Lizzie M ‘28 came to Oakcrest because she was drawn to an environment where she felt comfortable and surrounded by people who shared similar values. She says she is happy to have spent her middle school years at Oakcrest and looks forward to continuing for high school. 

Two of her favorite classes thus far have been 6th and 8th grade history with Ms. Ginny Boles and Mrs. Andie Salerno. 

“They are excellent teachers,” Lizzie says. “They make taking notes fun and use good examples, engaging us in the story rather than just teaching us out of the textbook.” 

One highlight of her school week is playing in the orchestra, where Lizzie plays the oboe. “Music is so meaningful, and we can express so many things through it,” she explains. “When you see all the instruments playing together, you see teamwork.” She looks forward to continuing with the school orchestra in high school. 

Outside of school, Lizzie is an avid soccer player - playing on a regional team, as well as for the Oakcrest Chargers, where she is a left midfielder. “I love being outside,” Lizzie says. “With outdoor sports, you’re able to run  around while also connecting with your teammates. I love to say ‘a pass is a gift’ in soccer, it is a kindness, setting up your teammates for success.”

Last year, Lizzie was involved in the Middle School musical production of Newsies, Jr., in which she played the role of “Davey”. She said it was amazing that she was able to be part of such a production. “I haven’t taken theatre or choir (classes), so it was great that I could still have a good role in the show,” she said. “They really give everyone a chance to be involved. There was so much fellowship (among the students) and especially with the show that we performed, a show about a strike and a union, that’s really what we were, a union, putting on a show together.” 

As she looks forward to high school next year, Lizzie said she is excited to “branch out more in my English classes” going beyond the grammar courses and into more in-depth readings, as well as participating in the Service Initiative Projects that are open to high school students. 

Some of Lizzie’s favorite Oakcrest traditions include the Talent Show which takes place during Spring Spirit Week, and attending the senior athletics games. “No matter what sport, I try to be there,” she said, adding that she can’t wait for her own senior games in four years and hopes many people will attend. 

Reflecting on what it means to be an Oakie, Lizzie explains, “Everyone is going to be different, but (at Oakcrest) we share the same values and see eye to eye on most things that not a lot of the people in the world do. There’s so much support here. You feel like you can be yourself, you don’t need status. Being an Oakie is just about being positive.” 

Lizzie says she is most grateful for the privilege to go to  daily Mass, which she says she has attended every day this school year, but also really appreciates the Oakcrest mentoring program. “I love having a mentor,” she explains. “She is always there for me, through any drama or friendship problem, she knows me and was able to offer good advice because of how well she knows me.”