SUMMER 2024 A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS In This Issue . . . NEW AQ WEBSITE BEHIND THE SCENES: VOICES OF AQUINAS PAGE 7 ALUMNI NEWS BOB GIBBONS ’65: THE FUNDAMENTALS NEVER CHANGE PAGE 13 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT CELEBRATING ED HEYMAN’S 35+ YEARS AT AQ PAGE 21
Aquinas Landmarkis published by the O ce of Advancement for distribution to Aquinas Alumni & Friends. Sta David Eustis PRESIDENT Ted Mancini ’88, P’26 PRINCIPAL Joseph B. Knapp EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Colleen Brett DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Lisa Clicquennoi ’84, P’13 DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR Kelly Conlan P’21 & ’26 AQUINAS FUND & EVENTS MANAGER Meredith Kallfelz DIRECTOR OF ENROLLMENT Janine Wagner ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT & ADVANCEMENT OFFICE MANAGER Jay Polston ’90 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MAJOR GIFTS & PLANNED GIVING Photos by: Katie Carangelo P’25 & ‘27 Al Mosher P’10 & ‘12 Mike Martinez, Matt Spaull, & Parker Bement Various Faculty/Sta , Alumni & Friends The Aquinas Institute of Rochester In the Basilian Tradition In Partnership with Nazareth Elementary School and the Sisters of Saint Joseph MISSION STATEMENT T A I R C , , , - B F . O , , , , - . CONTENTS ON THE COVER Louie Ricci ’30, Dallis Jones ’25, and Charlie Sorensen ’24 embody the spirit of our tagline: College Prepared. Life Ready. SUMMER 2024 A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS & FRIENDS In This Issue . . . NEW AQ WEBSITE PAGES 5 7 ALUMNI NEWS PAGE 13 23 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT PAGE 21 WELCOME 3 President’s Letter 4 College Prepared. Life Ready. NEW AQ WEBSITE 5 Making the Video 6 Discover New Features & Familiar Favorites 7 Behind the Scenes: Voices of Aquinas 7 Thank You to Our Donor THE ARTS COME ALIVE 8 Principal’s Message 9 Reviving The McGuire Anthology 10 Aquinas Performing Arts: Shaping Bright Futures ATHLETICS IN ACTION 11 Aquinas Boys Soccer: From State Triumph to National Recognition 12 Ali Shabani ‘24 Receives All-American Recognition 12 Section V Champs and the Team’s Quest for One More Game ALUMNI NEWS & SPOTLIGHTS 13 Bob Gibbons ’65: The Fundamentals Never Change 15 Compass Cycle: Spinning Bonds Beyond Biking 15 AQ in Florida 16 Hall of Fame Inductions 21 Celebrating Ed Heyman’s 35+ Years at AQ 22 Alumni Notes 23 Li’l Irish 2024 GRADUATING CLASS 24 Class Pro le 25 AQ Capstone: Preparing Students for Life 26 Class Valedictorian & Salutatorian 27 AQ High School Graduation SCHOOL NEWS 28 The Middle School Presents: The Lion King, Jr. 29 Spring Musical: Something Rotten 30 Through the Student Lens 30 Aquinas Arts Week 31 Mylana Wiese ’25: Embarking on the Path to Pediatric Surgery 32 Women Leaders of Today and Tomorrow 34 AQ DECA’s Banner Year 36 Trent Hill Jr. ’24 Receives Black Lion Award 37 Linden Gawronski ’28: Achieving Global Success FOCUS ON FAITH 37 Path to Faith Featuring Megan Alexander ‘24 38 Service Beyond Self 39 IN REMEMBRANCE 40 GIFTS IN MEMORY & IN HONOR OF THANK YOU 42 2024-2025 Board Members (Trustees & Foundation) 43 Thank You! Your Support Makes a Di erence
Dear Aquinas Alumni and Friends, Welcome to the latest edition of the Landmark Magazine! We are thrilled to share this issue with you, lled with updates and inspiring stories from our vibrant Aquinas community. As we approach the centennial of e Aquinas Institute, 2024 marks a signi cant milestone – the class of 2025 will mark the 100th graduating class since our establishment at the Dewey Avenue location, a testament to our enduring commitment to education. Stay tuned for a series of exciting events and commemorations planned for this monumental achievement. In addition, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new website on July 1, generously funded by a member of the class of 1976. e modern platform, designed in partnership with Edlio and spearheaded by our dedicated Director of Communications, Colleen Brett, promises to bring a dynamic and engaging online presence to our school. Featuring stunning visuals, including video and drone footage, comprehensive data, and an innovative design, our new website will vividly capture the essence of life at Aquinas. We eagerly anticipate your feedback as we unveil this signi cant upgrade. Alongside the new website, we are introducing a new tagline: College Prepared. Life Ready. ese four words encapsulate our core mission—to prepare students not just for college, but for all aspects of life. It’s a testament to the comprehensive education and formation that Aquinas provides. As I re ect on my rst year as President of Aquinas, I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance from our community. Together, we have reinforced our foundational values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, and we will continue to instill these Basilian principles in all who walk through our doors. e future on Dewey Avenue is indeed bright, and I look forward to connecting with even more of you in the coming year. ank you for your continued dedication and support. Aquinas Evermore, D E President President’s Letter 3
4 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024 As a Rochester local, I have always valued and appreciated the strong sense of community shown by Aquinas faculty, sta , students, families, and alumni throughout the years. My mom, Donna Damelio Brett, started the Aquinas Dance Program, so I was a frequent guest during her teaching years. I am so pleased to be working here at Aquinas. e sense of pride pulsating through these historic walls is more vibrant and alive than ever, and it is a sensation that extends far beyond the con nes of this 100-year-old building. During my six months as Director of Communications, I’ve been privileged to experience the essence of Aquinas through events such as Shamrock Week and our 100 Days Mass. I’ve felt the thrill and excitement of Aquinas sports, from the Mission Bouts to the Aquinas Girls Basketball Team’s Division V Championship. I’ve also cherished moments like chaperoning the eighth-grade retreat and attending the Dance Concert. As I’ve immersed myself in the environment, traditions, and practices of Aquinas, it has become clear that the people are the heart of this school. Aquinas is poised for a strong and vital future, and the future we are creating today is bright! Our tagline, “College Prepared. Life Ready” truly embodies our mission to instill Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, supported through gospel values, in all our students. But Aquinas is so much more than a college preparatory school. Yes, students have a 100 percent college acceptance rate. And yes, students will be well-prepared to take on higher education. But at Aquinas, we prepare students for more than a college degree. We prepare them