Q: How did you come to take on this project?
Lizzy Gardner: I was nearing the end of my internship, and it was thought that this would make a nice capstone to wrap up my time working at DSHA. My mom, [Mathematics Department Chair] Dawn Gardner, is a House Dean, and I remember getting super excited when I heard this was going to happen and wanting to be the one to make the crests.

 

Q: What was your inspiration for each of the crests and how did it tie into the names/patron saints/etc.?
LG: The House Deans had given specific imagery that they wanted on the crests, but I also created another design for each House to surprise the deans. I researched symbolism for each House and came up with a story for each design I presented. The deans ended up picking a mix of what they asked for and what I came up with.

Q: What was your creative process for creating the house crests?
LG: My process is like that of many other creatives. I researched, sketched, cleaned up, and made changes based on feedback.

Q: What are your hopes for the house system in the future?
LG: In my time at DSHA, I saw community and spirit take a sharp decline after COVID and for a valid reason. Events were canceled, limited, or done with masks. I feel a lot of spirit could be brought back. Also, I want people to feel like they belong and feel more a part of the community. Looking back, this would have gotten me talking to a lot more people that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I hope this can create strong friendships and connections among the students.

Q: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
LG: It feels so amazing to leave a mark on school history by leaving these crests. I was someone who mainly kept to themselves and didn’t participate in programs. I regretted not doing more. Having this opportunity feels amazing. It was like I got a second chance to leave something memorable and something that shows my passion for making art.

DSHA has also been in my life for all my life. My mom started teaching here before I was born, and I had always gone to Movie Days, Dash-A-Thon, musicals, and even sat in during classes when I was a kid. I then went to DSHA and got my internship the year after I graduated. It wasn’t until this past summer that I finally said “goodbye” when my internship ended. I, of course, have visited the building since leaving and probably will again.

After being connected to this school for so many years, the crests also feel like a way for me to celebrate and give back what I can. I think freshman-year me wouldn’t believe what I have done, and senior-year me would get a sense of comfort knowing that it wasn’t too late for me to make a positive impact on myself and the school.