Elizabeth Blackwell
Born in Mt. Shasta on July 8th, 1984, Elizabeth grew
up in Dunsmuir, the youngest of three children. With
her brother Robert and sister Neshema, she enjoyed the
small town life where, “People care about you and are
there for you when you need them.” She loved winter
time best, playing on the hilly streets, transformed
clean and smooth by snow. Her love of physical
activity led her to play t-ball in elementary school
before going on to softball, track, and cheerleading.
“But, since 7th grade my favorite sport has been
basketball,” she said.
Besides enjoying childhood play, Elizabeth pursued her
interest in music. This was only natural since both
her parents are well known and accomplished musicians.
Her mother Debbie and father Harry have performed
professionally since the early 1970’s. Debbie is also
a talented artist and, although Elizabeth has spent
more time honing her musical skills,
she inherited artistic talent as well.
It was in the 4th grade elementary school band that
she learned to play the clarinet, “following in my
sister’s footsteps, but I was
actually good at it,” she grinned.
By 6th grade she had switched to the bass clarinet,
and then on to the electric base in her freshman year
at the high school. She began to sing with the high
school band, “and immediately sang like a pro,”
according to Mr. Palmore. “She was the first
guitar student I had who could sing
and play at the same time.”
Elizabeth excelled in her academic studies and
received many honors at graduation. Her senior year
held many moments worth remembering, but one that was
a standout for her fans was the 2001 Winter Concert.
Her singing and bass playing were excellent in
general, but her jazzed-up performance, singing “I’m
Dreaming of a White Christmas,”
brought down the house.
“I like to entertain, she said, “but I would really
like to do something great, something that would
change the world. I would like to find a way to help
people understand their problems, maybe even find a
cure that would change lives for the better.”
Elizabeth sincerely thanked the Palmore family and
said she appreciated very much their belief in her
college education. She plans to major in psychology
at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
We wish her every success as she pursues her goals.
Little Elizabeth is shown above with her mom, Debbie,
and below, singing with her parent’s band.
Basketball and playing bass guitar
are two of her favorite things.
Elizabeth is shown with her proud dad,
Harry, at her graduation.
The Four Year Club
2002