for life. rough interviews with alumni, I’ve witnessed rsthand the transformative power of an Aquinas education. I am grateful to all those who shared their stories with me and am honored to share them with you now. In this issue of the Landmark, I’ve chosen to feature alumni whose lives were profoundly impacted by their time here. While these stories showcase their professional success, they also highlight the personal development fostered at Aquinas. I believe their stories represent hundreds of those who went to Aquinas and are now living their lives with Goodness in their character, Discipline for their cra , and Knowledge for the greater good of the community. is issue of the Landmark also dives into the creation of our new website, explores the importance of e Arts, and includes some familiar favorites like Alumni Notes, School News, Focus on Faith, and more. I am proud to say I work at Aquinas – I am proud to have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful alumni, parents, volunteers, friends, and families thus far – and I am proud of the dedicated faculty and sta I work with every day, a group of forward-thinking educators who propell our students forward. As we revel in sweet summer bliss, I hope this issue of the Landmark continues to sweeten your summer and excites you for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. All the best, C B Director of Communications A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
5 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2020 What’s News 5 new aq website What inspired you to take on this project with the Aquinas Institute? “I wanted to help tell the story of all that happens inside the walls of one of Rochester’s most storied institutions. Although I didn’t attend Aquinas, I always admired from afar and had many family members attend over the years. It was exciting to be a part of the Li’l Irish community.” How did you approach capturing the essence of Aquinas to ensure the videos accurately represented the spirit and culture? “My first consideration was figuring out what exactly to show. There is so much that happens at AQ: different events, games, ceremonies, and performances. I wanted to showcase everything, but to capture everything in a 60-second film was impossible. Our approach was to find the things that make Aquinas unique from other institutions, such as the nationally renowned Mission Bouts and exceptional dance program. “In addition, without the people and culture, none of these traditions would continue. So, highlighting the community and diverse student population was also an important consideration.” In your opinion, what sets this video apart from other educational institution videos? “Our approach was to create a sense of moving forward. There is a certain energy and momentum at the school right now and we wanted our footage to represent that progress while supporting the school’s values and beliefs.” Were there any unexpected surprises or discoveries while filming? “The most unexpected surprise was the way the gym transformed for the Mission Bouts. I had always heard of the Mission Bouts, but attending the event far exceeded any expectations I may have had due to the large number of attendees, the excitement, the level of talent performed by the boxers, and the support of the community.” Colleen describes her decision to hire Matt Spaull and his Team as a home-run: “I had all the faith in the world that Matt and his Team would deliver, but my gratitude extends beyond the deliverables. Working and collaborating with Matt and the Team was a true pleasure. I had a vision of what I wanted, and Matt was able to execute and produce it. He gave us more than a few videos and still photos; he told our story, which I am proud to now share with our community.” ABOUT Matt Spaull is a freelance film director specializing in ideation, directing, and editing. He received his Masters in Film & Animation from RIT, was a Student Academy Award Finalist, won three Cine Golden Eagle awards, eight Telly awards, ten Addy awards, and has worked with a collection of brands on various campaigns including Smash Burger, MDLive, Macys, and Foodlink Café. For more information on Matt Spaull, please visit www.matthewspaull.com. A behind the scenes look with lm director and creative storyteller, Matthew Spaull. Matthew “Matt” Spaull, a Rochester local, husband, father, and former Adjunct Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology, is no beginner when it comes to lm production. He was called upon to provide his expertise to create, direct, and execute a “day in the life” video to capture what it means to be a member of the Aquinas family. In addition to this 60-second video showcasing Aquinas students in their natural elements – learning inside classrooms, interacting with others in the hallways, attending Mass, participating in a er school programs, and playing sports – Matt also created three additional videos featuring testimonials from students, parents, and an alumnus, as well as one tribute video highlighting the Richard A. Corbett ’56 Aquinas Boxing Program and the Mission Bouts. Director of Communications, Colleen Brett, tells us why she hired Matt and his production Team, Parker Bement and Mike Martinez, to elevate the Aquinas story: “I’ve known the name Spaull in the Rochester community for some time now. His mom, Elaine Spaull, is a prominent leader and source of inspiration, currently serving as the Executive Director for e Center for Youth. So, besides Matt’s many awards and accolades he’s acquired for his lmography, coupled with having a power-house of a woman as his mom, I had a strong feeling he would be as determined and passionate as I was to bring the story of Aquinas to life… and he did not disappoint.” Making the Video Matt Spaull prepping for film In preparation for AQ Mission Bouts In preparation for the 100 Days Mass Ceremony Filming at the Varsity Softball game
