33 wishing for something and working toward something—recognizing that real change requires e ort, intention, and perseverance. The circle concluded with a hands-on project, The Advent Star of Hope, where students wrote down a hope for the world and one word describing how that hope could be realized. Using markers and crayons, each student created a star that now hangs in their classroom. They serve as visual reminders that small acts of care and service can ripple outward in powerful ways. The pride they took in their work was evident, and the engagement, thoughtfulness, and creativity they displayed were truly remarkable. MORE TO THE COVER The cover photo for this issue of the Landmark beautifully captures the essence of a GDK Circle. Soft, natural lighting highlights the sense of community and re ection, symbolizing the light of faith and the hidden stories that ourish within our school. While the photo was staged in our Martin J. Calihan ’45 Chapel, it re ects what truly unfolds in classrooms each month. The student participants fully engaged with December’s theme during the photoshoot, connecting, listening, and sharing stories just as they did that Monday morning. During the photoshoot, it took a few moments for the students to loosen up—Aniyah Smith ’30 even cracked a few jokes that had everyone laughing, a small but powerful reminder of the joy and friendship that naturally emerge in these circles. Once they settled in, the group began to share more freely. Bella Muratore ’26 set the tone beautifully, o ering her own re ections on what it means to be a light for others and gently encouraging the eighth graders to share their own. Their willingness to open up, even with a camera just inches away, speaks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere Core Team leaders work hard to create. Their re ections carried a quiet yet powerful energy—a spark that I was lucky enough to witness. THE HEART OF AQUINAS Through GDK Circles, we are reminded that small, intentional moments—listening, re ecting, supporting, and sharing—create a ripple e ect of faith, kindness, and understanding. It is within these circles that hidden stories emerge, revealing the true heart of Aquinas. Thank you to our two Core Team members and six eighth-grade students for participating in our photoshoot: Brody Lennox ’26, Bella Muratore ’26, Anna Hall ’30, Grace Mass ’30, Gabriel Napolitano ’30, Luke Rackmil ’30, Schirra Reed ’30, and Aniyah Smith ’30.
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