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
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