Family Testimonials
Testimonial excerpts. Read the full text by scrolling down...
Everybody at St. Elizabeth, from students to parents, faculty and staff, truly embodies the school’s motto: not words, but deeds...”
“I will always remember St. Elizabeth as the place where my life started...”
“St. Elizabeth isn’t just my school; it’s my second home...”
“All the students here are like the brothers and sisters I always wish I had...”
“I love that all the teachers are kind and have a great sense of humor...”
“St. Elizabeth made me the person I am today and will be tomorrow...”
“St. Elizabeth’s not only taught me how to be a good student but also gave me the tools to develop into a confident teenager, broadminded leader and faithful individual...”
“I found a voice and I learned how to work with others within a structure that helped make positive changes in our community...”
“St. Elizabeth’s faith based education has given me a strong moral ground to stand on as I make my way through life...”
“I believe the academic and social foundation I received at St. Elizabeth thoroughly prepared me for my diverse high school career at St. Ignatius College Preparatory...”
“Involvement in student council as Commissioner General provided me with leadership and communication skills...”
Hear what our graduates are saying about their school...
“St. Elizabeth feels like home. I attended St. Elizabeth from 1st to 8th grade. It is a place where one can grow academically as well as spiritually.
My life is centered around St. Elizabeth. I met my husband at the Festival we used to have, and we were married at St. Elizabeth Church. My children have all been baptized at St. Elizabeth Church and we continue to attend Mass here even though we live in South San Francisco. My oldest now attends St. Elizabeth School.
It is a place where everyone knows each other. I can go to work in the morning and know that my child is in good hands and is receiving a good education.”
~ Natalie Loza, Class of 1986
“I cherish St. Elizabeth's School for the life long friendships that were made. I graduated in 1981. I am grateful for the interest shown by the faculty towards the students and for the well-rounded individuals they created.”
~ Laura, Class of 1981
“I think the best thing about St. Elizabeth's is that it really provided a solid foundation for learning, both academically and socially. I made some very good friends at St. Elizabeth's -- many of whom I am still very good friends with today. It is not often that you run into someone who can say they are going out to dinner with friends that they have known since 1st grade (37 years later) so for that I am grateful.”
~ Pam Harper Horst, Class of 1979
“I loved going to school at St. Elizabeth! It was always filled with a positive energy, coming from both the teachers and the students. I remember when we were in school soccer for girls was not a big sport like it is now, so we had a kickball team. We played against other schools in the area and I think we even won a championship. I know that St. Elizabeth helped shape me into the person I am today. After teaching PE, working in Extended Care, running the pre-school program of Summer of Love, and coaching basketball at St Elizabeth, I now teach third grade at St. Elizabeth, my home away from home. I love my job! How many people can truly say that and mean it?”
~Nicole Keb, Class of 1987
“People look back at their lives to assess where they have been and where they are going and often, they find that certain events significantly impact where they are today. This is how I feel about St. Elizabeth School and Parish.
My name is Alvin Ubaldo. I attended St. Elizabeth School from first through eighth grade and had the opportunity to hold the office of Commissioner General from 1984 to 1985. Being the oldest of four, my parents always encouraged me to be a leader both in my family and in my academic life. Fortunately, I welcomed their advice and successfully campaigned for the Commissioner General position. In holding this office, I experienced first hand the responsibilities of leadership and the importance of working with people towards a common goal. Looking back, I believe that the experiences I had gave me a sense of accomplishment that is invaluable in shaping a young person’s outlook on life.
Early successes lead to higher levels of confidence, which in my case helped me in my decision to become an entrepreneur. Currently I am an Agent/Partner of One Source Realty Inc., a full service real estate agency in South San Francisco and also Business Development Manager/Partner of Spark of Creation Studio in South San Francisco with another past Commissioner General, my sister, Marilou Ubaldo. I can definitely say that holding the office of Commissioner General laid the foundation and underpinnings that shaped my future and prepared me to become the individual I am today. For this opportunity I am truly grateful to St. Elizabeth School and Parish Community.”
~ Alvin Ubaldo, Class of 1985
“My name is Marilou Ubaldo Lafon, and I was Commissioner General for the Graduating class of 1994. Holding this position taught me how to be a good leader and team player. It also taught me the value of taking on responsibility and achieving my goals.
St. Elizabeth School properly prepared me to excel academically, giving me the opportunity to take high school level courses during my 8th grade year. As a student at St. Elizabeth, I also participated in extracurricular activities including sports and cheerleading, which taught me to be a well-rounded student. I believe the academic and social foundation I received at St. Elizabeth thoroughly prepared me for my diverse high school career at St. Ignatius College Preparatory.
I am a graduate of the University of California Davis where I received a BA in English and Human Development, with a Minor in Education. I am currently the Artistic Director/Owner of Spark of Creation Studio, teaching the performing and musical arts to children and adults in South San Francisco.”
~ Marilou Ubaldo, Class of 1994
“My name is Catherine Ubaldo and I was the Commissioner General for the graduating class of 1996. Involvement in student council as Commissioner General provided me with leadership and communication skills. It also taught me the importance of balancing and prioritizing my time between academics and extracurricular activities such as volleyball and cheerleading.
St. Elizabeth School definitely provided me with the academic tools needed for high school. I recall participating in an advanced math class, allowing me to easily transition into high school level courses that I completed at St. Ignatius College Preparatory. I continued my education at UC Berkeley, graduating with a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology and a minor in toxicology. I am currently a third year student at UCSF Pharmacy School and hope to carry on the skills that I have attained from St. Elizabeth School.”