new aq website FEATURED FILM: A DAY IN THE LIFE AT AQUINAS Dive into the daily experiences of our students with our featured film directly on our homepage when visiting www.aquinasinstitute.com. This video captures the true essence of what it means to be part of the Aquinas community, showcasing the vibrant and supportive atmosphere we cherish. TESTIMONIAL VIDEOS Hear directly from our students, parents, and an alumnus, through three powerful testimonial videos. We wanted to capture the unique perspectives and experiences that define our school community. By showcasing these diverse voices, we aim to highlight the enduring impact of an Aquinas education, demonstrate the unwavering support of our families, and celebrate the lifelong connection our alumni maintain with our institution. These testimonials provide a compelling and authentic narrative that underscores the values, traditions, and academic excellence that make Aquinas stand out. These videos can be found by visiting our homepage. RICHARD A. CORBETT ’56 BOXING PROGRAM As the only high school in the nation to have a boxing program, we created a video from the Aquinas Mission Bouts 2024 to showcase this unique and remarkable event. This video can be found by visiting our homepage and clicking on Student Life, Aquinas Boxing Program. ONE-STOP EVENT HUB Our new website offers a consolidated place to find both school and athletic events. This streamlined feature makes it easier than ever to stay informed and plan your calendar around important dates. You can find all events by visiting the homepage, scrolling down to Calendars, and clicking on Show All Events. You can also find specific links to our School Calendar and Athletic Calendar under the Quick Links tab. INTEGRATED SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS Stay connected with integrated social media feeds for the school, athletics, and alumni social media accounts. This feature ensures you won’t miss any updates, highlights, or announcements, keeping you engaged with real-time information. You can find this feed directly on our homepage, scrolling down to Follow Us, and clicking the arrow buttons to browse all feeds. RECENT NEWS POSTS Our Recent News section keeps you informed about the latest happenings at Aquinas. From academic achievements and athletic victories to artistic creations and community initiatives, you’ll stay connected with all the exciting developments at our school. You can find all Recent News by visiting our homepage, and scrolling down to Recent News. COMING SOON: NEW AQ BOOKSTORE We are updating the DiMarco Family Bookstore website to better serve the AQ community! Soon, you’ll be able to easily purchase Aquinas gear, school uniforms and more, all through our user-friendly online store. You can find the DiMarco Family Bookstore by visiting our homepage under Quick Links. MOBILE FRIENDLY Our new website is designed to be fully mobile-friendly, ensuring you can access all its features seamlessly from any device, whether you’re at home or on the go. PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT SIGN-IN You can still sign in to your parent, teacher, or student account the same way, located conveniently in the top navigation bar when you visit the homepage. QUICK LINKS Familiar favorites such as Morning Update, Parent Resources, AQ Forms, and Lunch Information are all easily accessible by visiting our homepage under the Quick Links section. Discover New Features & Familiar Favorites We are excited to announce the launch of our new Aquinas Institute website! Designed with our community in mind, this new platform brings a host of innovative features and enhancements while retaining the elements you love. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect: EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Don’t forget to check out our Employment Opportunities page for the latest job openings at Aquinas. Employment Opportunities can easily be found within the footer of our homepage. We invite you to explore our new website and take advantage of these exciting updates and reliable features. Our goal is to create a seamless online experience that keeps our community connected, informed, and engaged. Thank you for being a part of the Aquinas family! 6 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024
7 new aq website We extend our deepest gratitude to Ed Fiorentino ‘76 for his generous contribution and steadfast support of our new website. Ed’s dedication to Aquinas is truly remarkable, and his contribution has been instrumental in making our new website a reality. His sel ess commitment to our school’s mission and values extends beyond his involvement in the creation of our new website; Ed also serves on our Board of Trustees. While Ed prefers to remain humble and discreet, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for his invaluable support. Ed’s generosity has been instrumental in bringing our new website to life, and we are grateful for his continued dedication to the Aquinas Institute. Thank you, Ed! Ed Fiorentino serves as Executive Chairman of TerSera Therapeutics. Previously, he was TerSera’s Chairman and Chief Executive O cer from the company’s inception in 2016 through December 2023. Ed currently serves on the boards of TerSera Therapeutics, Senseonics, Clearbrook, and the Aquinas Institute. Thank You to Our Donor Ed Fiorentino ‘76 Our students and parents re ect on what Aquinas means to them… In the process of creating a new website, we interviewed students, parents, and an alumnus, to speak about Aquinas. e testimonial videos currently live on the homepage of our website – if you haven’t seen them yet, please take a look! For our students, being part of these videos was more than just sharing their experiences — it was a chance to express their relationship with the school and community. “I feel a strong sense of family at Aquinas. My teachers and parents support me, whether I am helping with administrative duties as an Advancement Intern, or running a race as a member of the Track & Field team,” said Dallis Jones ’25, featured on the Landmark cover and participant in our student testimonial video. Parents, too, were eager to share their perspective, highlighting the school’s commitment to excellence and the holistic development of each student. Janet Schaller, AQ parent, Aquinas Parents Association (APA) co-president, and active volunteer, spoke about how she believes Aquinas is preparing her kids for their future. “I was happy to speak about Aquinas. e school is important to us as parents because we wanted to send our kids to a place where faith and strong moral values are at the forefront of their education, and where the community is an extension of what we teach at home.” Colleen Brett, Director of Communications noted, “We didn’t tell our participants what questions would be asked prior to lming.” Colleen expressed her desire for wanting truthful reactions, “I wanted the conversations to be organic, and I wanted our participants, whether students or adults, to speak from the heart. In fact, some of the ‘precamera jitters’ only further validated to me just how much our AQ community cares about this school.” Peter Guelli ‘83, Chief Operating O cer for the Bu alo Bills and Bu alo Sabres, visited the school this past March for the Mission Bouts and graciously agreed to speak on camera about the school and why he continues to travel from Jersey to attend our AQ events a er all these years. In the video he states, “Aquinas is di erent. It’s real, it’s meaningful. I think the way they prepare you for life is special. It’s more authentic then maybe anyplace I’ve ever been before, and it’s why a lot of these relationships I’ve made here have lasted so long.” Beyond the words spoken, these videos capture the unwavering dedication of our community to uphold the values and mission of Aquinas. Whether it’s through academic achievements, athletic triumphs, or artistic endeavors, Aquinas instills in its students a sense of purpose and a drive to make a di erence in the world. As you navigate our new website, we invite you to watch these testimonial videos and witness rsthand the profound impact of an Aquinas education. We are immensely proud of our students, parents, and alumni for their unwavering support and commitment to the Aquinas family. Behind the Scenes: Voices of Aquinas AQ parent Steve Bell ’94 behind the scenes
