alumni events & news to Aquinas. Janet has been a devoted supporter of the school for decades, enthusiastically volunteering and participating in countless Aquinas activities while encouraging each new generation to embrace the Aquinas experience. Joseph J. Valentino ’90 (Sheila) participated in soccer, basketball, baseball, and track & field while at Aquinas. Their children include Norah ’24, a member of the National Honor Society who participated in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse; Thomas ’25, a member of Aquinas’ New York State Championship soccer team; and Elizabeth ’27, a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and the soccer and lacrosse programs. Christian Valentino ’91 (Kathy) excelled in soccer and basketball while at Aquinas. Their children, Anna and Zachary, continue the family’s proud tradition of achievement. William “Tad” Valentino ’94 (Michelle) participated in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and numerous school activities before returning to Aquinas as an assistant soccer coach, helping mentor studentathletes and contributing to multiple Section V and New York State championship teams. Their children include Bennett ’23, a National Honor Society member and Golden Boot Award recipient in soccer, and Emmy ’25, who served on Student Council, competed in varsity soccer and lacrosse, and received awards for community service and citizenship. Nicholas Valentino ’95 (Jill) earned recognition in soccer, track & field, and the Mission Bouts while at Aquinas. Their daughters, Madelina “Lena” and Josephine “Jozy,” continue the family’s legacy. The Valentino family’s enduring commitment to Aquinas stands as a remarkable example of how faith, family, and service can shape a school community across generations. NOEL D. BATEMAN ’06 Athletics Throughout Aquinas’ storied athletic history, few runners have enjoyed a career as distinguished as Noel Bateman’s. A member of the Class of 2006, Noel established himself as one of the premier distance runners in New York State while helping elevate Aquinas cross country and track to new heights. A twelve-time varsity letter-winner and two-year captain of the cross-country team, Noel excelled in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. His senior season was one of the finest ever produced by an Aquinas runner. After winning his second consecutive Section V Cross Country Championship, he captured the 2005 New York State Class B Championship before advancing to the prestigious Foot Locker National Championships, where he finished fourth in the nation as the top finisher from New York State. Along the way, Noel also earned 2005 First Team Foot Locker AllNortheast honors in cross country and became an All-American in the 2,000-meter Steeplechase competing in the 2005 Nike Outdoor Nationals. He won five Section V Indoor Track championships, claimed numerous outdoor sectional titles, and concluded his high school career with the 2006 New York State Championship in the 3,000-meter Steeplechase, setting the NYSPHSAA record in the event with a time of 9:02.56. Though that state record has been broken, his time still stands today as the Section V record in the event. Noel continued his running career at Iona College before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. His success continued on the national stage as he finished fourth at the U20 National Cross Country Championships and represented Team USA at the 2007 World Cross Country Championships. Away from competition, Noel has dedicated his career to serving others. He began as a volunteer firefighter in 2018, was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021, and now serves as a career Fire and EMS professional for multiple municipalities in south-central Wisconsin. Reflecting on his time at Aquinas, Noel credits biology teacher and track coach Mr. Mooney for fostering both his love of science and his development as an athlete. He also fondly remembers the 2002 victory over McQuaid that ended the Knights’ remarkable 31-year dual meet winning streak—a defining moment in Aquinas cross country history. His advice to today’s students is to embrace every opportunity Aquinas provides, step outside their comfort zones, and become well-rounded individuals, never knowing where those experiences may lead. JENICA (SCHMIDT) NUCCITELLI ’00 Athletics For Jenica (Schmidt) Nuccitelli, Aquinas provided the foundation for a lifetime of excellence, leadership, and service. A member of the Class of 2000, Jenica distinguished herself as one of the finest student-athletes to wear the Li’l Irish uniform. She earned four varsity letters in soccer, competed in varsity gymnastics and varsity indoor track, participated in yearbook, and served as a student ambassador. During her remarkable soccer career, Aquinas captured four consecutive Section V Championships (1996–1999) and advanced to three New York State Finals. Individually, Jenica was a two-time All-Greater Rochester First Team honoree, was twice named to the All-State Team, and was selected to the Private Parochial Team for four consecutive seasons. In the 1998 NYS Championship Game, she was named the Most Outstanding Player, and won Empire State Games gold medals in both 1998 and 1999. Jenica’s winning legacy was not limited to the soccer field, as she also helped capture the 2000 Section V Indoor Track Championship while graduating in the top five percent of her class. Jenica continued her success at the University of Rochester, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in Health & Society and Psychology before completing a Master of Science degree in School Counseling. A fouryear starter on the soccer team, she helped lead the Yellowjackets to UAA and ECAC championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, and earned both All-UAA and Academic All-Conference recognition during her collegiate career. Today, Jenica is proud to be a stay-at-home mother and dedicated volunteer, investing countless hours in her children’s schools, clubs, and athletic teams. She and her husband, David Nuccitelli, Aquinas Class of 1999, have three children: Nathan, Lucas, and Taylor. Reflecting on her Aquinas experience, Jenica credits the coaches, teachers, and administrators who supported her growth, especially Coach Gary Paige, whose demanding yet encouraging leadership inspired her to always give her best. She also remembers with gratitude the late Dick Crone, who worked tirelessly to establish a gymnastics program so she could compete in Section V competition. Jenica’s story exemplifies the lifelong impact of an Aquinas education and the enduring values of perseverance, excellence, and community. 22 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2026 Continues on page 23
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