Amongst the athletes and writers at Saint Francis, there are also many Lancers who pursue their interests outside of school through art or theater as a form of self-expression. For Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lonergan (’17), this was the case. Her artistic skills and her experience with the audio-visual club enabled her to be the person she is today, as she has her own pottery studio and shares her love of California history with others as a part of her career.
TL: Why did you choose to attend Saint Francis?
Lizzie Lonergan: Well, I’m from a Saint Francis family. So my two older brothers went there. They were the class of 2000, 2001. So way before my time, but yeah, growing up, I knew I was going to go there.
TL: What were some of your favorite classes and teachers at Saint Francis?
LL: I really liked AP English Three with Mr. Quinn. I loved that class. It was really hard, but it was amazing. All of the English classes were really good. In general, the English teachers. Oh, I really liked my AP History teacher; that was a fun class.
TL: What clubs and activities were you involved in?
LL: I was huge in A/V. I really loved doing theater so much. I did like sound and lighting tech in the back. Phantom of the Opera was a really fun one to do. And then A/V in general—getting to run rallies and all of the different events. We got to do Café Mots; I loved Café Mots. Just stuff like that, when people got to perform, that was really cool.
TL: What was your favorite memory from high school?
LL: I met my current boyfriend in high school; we met in junior year. Obviously, that’s kind of a big one. The Phantom of the Opera was a really big memory because we all just worked really hard. And it was really hype with how it came out. Everybody did a really good job. It was exciting to be a part of that.
TL: What was your journey after high school like?
LL: So, after high school, I went to college in Scotland. It was at the University of Edinburgh. Then, after college, I came back here. I started working at the Sanchez Adobe, which is a historical site up in Pacifica, where I run the field trip program. I help teach California history. I also started my own pottery business. So, I make pottery, and I also teach pottery at a community studio in Mountain View. So, just teaching the community all the time, basically.
TL: Was that something you always wanted to do? What inspired you to get involved?
LL: Not necessarily. I just love California history, people, and teaching in general. And so I just felt like both of those things kind of go well together. You know, I get to be out there and work with kids all day, talking about California history but also then making art and teaching other people how to make their own art and be comfortable with, you know, different tools and techniques, and I don’t know it’s fun. I get to work with people of all ages too.
TL: If you could give a piece of advice to your high school self, what would you tell her?
LL: Don’t worry about finding a niche to fall into immediately. You can give yourself time to blossom as an adult and find what inspires you and what gets you excited to get up and do things every day. Maybe having multiple passions instead of just one.
TL: To close, I have a few lightning-round questions. What’s your favorite musical?
LL: Maybe Mamma Mia.
TL: What was your favorite St. Francis snack or food?
LL: The cookies obviously were so fire. The pizza was also really really good. And they had good stir-fries.
TL: What music did you like listening to in high school?
LL: I was pretty emo. So, Pierce the Veil, Panic at the Disco, and that kind of vibe.
TL: Lastly, what were the popular fashion trends in high school?
LL: Uggs were really big. Flare pants, the yoga flare pants. Oh, also maxi skirts. Everyone wore a maxi skirt. It was a really big thing.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