“To all who are passionately dedicated to the search for new ‘epiphanies’ of beauty so that through their creative work as artists they may o er these as gi s to the world.” – Letter of his Holiness Pope John Paul II to Artists, 1999 the arts come alive Principal’s Message About the Fine & Performing Arts at Aquinas Ed Fiorentino ‘76 L-R: Brian White (Band), Andy Pratt (Vocal Music), Megan Barbour ’05 (Theatre), Wynton Rice (Dance), Matt Naber (Visual Arts), Kristie Schillaci (Dance), Lorin Easton (Chair, Visual Arts) Fr. J. Leonard “Bud” Cullen (Art and Drama 1950-1979), pictured with James Blackburn (taught at AQ and helped with the sets), and Helen Lopuchowycz (AQ parent) Fr. James Kelly, CSB (Drama Director 1983-1988) Mary Krickmire (2004-2017, Theatre) Jeff Wilson (Music/Choir/ Theatre 2007-2016) Donna Damelio Brett (Inaugural Dance Teacher) James Ferris (Music/ Band 1990-2010) Terrance Keach (Music/ Choir 1998-2006) From its inception, Aquinas embraced the importance of academic rigor and a holistic education, incorporating Fine and Performing Arts into its curriculum. Early programs in music, visual arts and theatre, laid the foundation for what would become thriving departments. In 2005, Aquinas expanded its o erings further by introducing its dance program to start the new millennium. As one of the few high schools in the Rochester area to provide such a comprehensive arts education, Aquinas remains dedicated to nurturing the creative passions of its students. roughout its history, Aquinas has been fortunate to attract visionary faculty dedicated to nurturing artistic talent. One such luminary was Fr. Leonard “Bud” Cullen, CSB, whose passion for the arts ignited the imaginations of hundreds of young men and women in drama, stage design, music, and art. Fr. Cullen’s emphasis on technique and self-expression within a classroom environment, and without a “cookiecutter” approach to curriculum, resonated with aspiring young artists. His legacy continues to shape the robust ne arts program at Aquinas today. Our arts faculty are, and have always been, working artists prepared to share their passion for art and creation with students. Aquinas has also celebrated many students who have gone on to careers in the arts as educators, performers, working artists, writers, curators, historians, technicians, and great appreciators. Studying the arts at Aquinas fosters creativity, collaboration, and empathy—qualities essential for success in any endeavor and certainly qualities that reinforce the Aquinas mission. Students who engage with the arts develop critical thinking skills, gain con dence in their abilities, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the world around them. e arts serve as a catalyst for social change, empowering students to explore complex issues and advocate for positive transformation. Aquinas’ commitment to community engagement is exempli ed through its arts programs, providing platforms for dialogue and expression. Whether a student studies dance, music, art, or theatre in the classroom or participates in one of the many co-curricular options, there is an opportunity to experience and create art that challenges the intellect and builds lifelong memories. As Aquinas looks to the future, its dedication to the arts remains unwavering. e school continues to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, recruit excellent faculty, and foster a supportive environment where creativity can thrive. With a history and tradition of excellence and innovation, Aquinas is poised to inspire the next generation of artists, musicians, and performers. e history of Fine and Performing Arts at Aquinas is a testament to the enduring power of creativity and expression and to the charisms of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. From its humble beginnings to its current stature, Aquinas has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing artistic talent and enriching the lives of students. rough the dedication of faculty members and the passion of students, Aquinas continues to cultivate opportunities for artistic expression and a profound understanding of the world around us. Aquinas Evermore, T M ’ Principal 8 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024
9 the arts come alive Cherished husband, father, and grandfather, Gerald Francis McGuire, known to all as “Jerry,” passed away on ursday, May 30, 2024, in his home at the age of 88, the same day the McGuire Anthology was distributed – a tting tribute to his memory. Jerry leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, humor, warmth and love, and he will be forever missed. e funeral mass was held at Aquinas in the omas F. Bell ’57 Auditorium on ursday, June 13, 2024. Friends, family, and the AQ community gathered to honor his legacy in a beautiful commemoration of a remarkable man. Honoring Gerald F. McGuire ’53 e McGuire Anthology is an art & writing magazine originally created in the early 2000s to showcase poems, short stories, artsy photographs, drawings, paintings, and a variety of other artwork from the Aquinas community. e magazine is named a er Gerald F. McGuire ‘53, who was inducted into the Aquinas Institute Hall of Fame in 1996. As an alumnus, teacher of English and Business, coach, and former Dean of Students, Gerald was very supportive of the arts and writing, and building up the Aquinas community. As of spring 2024, the magazine has been revived a er its last publication of over 20 years! Lorin Easton, Department Chair of Fine Arts/Visual Arts Educator, is thrilled to revive the McGuire Anthology magazine. Beyond the creative outlet it provides students, Lorin emphasizes that arts programs like these play a crucial role in shaping students’ futures. e skills learned through artistic expression—such as creativity, critical thinking, and communication—are invaluable and extend far beyond high school. ey prepare students for success in whatever path they choose, whether it’s furthering their education, pursuing a career in the arts, or simply enriching their lives with a lifelong appreciation for creativity. Lorin elaborates on her decision to bring back the magazine a er such a long absence: “I personally love using art and writing to build a sense of community, showcasing our individual and