was the 28th Premier of Victoria and was aged 70 when elected. He was the oldest person ever to be elected as a first time Premier.

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"He only held the position for a short time until November 18, 1924, when his government was defeated in the state assembly," Mr Robson said.

"Research shows the Country Park and the Nationalists joined forces to defeat his Government at the time.

"Some other interesting facts I've found are Mr Prendergast was the Mayor of North Melbourne in 1902-1903 and was also for some time the president of the North Melbourne Football Club."

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Mr Prendergast was still a sitting member of parliament when he died in Melbourne in 1937, aged 83. He was awarded a state funeral from the Country Party Government of the day.

Mr Robson said he felt Mr Prendergast's achievements were a fantastic highlight of the school's history.

"The Stawell Historical Society are so pleased to share the history with the school," he said.

"We've donated a small frame and photo to honour Mr Prendergast, to be displayed at the school."

School principal Robyn Jones said the news came as a great surprise when Mr Robson phoned.

"We are always looking for stories about ex-students who have pursued a dream, but this was a real surprise - especially becoming a state premier," she said.

"This is another example of the importance of remembering our school's long history.

"We can certainly be very proud of this."

Mrs Jones said she was grateful to the Stawell Historical Society for the research and the presentation of the photo for the foyer.

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"It will complement the works of John Glover and remind us of always striving to be the best we can be," she said.

"Who knows what our students could go on to achieve in the future.

"If anyone has any further information about Mr Prendergast or other ex-students' achievements they should contact the school or the Stawell Historical Society.

"We would love to hear from you."

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