26 school news Aquinas Boxing Earns National Spotlight Sometimes the best Aquinas stories begin with a simple connection. Earlier this year, Matthew Pomara, Co-Founder and Vice President of Ark Technology Companies, Inc. and boxing writer for NYFights.com*, connected with Aquinas through LinkedIn after being introduced to the school by fellow Aquinas alumnus Michael Compisi ‘89. Intrigued by the rich history and unique tradition of the Richard A. Corbett ‘56 Boxing Program – one of the most distinctive and enduring traditions at Aquinas – Pomara reached out to learn more. After speaking with longtime coach Dom Arioli ’73 and current Co-Head Coaches Henry Kaester ’09 and Josh Leonardo ’10, Pomara captured the heart of what makes the program so special in his feature article, The Sweet Science Survives at the Aquinas Institute. The story highlights more than just a boxing program. It celebrates a tradition that has connected generations of Aquinas students, alumni, coaches, and families for nearly a century. From Coach Dom’s 45 years of leadership to the passing of the torch to two former fighters turned coaches, the program is a powerful example of how Aquinas connections continue to shape lives long after graduation. The article itself came to life because of the Aquinas network. What began with an introduction from an alumnus led to the sharing of a story that now showcases one of Aquinas’ most cherished traditions to readers far beyond our campus. Scan the QR code and read the full article online about the history, philosophy, and enduring legacy of the Aquinas Boxing Program. *NYFights.com is a legitimate and respected boxing media outlet that covers boxing, MMA, and combat sports across the United States and internationally. It is not just a local New York publication despite the name. 26 AQUINAS LANDMARK | SUMMER 2026 Coach Dom Arioli ’73 with Co-Coaches Henry Kaester ’09 and Josh Leonardo ’10 Members of the 94th Mission Bouts gather around the ring with Mike Davis ’95 as MC for the night Aaron Hilton ’31 with coaches Aarika (Kaester) Miller ’13 and Coach Mike Quinlan ’95 Dom Marcello ’29 vs. Charlie Doell-Lewis ’26 with Tim Kelly as referee Harrison Gawronski ’25 vs. Jake Lagana ’28 One of the many ways Aquinas students, alumni, parents, and friends stay connected is through the sharing of their talents, stories, and creative expression. Originally launched in the early 2000s and revived in the spring of 2024, the McGuire Anthology is Aquinas’ annual art and writing magazine—a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and student voice. The publication is named in honor of Gerald “Jerry” McGuire ‘53, a beloved English and Business teacher, coach, former Dean of Students, and a 1996 Aquinas Hall of Fame inductee. A passionate supporter of the arts at Aquinas, Jerry passed away on May 30, 2024, the same day the newly revived McGuire Anthology was distributed after more than 20 years. Each edition of the McGuire Anthology features an inspiring collection of photography, poetry, short stories, drawings, illustrations, and paintings. Organized and produced by the National Art Honor Society (NAHS), the magazine serves as a vibrant platform for artistic expression within the Aquinas community. We welcome contributions from students, alumni, parents, and friends of Aquinas. If you’d like to share your creative work or inquire about purchasing a copy of the magazine, please contact Mrs. Lorin Easton, Department Chair of Fine Arts, at leaston@aquinasinstitute.com. To view The McGuire Anthology 2026 and past issues, scan the QR code! The McGuire Anthology 2026
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