collective creative strengths. When I was in high school, we had a similar publication where students could submit their work. I remember feeling so validated when my poem and artwork were published. Seeing the drawings and written pieces from my classmates was inspiring; it sparked conversations that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Reminiscing on my time as a student, I began discussing with some of my AQ students about how we could foster community and connection through the arts. I also spoke with Mr. Mancini, AQ Principal, who provided two McGuire issues from the early 2000s and I instantly knew revitalizing the magazine could strengthen our bonds. e National Art Honor Society students are excited to modernize it with digital access and color printing.” Lorin envisions this magazine as a platform for students, teachers, sta , administrators, parents, and alumni to connect as a community through their submitted art and writing. Her hope is that it will become something that people look forward to, for both contributors and readers alike, inspiring creativity and fostering a sense of unity. “Art inspires us, gives us hope, and allows us to express ourselves in ways we cannot always put into words,” Lorin explains. “ e Fine Arts Department recognizes the impact all forms of art have on our students and community. We’ve witnessed athletes bene ting from dance classes, students evolving into leadership roles because of their engagement in our theatre and performing arts programs, shy students blossoming into talented musicians, and students destined for business leadership developing an appreciation for the role visual arts play in marketing and social media strategies. ere are so many ways the arts connect and enrich a community, and Aquinas empowers students to fully explore their creative potential through our Fine Arts programs.” The National Art Honor Society invites you to submit any art or writing to be included in the McGuire Anthology. The National Art Honor Society will organize and produce each annual issue. Parents, alumni, and friends of Aquinas are all welcome to submit their creative pieces for consideration, alongside other featured works of art. For any questions or artwork submissions, please reach out to Mrs. Lorin Easton at leaston@aquinasinstitute.com. Reviving the McGuire Anthology Support the Arts – Send Us Your Art & Writing!
Alexandria, goes by Allie and Alex, Alletto rst came to Aquinas as a freshman. Her parents, Pat and Linda, sent her rst to Siena Catholic Academy for middle school, now closed, but were excited for her to begin a new chapter at Aquinas. Although Allie had her reservations, originally wanting to go to Our Lady of Mercy because the majority of her middle school friends had transferred there, she says attending Aquinas was one of the greatest blessings God had graced her with. From the time she was born, Allie was always on the move, “I always loved to perform and be in front of people, so I thought, taking dance is the perfect excuse to get me away from a desk and out of my seat.” She had only ever danced from the ages of 3 to 8, but she needed an elective to take her freshman year and if it got her moving, her thought was, “sign me up!” What started as Intro to Dance, an elective course, quickly grew to her involvement in the Aquinas Theatre Program’s musicals and plays; Aquinas Athletics as a cheerleader and member of the Track & Field Team; as well as her active roles in Women’s Leadership and as a Peer Minister. Allie wanted to get involved with as many programs, extracurricular activities and sports as she could. She touts it was all because of her introduction to dance class. She describes the Aquinas Performing Arts Program as a community. A community that carried outside of the classroom. “Not only did we get to move and dance and ow and express ourselves, we all felt like we could tell our story. We all felt connected despite our di erent backgrounds. It was like, we all may be di erent – jocks, artists, writers, scholars – but when meshed in one space together, our talents and spirits intertwine. It was a safe space to feel accepted and to be seen. If I ever had a bad day, I’d come to class and my whole perspective would shift. It was an opportunity during my school day where I could just let go,” describes Allie. “The curriculum allowed for it too,” said Ms. Brett, Allie’s dance teacher and creator of the Aquinas Dance Program. “The beauty about the dance program was, you didn’t have to be an experienced dancer to take class. I had male and female athletes enroll because it would help them with their exibility. I had kids with no prior passion in dance take class and learn to love it. The program wasn’t just about the performance, it was an education. You were taught history, dance elements, how to use props, and how to collaborate with other students.” Ms. Brett worked at Aquinas from 2005 to 2017, and in her time, she worked with other teachers and sta from other departments. One year, she teamed up with Mr. Jim Shook, English Teacher, whose students wrote compelling entries that were then used as inspiration for the dance students’ creative pieces performed at the Dance Concert. She also collaborated with Ms. Virginia Malone, Art Teacher, whose students designed and created the long, painted silk used in Chasing Water. Allie attributes her accomplishments in life after high school to the Aquinas Performing Arts Program. Shockingly, she does not speak of the skills she acquired – which are quite amazing – but rather, on the level of con dence she gained, “I was taught how to grow a following in the dance and athletic community outside of the classroom. It opened the door to a new world of creativity and passion.” She became involved in projects and programs outside of school, rst as a dancer in the Rochester Fringe Festival to attending Stomp Performances downtown where she joined in on the fun. “The program gave me the tools, and in turn, I chose to use them.” After graduating, Allie studied dance at SUNY Brockport for two years before transferring to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She received a bachelor of ne arts degree (BFA) in dance with honors before journeying to New York City where she landed an audition for ClancyWorks Dance Company and got in. So, it was o to Washington, D.C. During her time in ClancyWorks, Allie explored human relationships, relevant social issues, cultural identity, and communication patterns within unique partnering and dynamic movement based on architectural constructs, physicality and empowering imagery. Today, she wears many hats, “I am a dance instructor for AutismUp! The organization supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families, by expanding and enhancing opportunities to improve quality of life. Although, I must admit, my students improve my