25 Since 2018, our seniors don’t end their high school careers with Regents exams — they end with something far more meaningful: the Aquinas Capstone. This year, the Class of 2025 once again demonstrated what it truly means to be AQ Proud, presenting Capstone (Legacy) Projects that not only impressed but inspired. These studentled initiatives weren’t just academic presentations — they were reflections of who our students have become. Rooted in the Basilian values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, Capstone projects are a culmination of years of academic, emotional, social, and spiritual development. The Capstone process begins long before senior year — in fact, it starts the moment a student steps through our doors. Over the course of their Aquinas journey, students engage in reflection, research, planning, and purposedriven action. Each year builds toward this final project, with written components, applications, outlines, and reports supported by faculty and guided by Mrs. Ashley (Popham) Gionta ’06, Capstone Coordinator and Science & Technology Department Chair. By senior year, students have developed a wide range of real-world skills — from public speaking and research to critical thinking, collaboration, and goal setting. On Capstone Day, students presented their work in a symposium-style setting, welcoming faculty, staff, alumni, peers, and family to share in their learning and passion. This year’s projects tackled everything from mental health in athletics, sound therapy, and youth advocacy, to community service initiatives like supporting animal shelters, raising adoption awareness, and even constructing a custom motorcycle from scratch. And the impact of Capstone doesn’t end with graduation. One recent alumnus returned to campus to share how the Capstone project changed the trajectory of his life. Through the process, he learned how to network, communicate, and advocate — skills that directly led to a competitive internship and opened doors for his future career. Stories like this are proof that Capstone is far more than an assignment — it’s a transformative experience that leaves a lasting legacy. Congratulations to the Class of 2025. Your dedication, creativity, and heart have left a mark on Aquinas. We can’t wait to see the legacy you’ll create in the world beyond our walls. AQ CAPSTONE 2025 Ruby Smith – How To Build a Motorcycle Evan Brock – How I Made My Debut EPI Addison Murphy – Balancing Athletic and Academic Life Frances Pogroszewski – Funrdraising for Parismina Aidan Benoit – Website Design Gia Rosato – How To Support Breast Cancer Patients Chenxi Sheng – Chinese Art Giuliana Schaller – Social Media’s Impact on Teens Dallis Jones – Find Your Calm Ireland Carangelo – The Impact of the Irish Lily Bell – The Importance of Dental Health Shane Hoyt – Welding Sophia Sherron – Community Cookbook Avarey Moran – Animal Shelter Fundraiser
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