The man, the myth, the legend; Pierce Lundgren is an Elkhorn micro-celebrity for his charm and aura. Through band, student council, and a thriving academic and social life, his positive presence permeates all of Elkhorn. Pierce’s dedication carries him through an average day. “I usually wake up around five or six a.m. every morning,” Lundgren said. “Firstly I go to school, usually early for Jazz band and Winter Ensemble. After that, classes. Then I usually stay later to practice for band, and then I finally go home.” While his day is filled with activities, he always takes time in his day for positivity and enthusiasm. His schedule seems straining, yet he injects passion into his work.
“I’m a big fan of all kinds of music, specifically making music or playing it,” Lundgren said. “I play alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, piano, mallet percussion, and auxiliary percussion.” His dedication to music extends to very unmusical things. He is instrumentally instrumental to success not only in music but all around the school. “He really knows how to engage in the activity to its full extent. He is very dedicated,” junior Gavin Vasquez said.

Along with band, he is a contributing member to student council. You may hear Pierce bantering along with the StuCO, effectively fostering a community and friendships. “We’re a very nice family in student council,” Lundgren said. “It’s my first year of student council. I tried out for the past 3 years, but haven’t gotten it until this year. I really grew into a person that was more talkative.” Along with a thriving social life, he also achieves academic success. Pierce puts the same energy that he possesses into every class he takes. “Pierce is very high energy,” English teacher Jaci Davis said. “He is very high achieving, and he works very hard. I enjoy having him in class.”

It is evident that Pierce is a hardworking go-getter, but he still keeps a vibrant vibe wherever he goes. With his whimsical wonder for the world, it begs the question, what’s going on his head? Shockingly, it’s nothing. “My head’s usually blank the entire day. I don’t think too hard about stuff, always go with the flow,” Lundgren said. Pierce’s adaptable qualities carry him throughout his chaotic day. Despite his vacant interior, that doesn’t stop him from having lively social connections. It seems like Pierce is living in everyone’s heads rent free.

Evan Carlson[1]

Cooper Hart, Pierce Lundgren, and Eliza Underwood pose outside the senior balcony. They are best friends and spend a lot of time together.

“He’s just a one-of-a-kind guy,” Eliza Underwood said. “He lights up a room and definitely makes the school a better place because when Pierce is around, you know it will be a good time. I think we’ll be friends for a long time.”
Pierce’s friendly and outgoing personality allows him to make connections. He is rarely afraid to make meaningful relationships with others.
“Pierce and I do everything together,” Cooper Hart said. “Pierce’s aura is unmatched. He is jolly and happy wherever he goes and has a very vibrant personality.”
His social aptitude enables his peppy popularity. His fame originates from his effervescent aura, and it developed in a unique way.
“After the marching season, I really changed as a person. I feel like I’m very self aware of the cringy aspects of who I am, but at school I put on a bit of a mask,” Lundgren said. “I’m not really like this. I do paint myself as this hyperactive quirky type, but that’s not always who I get my kind of extroverted energy from because I’m an only child and my parents were divorced, so I literally have no one to talk to. Once I get home, I just immediately sit down, do my homework, and don’t talk for the rest of the night. All my social battery is used at the school.”

Evan Carlson[1]

Pierce Lundgren (center) chills with his squad, from left to right, Tom Hensley, Cooper Hart, Eliza Underwood, and James Ahern.

While you could call Pierce a P-list celebrity, he is an A-lister here at Elkhorn due to his charismatic character, yet there is one universal thing we can all learn from him. Pierce is a testament to making the most of all the opportunities that high school offers. He truly makes the school a better place to be in. Elkhorn hasn’t changed Pierce, but Pierce has changed Elkhorn.
“I truly make an effort to do my part in school because when I was little, me and my mom used to watch 80’s TV shows about high school,” Lundgren said. “I’ve been looking forward to high school and all the activities I could be in. It holds a special place in my heart.”