quality of life tenfold,” shares Allie. “I teach students of di erent backgrounds, di erent ages, and di erent skillsets, but who all come to dance! I think Aquinas helped instill in me the true power dance can have on a person – dance is an outlet, a means of expression when we may not be able to express ourselves verbally.” Allie also teaches a variety of di erent classes at M/Body, is a member of 25 North Dance, and most recently, was named a Lululemon Ambassador. Staying connected in the performing arts and Rochester community after her time at Aquinas came easy to her. Allie has participated in the Rochester Red Wings Mindful Moments as a motivational speaker, has walked, or rather, danced her way on the runway during multiple Rochester Fashion Shows, and has participated in over ten Fringe Festivals, to name a few. “I don’t want to ever imagine my life had it not been for the Aquinas Performing Arts Program,” explains Allie. “It brought out a side of me that was lurking but in need of some direction. I’d like to tell Aquinas students to get involved in everything! Do all the things because you don’t know what you like until you try it. Always say yes, nothing is permanent. I’d like to tell them, you got this!” There’s no denying, Allie is a performer. Whether she is dancing on stage, teaching a class, or walking down the street in a strut with her pup Ozzie, dance ows freely through her body like an ocean wave. It was because of the dance program that she began to trust herself, that she could do hard things, that she could become comfortable in the uncomfortable. This perspective followed her through her time at Aquinas, enrolling in public speaking classes – something she was always afraid of – so that she could practice and become better. It followed her onto college, taking a leap of faith as she moved from Rochester to Philadelphia. And it continues to follow her in her adult life as she aspires to become a Peloton instructor, just one of the many goals she aspires to accomplish. YOU CAN FIND ALLIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @alex_alletto @allie.alletto Aquinas Performing Arts: Shaping Bright Futures How di erently do you think your life would be if you had never participated in the Aquinas Performing Arts program, or rather, if the program never existed? “I can’t even imagine. No, I don’t want to imagine.” ALLIE ALLETTO ’13 “The Aquinas Dance Concert was my Super Bowl.” ALLIE ALLETTO ’13 the arts come alive 10 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024
In case you missed it, this past fall 2023, the Aquinas Boys Varsity Soccer Team won the Class A State Championship! But their success doesn’t end there. e team was ranked #18 in the Nation by the United Soccer Coaches for their incredible season. e team was guided by Head Coach Joshua “Josh” Gleason ’94, who rst began coaching the boys’ soccer team in 2013. Coach Gleason attributes much of the boys’ remarkable success to their relentless work ethic, unwavering determination, and refusal to back down. While winning the state championship is a remarkable achievement, nishing the season undefeated at 20-0 is truly extraordinary. As Coach Gleason puts it, “ e 2023 Aquinas Boys Soccer Team will be remembered as one of the greatest teams in New York State history.” Get the inside scoop from Coach Gleason in this enlightening Q&A segment: How does it feel to achieve such a significant milestone as Head Coach? is really means a lot to me, not only as a coach at Aquinas but also as an alum and a parent. Having my son, LJ ’25, as our goalie adds an extra layer of meaning to this achievement. Can you share some key moments or highlights from the season that you believe contributed to the team’s success? is season’s success can be attributed to three key factors: 1) the exceptional character of our student-athletes both on and o the eld, 2) the phenomenal leadership provided by our seniors and, 3) we were lucky enough to have zero injuries. e boys were relentless in their pursuit for the championship, showing remarkable commitment to each other and to the team over the course of the three-month season. e State Championship is the reward for their hard work and dedication. How did you prepare the team both physically and mentally for the challenges of the season? No matter the sport, players need to be t. e boys spend a signi cant time in the weight room and the expectation is to come in day one ready to work. We have a philosophy that: physical tness breeds mental toughness. How did the parents and AQ community contribute to supporting the team on its journey to the state championship? e parents were instrumental in our support, not only for their own kids, but for the entire soccer program. ere was extensive involvement and planning, including pasta dinners, senior night celebrations, 7:00 a.m. practices with generous contributions of donuts and co ee, the Beach Run Breakfast, banquets, and the Ring Ceremony. I am truly grateful for the positive support. What characteristics or values did you see in your student athletes that you believe contributed to their success? We have a motto that we created more than 10 years ago, “Believe in a good thing.” We understand that challenges can arise both on and o the eld, and trying to nd balance with academics and athletics can be overwhelming at times. However, when the going gets tough, we reinforce to the boys to “Believe in a good thing,” and good things will happen. It’s an honor to wear the Aquinas jersey, and it is our responsibility to represent ourselves well, both on and o the eld and in the community. Can you describe the team’s camaraderie and how it influenced their performance? is senior class shared a strong bond. eir “all in” attitude had a profound impact on the team, inspiring all the boys to upli and support one another. is sense of brotherhood has been building over the years. Were there any particular challenges the team faced during the season, and how did they overcome them? In past seasons, we faced challenges that prepared all of us as players and coaches for the 2023 season. While we were aware of our talent and potential for success, our primary focus remained on achieving our goals. e greatest challenge we encountered was executing our talent and abilities on the eld. Finishing the regular season undefeated gave us signi cant momentum heading into the postseason. How do you think winning the state championship will impact the team and the school moving forward? From 2000 to 2006, the Aquinas soccer program, encompassing both the boys’ and girls’ teams, set the gold standard for soccer in our community. However, there came a time when we lost our way. It had been since 2006 that the boys program won a sectional or state championship, despite coming close. Along the way, we have built an identity and distinct style of play here at Aquinas