Linden Gawronski ’28 journeyed to Glasgow, Scotland, to compete in the Irish Dance World Championships over Easter break, returning triumphant with a globe in hand! She secured an impressive 4th place globally and 1st place in North America in the under 14 age group out of 159 dancers. Linden, a dancer at the Rochester Academy of Irish Dance, proudly brought home the school’s first-ever globe. On behalf of our AQ community, Congrats Linden! Linden Gawronski ’28: Achieving Global Success focus on faith “It was my time to say ‘yes’ to God. I said ‘yes’ to God by receiving my Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Con rmation with the Aquinas community in support of me.” MEGAN ALEXANDER ‘24 Megan Alexander has had a remarkable journey at Aquinas. Arriving as a freshman with minimal religious background, Megan’s transformation into a devout Catholic by graduation is a testament to her resilience and faith. “Growing up, I wasn’t much a believer in Christ. Looking back now, I realize my lack of belief wasn’t because I was against Christianity; I was simply uneducated,” Megan re ects. On March 21, 2018, Megan’s father lost his year-long battle with cancer. Megan never thought she could heal from it. Learning about Jesus’ teachings, Megan began to believe that her father was not taken from her, but rather, he was given to God. Megan expresses, “Attending Aquinas has altered the way I think about Jesus and religion as a whole. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of who God is and what He represents. I have learned how to praise God, and I’ve experienced His presence in many ways.” Transitioning to Aquinas as a second-semester freshman was challenging. Initially apprehensive about tting in at a Catholic school, Megan found her place. Excelling academically, she became involved in the Mission and Ministry Core Team and Women’s Leadership. Her hard work led to acceptance into the Nursing program at Niagara University, with an array of impressive scholarships including the NU Trustee’s scholarship. Her perception of religion continually evolved through eology class. “As I began reading Bible passages and learning about the Catholic faith, I grew to love it. So much so, that by my junior year, I made the decision that I wanted to convert to Catholicism,” describes Megan. Jodi Schott, Director of Mission & Ministry, wholeheartedly supported Megan’s desire to convert, and played a pivotal role in facilitating her baptism, rst holy communion, and con rmation during a Mass celebrated by Fr. Kevin Manara, C.S.B, PATH TO FAITH FEATURING MEGAN ALEXANDER ’24 37 that was a rst for the entire school and Aquinas community. “It was a true joy to work with Megan to help her prepare for and receive her sacraments of initiation,” Jodi expresses. “From the rst moment Megan told me about her desire to join the Church, I felt the Holy Spirit at work, and knew that we had such a profound opportunity to witness Megan’s faith journey. Megan’s faith journey and reception into the Church is a true witness to who we are as a Catholic school and a testament to the Basilian motto, ‘Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.’” As Megan prepares to step into a new chapter of her life, she is con dent in her faith. “I believe my faith will continue to evolve while keeping me grounded. It helps knowing that no matter what I go through, whatever challenges I face, God is with me every step of the way,” Megan declares with conviction. “As I embark on a new journey of possibilities, I know that I have God’s support and I am right where He wants me to be.” Megan’s story has le a lasting impact on the Aquinas community. ough she will be missed here, her story will continue to inspire others to follow their path of faith.
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