28 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2025 focus on faith Rooted in Faith, Ready to Lead A story of how four seniors will carry their belief beyond the halls of AQ and into the world. At Aquinas, faith is not simply something students learn — it’s something they live. It is practiced at the altar, discussed in theology class, nurtured in Campus Ministry, experienced in Core Team*, and carried into hallways, classrooms, and relationships. For seniors Chris O’Neill, Addy Murphy, and twins Paige and Rachael Henry, faith has not only defined their high school experience — it’s shaped their futures. These four graduates embody what it means to walk with purpose. Grounded in the Basilian values of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, each has embraced their Catholic faith in a unique and powerful way — and all are committed to living it long after they leave 1127 Dewey Avenue. *The Mission & Ministry Core Team, established in 2022 by Mrs. Jodi Schott, Director of Mission & Ministry, is a group of highly motivated high school students who serve as faith role models, develop and utilize leadership skills, and promote a culture of acceptance and inclusion for our AQ school community. The Core Team organizes retreats, assists with Masses and prayer services, engages in service projects, and more. CHRIS O’NEILL: A LEGACY OF MINISTRY For Chris O’Neill, Aquinas has been more than a school — it’s been a sanctuary where his faith took root and flourished. A proud altar server since the 8th grade and a founding member of the Aquinas Core Team, Chris’s dedication to faith-based service earned him the Reverend Vincent F. Corbelli, MM, ’51 Endowed Scholarship for excellence in Theology and the Diocese of Rochester’s Hands of Christ Award. “Faith at Aquinas has been life-changing, and I will never forget how strong my faith got here.” His deep commitment began long before high school. Baptized as a baby, Chris received all his sacraments early and has served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of his parish council. A moment of special joy came when he was asked to be the godfather to his younger brother. Now, Chris heads to St. John Fisher University to study early childhood education — and to continue his ministry. “I want to build a new legacy at Fisher just like I did at Aquinas,” he says. “I’ll teach kids to believe in themselves and to find faith in hard times — because that’s what mine has done for me.” Chris is eager to pursue a career in education, where he can continue living out his values by helping children learn and grow. His passion for teaching began at the Perinton Rec Center, where he taught swim lessons — and it runs deep in his family, with multiple generations of educators before him. For Chris, becoming a teacher isn’t just a profession; it’s a continuation of his ministry — guiding the next generation with patience and encouragement. ADDY MURPHY: QUIET STRENGTH, LOUD FAITH Faith for Addy Murphy is deeply personal — shaped by a loving family, quiet reflection, and the example of everyday kindness. At Aquinas, that foundation blossomed into leadership, especially through the influence of her Theology teacher and Core Team leader, Mrs. Jodi Schott. “With her constant love and support, she helped me become a better Catholic and a faith leader in our community.” Addy credits Aquinas with giving her the confidence to live out her values. “Faith is now part of my identity,” she said. “Aquinas helped me grow not just intellectually, but spiritually.” That spirit of service will shine this summer as she becomes a counselor at Camp Stella Maris — a full-circle moment for someone once shaped by the same camp. Addy credits her readiness for this role to her experience on Core Team, which helped strengthen both her leadership and her faith. “Aquinas prepared me spiritually and emotionally for what comes next—not just by teaching Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, but by living those values every day,” she said. “Through service, school Masses, and daily prayer, I learned to lead by example. Those experiences gave me confidence in who I am—not just as a student, but as a person.” And while she’s excited for new adventures, she carries her faith as a compass. “Whether it’s through prayer, volunteering, or just showing kindness,” she said, “I want my actions to reflect my faith. It’s something I was raised with, and now it’s something I’ve chosen to make my own.”
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