that resonates strongly within the soccer community. Our program is unique in that we are preparing our student athletes to play at the collegiate level. In fact, we have ve players committed to playing in college: Charlie Sorensen ‘24 at Division 1 Bucknell University, Ali Shabani ‘24 and Alfonso Vito ‘24 at SUNY Geneseo, Nicola Costa ‘24 at Keuka College, and Carter Wegman ‘24 at Nazareth University, where he’ll have the opportunity to play both soccer and lacrosse. For those serious about balancing academics and athletics, and aspiring to play at the collegiate level, there’s no better place than Aquinas. Is there a message you would like to share with the Aquinas community, parents, and supporters in light of this achievement? When I rst became Head Coach at Aquinas, my goal was to restore the program to its former glory. e groundwork laid by previous coaches Gary and Joe LaPietra was instrumental in establishing the foundation of Aquinas Boys Soccer. ere are many former players that undoubtedly deserved a sectional or state championship, but for whatever reason, we fell short of our goals. e 2023 team, achieving a perfect 20-0 record as State Champions, ranked #1 in the state and #18th in the nation, is a testament to all former Aquinas soccer alums. We share this accomplishment together, and have something to be proud of when discussing Aquinas Soccer. Let’s all “Believe in a good thing.” AQUINAS BOYS SOCCER: FROM STATE TRIUMPH TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION PHOTO BY JOSH GLEASON athletics in action PHOTO BY AIDAN KRAUS 11
For the first time in 20 years, an Aquinas soccer player has been named All-American. Ali Shabani ‘24 received the prestigious First Team All-American title from the United Soccer Coaches for his outstanding performance during the 2023 soccer season. Selected as one of only 80 high school soccer players from across the US, Ali’s achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. He joins the ranks of Keith Manscuk ‘03 and Mike Compisi ‘88 as the third player from the Aquinas boys’ soccer program to earn this esteemed honor. Having served as a five-year starter for the Li’l Irish, Ali had an impressive record of 29 goals and 61 assists throughout his soccer career. However, it is not only his athletic prowess but also his exemplary character that sets Ali apart. Described by Coach Gleason as a “humble kid who works hard and recognizes the importance of leadership both on and off the field,” Ali embodies the values of sportsmanship and dedication. Ali’s journey to success is particularly inspiring. His parents are originally from Congo, but due to country unrest, Ali was born in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe before moving to Rochester at the age of eight. As a young child, Ali’s passion for soccer remained unwavering as he recalls playing soccer ever since he could start walking. In fact, his uncle would send him money from America to buy toys, and Ali’s choice was always a soccer ball. Playing with friends every day, soccer became more than just a game for Ali—it was a source of joy and connection. One of the more difficult things about moving was knowing he wouldn’t get to spend time with his friends doing what they all loved. Fast-forward to his time at Aquinas, Ali acknowledges the pivotal role soccer played in his life, transforming from a childhood pastime into a platform for personal and athletic growth. He attributes much of their success to Coach Gleason, as well as to the strong bond and chemistry among his teammates, emphasizing their collective effort and determination. Earning All-American came as a surprise to Ali as he describes it as, “an added bonus on top of our biggest accomplishment, winning States.” Beyond the field, Ali cherishes the memories of camaraderie shared with his teammates. As Ali prepares to embark on a new chapter at SUNY Geneseo, he expresses gratitude to his friends, teachers, and Coach Gleason for their support and guidance. As we bid farewell to Ali and the 2023-2024 boys soccer team, we wish them all the best in their future endeavors, confident that they will continue to excel both on and off the field. Ali Shabani ’24 Receives All-American Recognition “We take pride in our Section V Championship, but our sights are set on more. Next year, we aim for a State Title. Falling just short of our 2024 goal, our focus for 2025 is on that one extra game.” MARK LORIA, HEAD COACH OF THE GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM Mark Loria has been Head Coach of the Aquinas Girls Varsity Basketball Team for the past eight seasons. Under Mark’s leadership, the team won Sectionals in 2018 and this past school year, the team took home a Section V Championship. As the youngest team in Section V, without any senior athletes, it was quite the achievement but also required dedicated e ort. “I am incredibly proud of what the girls accomplished this season,” Mark re ects. “But to really appreciate this accomplishment, you need to understand our journey. As a team, we had to go through many valleys to get to the base of the mountain. And I mean a lot!” e girls started their season with an impressive 5–0 record before facing some adversity. According to Mark, the season could have gone in one of two ways. To their credit, the team fought through some pretty tough challenges. “I think it was around game 10 where we really started to come together. We went on to win our next 14 straight games until we reached the State Semi-Finals. I knew we had the talent to win, but to become a championship team you need more than talent alone. It takes trust, hard work, humility, and the ability to persevere despite challenges. What do you think were the key factors that contributed to your team’s success this season? “ e biggest factor was the girls owning their roles as players. Molly O’Toole ’25 and Loren Green ’27 became our two biggest o ensive threats, both earning rst-team All Greater Rochester honors. ey are undoubtedly the two best shooters in Section V, and Loren can do it all: shooting, driving, and nishing. AJ Orr ’26 and Jade Harvey ’27 also stepped up their o ensive game becoming more assertive mid-way through the season. Defensively, we became more dynamic, allowing us to adjust our defense to counter opponents. AJ is a major threat for teams defensively, as is Jade, who is a tremendous rebounder. Samiyah Wright ’25 developed into a phenomenal player on both ends of the court, while Julianna Nkugwa ’26 showed continuous improvement as a shooter and defender. roughout our season, I witnessed improvements in all our players as we grew into a cohesive team.” What role did teamwork and camaraderie play in the team’s success this season? “Teamwork was huge! ey learned to trust each other, which allowed them to work seamlessly together on the court. ese girls are young, but they fear no one. It’s one of the qualities I admire most about them.” Mark also credits much of the girls’ success to the immense support from the Aquinas parents, coaches, and community. We are incredibly proud of our girls’ basketball team. It takes great respect for your teammates, belief in yourself, passion for the game, and a commitment to show up ready to work – at practice, in school, and at home – that make exceptional players… all traits our girls embody. A special thank you to Mark and all the coaches for their leadership and unwavering support, both on and o the court. We can’t wait to see what the 2025 season will bring, our bet is that we’ll make it to, “one more game!” SECTION V CHAMPS AND THE TEAM’S QUEST FOR ONE MORE GAME 12 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2024 athletics in action
