THE STORIES WITHIN THE CIRCLE 32 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2026 focus on faith At Aquinas, community, re ection, and faith are at the heart of everything we do. One of the signature initiatives that brings these pillars to life is our GDK Circles—a program launched by Director of Mission & Ministry, Mrs. Jodi Schott P’29 & ’32, in the 2022–2023 school year to foster meaningful connections among students while deepening their engagement with our Basilian values. GDK Circles o er students a chance to pause, re ect, and strengthen their relationships in an increasingly fast-paced world. Held once a month, each circle is planned and facilitated by our Mission & Ministry Core Team, also established by Mrs. Schott in the 2022–2023 school year. This dedicated peer ministry group of high school students serves as faith role models, develops leadership skills, and cultivates a culture of acceptance and inclusion. These circles are living expressions of our community’s commitment to empathy, respect, and service. Through guided discussions, re ective activities, and intentional conversation, students listen deeply, are heard fully, and support one another on their personal and spiritual journeys. DECEMBER’S GDK THEME = WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR: BUILDING GOD’S KINGDOM On Monday, December 1, students gathered for a GDK Circle Day to re ect on how acts of love, kindness, and service can help build God’s Kingdom here and now. As Director of Communications, I had the opportunity to sit in on Mrs. Melissa Clark’s P’31 sixth-grade homeroom GDK Circle, led by Core Team members Grace Clark ’28 and Kiernan Wo ord ’29. They did a fantastic job guiding the conversation and helping the students feel comfortable opening up, especially since the sixth graders are brand new to the school and still getting used to GDK Circle discussions. The students genuinely seemed to enjoy this time to freely share in a comfortable, supportive setting. Everyone was respectful, and many participated—even Nick Shannon ‘32 who had lost his voice at a hockey game over the weekend found a way to express himself, writing his answers on paper so that his voice could still be heard. Because Core Team members stay with their assigned homeroom for the entire school year, a meaningful bond forms between the older and younger students. Grace and Kiernan even brought in Ridge Donuts—a small gesture that showed just how much they care about their group and how much they enjoy seeing these sixth graders smile. The session began with students sharing their hopes for the year. Responses ranged from personal goals like“to get better at math,” “to get stronger,” “to get good grades,” to ways they hoped to brighten someone else’s day, including one student who shared, “to make a stranger smile.” Next came the question: “How can we be like stars for each other?” Students responded with thoughtful examples of kindness and encouragement: “be respectful,” “cheer for someone even if they lost a game,” “give a compliment,” and “just talk to someone so they feel seen and heard.” Another student, Ryan Powers ’32, mentioned that he regularly helps the homeless with his family, donating jackets and food. Students then explored the di erence between
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