Issuu

NEWS FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL

THE DUMB OX

AQUINAS AT

SPRING/ SUMMER 2025 EDITION

TABLE of

contents

Letter from The Executive Director

highlights and updates from the Executive Director of School Development

Meet the Alumna Behind The Dumb Ox: Lacey Tello ’01

An inside look at how Lacey Tello ’01 brings stories of Aquinas alumni to life, weaving her passion for family, faith, and community into every edition of The Dumb Ox.

Bridging Worlds: Aquinas Introduces American Sign Language to Its World Language Lineup

Highlighting the launch of Aquinas High School’s ASL program, this story explores how students are embracing a new language that fosters communication, inclusion, and cultural understanding.

Opening the Stage: Aquinas Performing Arts Hosts Its First Sensory-Friendly Musical

Aquinas Performing Arts breaks new ground by presenting a sensory-friendly production of Willy Wonka, creating an inclusive theater experience that welcomes audience members of all abilities.

Aquinas High School Commencement: Celebrating the Class of 2025 A joyful look back at the graduation ceremony honoring the Class of 2025, highlighting their achievements, traditions, and the next steps awaiting Aquinas’ newest alumni. 1

TABLE of Sports Wrap-Up

contents 18

A season highlight reel celebrating Aquinas athletes, showcasing standout performances

Making Waves: Aquinas Aquatics on the Rise

An inside look at the rapid growth of Aquinas’ swim and water polo programs, celebrati

2025 La Riviere Scholarship Recipients

In honor of Fr. La Riviere, this article celebrates the students awarded La Riviere So

Aquinas & USD: Promise in Partnership

Shared Roots, Global Impact: Two Aquinas Alums Transforming Urban Design

Exploring the Torero Promise program, this story highlights the unique partnership between Aquinas High School and the University of San Diego that expands access and opportunity for graduates.

This feature profiles two Aquinas alumni whose careers in landscape and urban design are shaping skylines and public spaces around the world, while staying connected to their Falcon roots.

Class Notes and In Memoriam

Updates from classmates

letter from the Executive Director “While our faith is at the forefront of all we do, the piece of our soul that makes Aquinas what it is, has always been the teachers.” Welcome to another school year at Aquinas. In this issue we will have a chance to look back at the end of the 24-25 school year as well as some of the current happenings on North Sterling. This current year has already been full of excitement, most notably our Holy War Games. You will have a chance to read all about this wonderful day in our next issue, but this issue we are focusing on, not only our future, but our past. Aquinas turns 70 years old this year and it has been so exciting to look back at some of the milestone events and people that made Aquinas what it is today. While there are many fascinating stories throughout the following pages, there is one piece that stands out more than the others. We all know that over Aquinas’ seven decades many wonderful teachers have passed through these hallways and impacted over 6000 graduates. While our faith is at the forefront of all we do, the piece of our soul that makes Aquinas what it is, has always been the teachers. The ability to attract and retain qualified and impactful teachers is always an uphill battle, but we are aiming to fix that. The Commitment to Teaching Excellent Campaign will raise money to establish an endowment to directly fund raising teacher salaries and Aquinas has committed $400,000 to match all donations made! Please follow the link located inside to learn about this amazing opportunity. It is almost unbelievable to think that I have been her for onethird of Aquinas’ lifetime, and I can say that it has been an honor of a lifetime! Please enjoy this newest edition of The Dumb Ox. St. Thomas Aquinas...Pray for Us! Dr. Chris Barrows Executive Director of School Development Aquinas High School

AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL Voted Best Private High School & Best Catholic School 2025 14 Years in a Row!