13 In the 1942 lm Casablanca, Arthur “Dooley” Wilson sings, “ e fundamental things apply as time goes by,” a quote cherished by Bob Gibbons ’65. Bob is a storyteller. With three books to his name, a history of writing during his time in the US Army, a distinguished tenure as an editor at Kodak spanning 40 years, and his current project, Becoming Aquinas, Bob’s storytelling prowess transcends mere writing. But Bob says he wasn’t always a writer. During his time at Aquinas, he sampled a little bit of everything. Did you participate in any extracurriculars at Aquinas? My goal at Aquinas was to sample a bit of everything the school had to o er. I played drums, and for a brief time, I participated in the Aquinas Marching Band. I was editor of the Arete, my senior yearbook. I was a member of several clubs. I went to all the football and basketball games. During my junior and senior years, I served proudly as student manager of the track & eld team, helping to keep score and set up equipment at various events. Outside of school, I was in a rock band with my friends and even performed at an Aquinas pep rally. It was important to me to get involved in di erent things so that I could test out what I liked and what I didn’t like. You’ll never know what interests you until you try it. Bob credits Aquinas for not only providing him with a solid education, but for instilling in him the fundamental skills, that he believes, have shaped his life. How did your experience at Aquinas impact your life after high school? So many of the facts and formulas, information we memorize, and technology we use in school will be out-of-date not long a er we graduate. But the fundamentals and values we learn including how to read more widely, listen more closely, write more creatively, think more clearly, and treat people more gently, will never change. ey’ll serve us forever. I don’t remember any of the classroom speci cs. I don’t remember dates or certain events. But that’s okay, because what did stick with me were the fundamentals of life. Every school is going to teach you the core subjects and the facts, but Aquinas gives you something more! At this age, when you are trying to gure out who you are, it’s great to go to a school that helps you do just that, and helps you gure out your values. Bob went on to receive his bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame in 1969. Although Bob had planned to pursue a career in international marketing, he found he liked to write and started gravitating towards jobs that involved writing. Roughly two weeks a er graduation, he joined Eastman Kodak and ended up writing just about everything, including newsletters, audiovisual programs, movies, advertisements, commercials, and so much more. Can you describe how writing became such a big part of your life? When my bosses at Kodak wanted to create a newsletter but couldn’t nd anyone to write it, I saw an opportunity and volunteered. I thought, “Hey, if I can get good at this, it could be fun.” I did become quite pro cient, but my life took a di erent turn when I was dra ed into the US Army in March of 1970. I recall fellow soldiers in the Army approaching me, saying, “You’re a writer, right?” Struggling with imposter syndrome, I initially denied it. However, it wasn’t long before I found myself working as a journalist in the Army. Over my two years of service, I was honored to receive three CONARC Copy Desk Awards for Excellence in Army Journalism (during that time, about one in every thirty- ve hundred Army journalists won a Copy Desk Award – Bob had won three while writing and editing for Veritas). Following my service in the Army, I returned to Kodak and was appointed as the company’s chief speechwriter for the CEO and President, a position of considerable responsibility. To enhance my skills, in 1989, Kodak sent me to the Newhouse School at Syracuse University where I obtained a master’s degree in Communications. Surprisingly, my thesis paper turned out to be unexpectedly enjoyable. I completed it in just a week and a half, a task I never imagined would be so ful lling. Bob had lived in Rochester most of his life. It wasn’t until 1994 when Kodak relocated him, his wife, and their three children to California. ere, he managed public relations and marketing for Kodak’s movie business in Hollywood. Bob had the remarkable opportunity to attend numerous Oscars and Emmys, and he even had the privilege of meeting celebrities such as Steven Spielberg and Bob Newhart. Your time in Hollywood sounds glamorous… did you enjoy it? I was never really into the celebrity lifestyle. I recall a photographer snapping pictures of me and Spielberg, asking how many copies I wanted. I couldn’t see the point and thought, “What am I going to do with them?” However, I did have the pleasure of meeting Bob Newhart, a stand-up comedian I admired at the time. One night, we spent hours chatting about life. It was the exchange of stories and the opportunity to re ect on life that I found most enjoyable. Bob wrote his rst book, Notre Dame Class of 1969: Commemorating Our 50th Anniversary with three other classmates, John Hickey, Gary Campana, and Dave Sim. John suggested they compile some posts they had all written from the Class of ’69 blog, add some new material, and put it all together as one book on their class history. When the book proved popular, they decided to write another. It wasn’t until around 2017 that Bob wrote this third book. Growing Up on Oriole Street: A Rochester Boyhood and Beyond is a book comprised of the notes and chapters Bob originally planned to leave behind for just his three children and ve grandchildren. What started out as just a big blue binder of notes intended to pass on to his family when he passed, took an unexpected turn and grew into this rst book he wrote by himself. is book truly captures Bob’s passion for storytelling. In one of its chapters, he wrote about his four years at Aquinas. alumni news spotlights Robert (Bob) Gibbons ’65: THE FUNDAMENTALS NEVER CHANGE
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