31 On June 6, beneath clearing skies at the historic Eastman Theatre, Aquinas celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026. After a rainy start to the morning, the clouds parted, creating a beautiful backdrop for a day filled with gratitude and reflection. Principal Ted Mancini ’88, P’26 recognized the resilience of a class whose first year at the middle school was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet persevered through every challenge. He highlighted the more than 13,000 hours of community service completed by the class, more than $13 million in scholarships earned, and reminded graduates that their greatest accomplishment is not simply what they achieved, but the people they have become, the relationships they have built, and the connections they have made. Salutatorian Preston Vu ’26, who will attend St. John Fisher University, and Valedictorian Michael Fahoury ’26, who will attend the University of Rochester, both thanked God and reflected on the supportive community that prepared them for the next chapter. Distinguished Alumnus Jurij Kushner ’68, P’96 reflected on the many crossroads graduates will encounter throughout their lives. As they prepare to begin their next chapter, he encouraged them to lean on their faith, their families, and the values instilled during their time at Aquinas. The lessons learned and relationships formed here, he said, will continue to guide them long after graduation. Commencement speaker Marty Kennedy ’74, P’06 brought both humor and heartfelt advice to the stage. After joking that he relied on “Aquinas Intelligence” rather than AI or artificial intelligence to help write his speech, he reminded graduates that Aquinas is something they carry with them for life. He encouraged the Class of 2026 to be grateful—even for life’s setbacks—stay curious, listen and continue learning from others, and never lose sight of the school and community that helped shape them. As diplomas were conferred and the Class of 2026 joined the ranks of more than 21,000 Aquinas alumni, one thing was clear: the bonds formed at Aquinas will continue to connect this class for years to come. A special thank you to Mrs. Lorin Easton, Fine Arts Department Chair, for beautifully capturing these memorable moments. To view the full commencement photo gallery or to watch the ceremony on YouTube, visit our website. Celebrating the Class of 2026
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