Meet the Alumna Behind The Dumb Ox: Lacey Tello ’01 Aquinas Through and Through

f you’ve opened your mailbox, or your inbox, and found The Dumb Ox, the Aquinas alumni magazine, chances are you’ve seen the work of Lacey Tello ’01. Since 2021, Lacey has been behind the scenes, gathering stories, celebrating milestones, and keeping alumni connected through the publication. “I love hearing the stories and successes of our alumni after they leave Aquinas,” Lacey shares. “They do truly remarkable things with big hearts, and being part of sharing those stories is a gift.” Lacey’s connection to alumni work goes back further. She first returned to Aquinas in 2014 as Alumni Coordinator and Assistant to the President. But as her family grew, her role shifted. After the birth of her firstborn son, Sammy, in 2017, she moved to part-time. Later, in 2020, her family joyfully adopted her daughter, Maisie. Not long after, she stepped back again when she and her husband welcomed their youngest son, Noah. Through all those seasons, The Dumb Ox became a meaningful way for her to remain connected to Aquinas while putting family first. “Even with all those shifts, I’m so thankful Aquinas worked with me so I could stay connected,” she reflects. “My family has always had to come first, and the school’s support through every season has meant the world to me.” Now, with her youngest a little older, Lacey continues to shepherd the magazine while also supporting alumni engagement and reunions. But to her, it’s about more than events or publications. “Aquinas has been such a special part of my journey. The family environment here is like no other, and it’s what makes this community so special.” This fall, she’s especially excited to welcome alumni to the Alumni Zone at Homecoming. Whether reconnecting with classmates or meeting her for the first time, Lacey hopes you’ll stop by, share your memories, and celebrate the next chapter of your Falcon story.

Bridging Worlds:

Aquinas Introduces American Sign Language to Its World Language Lineup

hen Amanda Crabtree steps into her classroom at Aquinas High School, her hands speak volumes. This fall, Aquinas became one of the few Catholic schools in the region to offer American Sign Language (ASL) as a world language and the enthusiasm is contagious. Principal Amanda Egan says ASL has been on the school’s radar for quite some time: “All students learn differently. Offering ASL allows students who do not grasp other languages the opportunity to thrive and qualify for a four-year university. Also, a huge piece is the ability for our students to communicate with people in the community who are nonverbal,” she explains. “A student even came around with a petition last year to add the course. I could not deny that passion.” Egan calls the class “a true reflection of Aquinas’ mission to live Gospel values and be compassionate, loving, and accepting of all people—including the Deaf community and those with learning differences.” For Crabtree, who has interpreted professionally for eight years, ASL is much more than vocabulary. “I see ASL as a bridge between two worlds that I regularly cross,” she says. “I want more hearing people to cross that bridge and build connections, relationships, and understanding. Aquinas is the perfect place to implement an ASL program and teach eager students.” Her own journey with ASL began in childhood when her best friend’s sister, who is Deaf, inspired her to learn. “God led me here,” she says. “It is an honor and a blessing to do the work that I do.”

Students are already putting their skills into action. Just weeks into the semester, 50 students are enrolled, signing songs in the hallways, interpreting for fun, and preparing to perform two worship songs alongside the choir at Grandparents’ Mass on September 12. “They are excited to interpret,” Egan shares. “Many of our students are kinesthetic learners, so they are engaged. It’s exciting because they can apply what they’re learning to real life in real time.” Crabtree agrees: “ASL is not just a language—ASL is Deaf culture. My students are amazing, and I’m so proud of their willingness to perform so early in the year.” Crabtree has long interpreted at church services, from her mentorship at St. Catherine’s in Riverside to her current work at Church of Christ in Beaumont. She believes ASL beautifully complements Aquinas’ Catholic identity: “ASL compliments faith beautifully and functionally,” she notes. Egan echoes that sentiment: “Students should learn sign language to include all people in the conversation—especially those who are marginalized for any reason.” Plans are already underway for Deaf community members to attend Grandparents’ Mass, for guest speakers to visit the classroom, and for a potential field trip to the California School for the Deaf, Riverside. A student ASL club may also emerge as the program grows. Crabtree uses a mix of in-person practice, her YouTube channel, and video dictionaries to make the visual, spatial nature of ASL come alive. “ASL is rarely two-dimensional,” she explains. “It takes interaction and immersion to master.”

6 8

Egan sees the program as preparation for life beyond high school: “We like to be innovators, but at the end of the day we just want to serve our students. They asked for the class, and they are thriving in it.” Crabtree hopes her students carry forward not just a new skill but a deeper compassion: “I want them to develop a desire for inclusion for all people, not just people like them,” she says. “And to understand that every person has a different life experience—some of them very difficult.” With eager hands signing in the halls and a community rallying behind them, Aquinas’ newest world language is already proving its power to connect hearts, embody Gospel values, and build bridges between worlds.

Students practice ASL under Mrs. Crabtree’s guidance.

