Liza Bance ’01 returned to St. Catherine’s to speak during Upper School chapel.  Recalling moments of doubt and despair that she encountered during high school, Bance offered words of encouragement to students. 

“Turn it into art, into music, into poetry, or use it on the field,” Bance said.

Faced with the sudden death of her brother during her senior year at University of Virginia, Bance expressed that she turned to the Bible for answers.  Finding beauty in its words, she clung to Hebrews 11:1 –“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” 

Bance found solace in the St. Catherine’s community and all girls’ environment, as well as the faith that she found growing up in an Episcopal environment.  During her chapel talk, she also commended Upper School Director Cathy McGehee, formerly her advisor and teacher, for encouraging her to write, write, write. 

Bance currently lives in Charlottesville and works as a singer/songwriter.  Her CD debuts February 20, 2011.