Q: Class Rank?
A: 4th
Q: Parents?
A: Carianne and Shawn Conge.
Q: Future Plans?
A: Attend SUNY Brockport for English and journalism.
Q: Honors & Awards?
A: National Honor Society member, LitMag editor, 6th in creative writing at Interscholastic Competition in English (2023).
Q: Activities & Sports?
A: Library Advisory treasurer, PageTurners team member, Avont Garde editor.
Q: What’s your proudest achievement from high school?
A: Returning to public school in 2018 after being homeschooled for four years. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Q: What will you miss most about school?
A: My teachers and peers. I believe that teachers really make the school and I am so fortunate that the ones at Avon have made my school experience successful and enjoyable. My peers have also added to this, even those I do not talk to on a regular basis have impacted my life more than they will ever know.
Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in high school?
A: While school is supremely important, it is also necessary to let yourself live your life and have fun.
Q: What do you hope your life looks like in 10 years?
A: I hope to have graduated from my bachelor's program, potentially be in a master’s program, moved out of my parents’ house, and continuing to advance in my career.
Q: Who inspires you to do your best?
A: My parents are my biggest inspiration. I know that I am thankful to be able to say this. My father taught me that hard work can get you very far and that you are never stuck in a situation if you push yourself to get out of it. My mother taught me the foundation I needed to strengthen my writing ability. She also taught me to go after what I am passionate about.
Q: What’s your favorite place in Avon?
A: Probably the Five Arch Bridge and its surrounding areas. I love the sound of the creek beneath it and being there just makes me happy.
Q: If you could tell your 8th grade self one thing, what would it be?
A: Everything is going to be OK and to relax a little bit. You will find your passion eventually and don't be so quick to grow up.
Q: What do you want people to know about what it’s like to be you?
A: Just because I put a lot of effort into school doesn't mean I am stuck up. I am no different than anyone else and I wish people wouldn't see me as just a "smart person."
Q: What would the title of your autobiography be?
A: Probably something a bit silly like “Lauren C.'s Day Off,” as a reference to my favorite film.
Q: Who would play you in a movie about your life?
A: I would love it if Florence Pugh played me in a movie about my life. We don't look very similar but I think she could get my facial expressions accurate.
Q: What’s your most listened to song?
A: My most listened to song would probably be "The Sharpest Lives" by My Chemical Romance. The beginning lyrics of the song are what make it one that I listen to often.
Q: How has living through a pandemic changed you?
A: Living through a pandemic has made me more adept when it comes to doing school work online. It has taught me that I actually enjoy doing that and I hope that I can find a remote job when I graduate.
Q: What scares you about the future?
A: I am definitely afraid that I won't succeed in the future or that I won't be able to find a job, but I plan to talk to my college advisors each year to keep myself on a good track to get a job after I graduate.
Q: What gives you hope about the future?
A: The thing that gives me hope for the future is how much I love the work I am going to be doing for my degree.
Q: What’s one time you were stronger than you thought you could be?
A: When I went back to school in eighth grade. I was terribly shy and nervous but still managed to meet a great group of friends who supported me and helped me to become the person I am today.
Q: What advice would you give your 38-year-old self about being a good parent to a teenager?
A: I would tell my future self to remember what it is like being a teenager before making any rash decisions. It can be easy to forget what it is like to be in that headspace after being so far removed from it. It is important to be patient and respectful during such a transformative period of life.