~ Catherine Ubaldo, Class of 1996
“St. Elizabeth School has a great learning atmosphere where leadership, unity and knowledge flourish. My name is Elizabeth Ubaldo and I was in the graduating class of 1999. I served as the Commissioner General of my class, and developed great confidence and leadership skills when discussing issues and making decisions that would affect the whole student body. I was very proud and honored to hold the position and enjoyed collaborating with students on the board and the faculty.
Throughout my years at St. Elizabeth I not only gained a good academic background, but also was able to grow personally and spiritually. This strong foundation allowed me to succeed at St. Ignatius College Preparatory, where I also served as class president and graduated with high honors in college at UC Berkeley, a renowned institute known for its demanding academics and driven individuals. Currently, I am a second year student at UCSF Dental School and am aiming to earn my DDS and pursue a career in Orthodontics. Without a doubt, I know that I wouldn't have been able to accomplish all of this without the work ethic and learning environment that I experienced at St. Elizabeth School.”
~ Elizabeth Ubaldo Class of 1999
“St. Elizabeth School has been an integral part of my educational development and maturation. The educational foundation, study skills, discipline, and values I received from St. Elizabeth well prepared me to succeed both in high school and at the U.S. Naval Academy. The faculty at St. Elizabeth cultivated a family-like educational atmosphere that initiated my pursuit of learning.”
~ Kevin De Ceoursty, Class of 2001
MIDN USN
“My name is Giulia Maffei and I was Commissioner General (Student Body President) of St. Elizabeth during the school year 2007-2008. I am now a freshman at Mercy High School, Burlingame. I feel that my education at St. Elizabeth prepared me for high school and the honors classes that I am taking. I really enjoyed my nine years at St. Elizabeth. I felt while I was there, that the teachers really helped me to succeed. They worked with us whenever we needed help and also prepared us for Speech Contests and Science Fairs throughout the years. The teachers at St. Elizabeth are very dedicated to their students and I miss them very much.”
~ Giulia Maffei, Class of 2008
“On my very first day of graduate school, as I was waiting for my professor to arrive, I realized something. It wasn’t the grades I received or the tests that I took that put me here, but a true love of learning that was fostered from an early age. It was during my time at St. Elizabeth School that I was given the freedom to explore my love of learning and was provided the structure to help me do so. The small class sizes allowed me to really interact with my educators letting them figure out how to teach me most effectively.
St. Elizabeth’s not only taught me how to be a good student but also gave me the tools to develop into a confident teenager, broadminded leader and faithful individual. As an activist for human rights, I am respectful of authority but equally confident, well informed and able to apply my critical thinking skills in a way that allows me to look beyond the obvious and search out better solutions to the world’s challenges. I know I can make a difference because, while I was involved in student government at St. Elizabeth, I found a voice and I learned how to work with others within a structure that helped make positive changes in our community.
Finally, St. Elizabeth’s faith based education has given me a strong moral ground to stand on as I make my way through life. I am grateful that my parents gave me the best Catholic education that San Francisco can offer. I hope that I, too, can send my future children to St. Elizabeth’s so they can have the same opportunities that I was given.”
~ Jenna De Ceoursty, Class of 1998
Hear what our students are saying about their school...
“Throughout the nine years I have attended SE, each year brought more and more excitement. The teachers here have given me the academic skills needed for high school and the social skills for life. They helped me find my talents and have brought out the best of my abilities. After I graduate, I plan not only to visit, but also possibly coach an athletic team. I will always remember SE as the place where my life started.”
“As I remember all the good times I’ve had at St. Elizabeth, I realize that SE isn’t just my school; it’s my second home. St. Elizabeth means the world to me. It’s where I grew up. SE has not only taught me everything I need to know to move onto high school, but has given me the tools I need to become a respectable, intelligent, understanding, and compassionate person. That is why I want to give back to St. Elizabeth. It has given me so much that not even a “Thank You” is enough! As I move on in life I will continue to spread the good news about St. Elizabeth School.”
“St. Elizabeth, to me, is more than just a school; it is my home. Most of us have been here for nine years – we’re a real school family! All the students here are like the brothers and sisters I always wish I had. We have very cool teachers that teach you all the things you need to know while making it fun and understandable. SE graduates go to great high schools like St. Ignatius, Sacred Heart, Riordan, Mercy Burlingame and Mercy S.F., etc. Anything can happen here at SE!”
“I like how everyone is nice at school. The older kids who have learned good qualities at St. Elizabeth influence the younger kids. The teams demonstrate brotherhood and sisterhood as individuals with a common goal.”
“St. Elizabeth is a fun, happy place where you meet many friends who are kind and friendly. The teachers are very happy and always try their best to help educate you to become an intelligent person. I believe that anyone will have a great time learning and succeeding here at St. Elizabeth School.”
“St. Elizabeth School is where I can have fun with my friends and never get bored. I love that all the teachers are kind and have a great sense of humor. I love this school because you can always count on having fun with your friends and teachers.”
“I was in 3rd grade when I came to St. Elizabeth School from the Philippines. America was a new place for me, and St. Elizabeth made my new experience easier. I remember seeing the faces of my classmates for the first time... From then to now, SE has become my second home. It is more than just a place – it has grown deep inside me. I will continue my journey of learning in high school, but still, I will not ever forget that SE is the very foundation of my life. St. Elizabeth made me the person I am today and will be tomorrow.”
Do you have testimonial about St. Elizabeth that you would like to share? Please download this testimonial form and send it to the school office or send it via e-mail to admin@stelizabethsf.org.