Mrs. Crabtree leads students in an engaging ASL lesson. 9

Mrs. Crabtree demonstrates ASL signs in class. 6

o t d e t t i m m o C quinas Teaching Excellence Endowment high school

Aquinas is committing up to $400,000 in matching funds for any donation to the Committed to Teaching Excellence Endowment. This initiative is designed to ensure our teachers receive salaries competitive with public schools while continuing to provide students with the most supportive and mission-driven Catholic educational environment. Every gift you make will be matched, doubling your impact in honoring our teachers and strengthening the future of Catholic education at Aquinas. Use the QR code below to make your gift today.

Opening the Stage:

Aquinas Performing Arts Hosts Its First Sensory-Friendly Musical

his spring, the Aquinas Performing Arts Center made history with its first-ever sensory-friendly production—a relaxed performance of Willy Wonka designed to welcome audience members with autism or sensory sensitivities.

When the drama department needed to select a spring musical during a leadership transition, Director Mr. Armando Duenas, then serving as department chair, chose a beloved family classic. “We wanted a familiar story that would excite students and families,” Duenas explained. “By casting our partner-school students in the lead child roles —not just as ensemble members—we hoped to draw as many young performers to auditions as possible.” The relaxed performance featured thoughtful adjustments: house lights never went completely dark, music and microphone levels were lowered, and strobe effects were minimized. Audience members were encouraged to move around or take breaks if needed, and intermission was extended. “Several of our staff members have children on the spectrum—my stepson Eric, and Dr. Reed’s son Nate, an alumnus—so this was personal,” Duenas shared.

Sweet treats at the Willy Wonka sensory-friendly show.

“We also know many Aquinas families are affected. We wanted to dedicate a performance just for them” Performers embraced the changes with grace. Because the tech crew programmed lighting cues during rehearsals and the cast had experienced ambient noise during practice, the students were unfazed by unexpected movement or sound in the audience. “We reminded them that their openness could make theater a joyful place for kids who usually can’t stay for a whole show,” Duenas said. After the curtain closed, families approached the cast and crew with heartfelt gratitude. Parents spoke of finally being able to watch their children experience theater without fear of disruption. Duenas became emotional sharing one personal highlight: “Eric is nonverbal and usually lasts 20–40 minutes before he needs to stim or step out. That night, he stayed for the entire show, dancing to the Oompa-Loompa numbers. I cried telling the cast what that meant.” Dr. Reed, attending one of his final productions before retirement, also expressed how much the environment would have meant to his son. The team’s reflections underscored how powerful simple accommodations can be.

A big thumbs-up for Aquinas’ relaxed performance! 12

The success of this event has opened the door for more inclusive performances. “This was only the beginning,” Duenas said. “We’re exploring the idea of a dedicated children’s relaxed show for future seasons. Including performers on the spectrum means ensuring our audiences feel equally welcomed.” A Message to Alumni To Aquinas alumni everywhere, the Performing Arts team offers this takeaway: as awareness of sensory needs grows, Aquinas is committed to making the arts a place for everyone. “Even if our show touched just one person, that’s all that matters,” Duenas reflected. “Theater should be a space where every child and every Falcon family, feels at home.”

AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL Support Falcon Athletics

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Aquinas High School Commencement:

Celebrating the Class of 2025

On May 31, 2025, the Aquinas High School community gathered under the evening sky for a momentous celebration—the graduation of the Class of 2025. At 6:30 p.m., 135 Falcons proudly walked across the stage, cheered on by family, friends, and faculty, marking the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and faith-filled dedication. This year’s commencement carried special significance as the keynote speaker was none other than Aquinas alumnus Dr. Charles Jr. Chidi Ohaeri ’05. His inspiring words reminded graduates of the enduring values instilled at Aquinas and challenged them to lead lives of service, integrity, and excellence as they step into the next chapter. Honoring Excellence: Salutatorian & Valedictorian The ceremony highlighted the incredible academic accomplishments of two extraordinary student leaders. Salutatorian: Anthony Champin Anthony achieved an impressive 4.75 GPA, earning distinction as an AP Scholar with Distinction. A fouryear member of the Engineering Academy, he was recognized among the Top 2% of graduates in San Bernardino County. Anthony excelled not only in the classroom but also as a member of Varsity Track and Esports, and his dedication extended through service in both the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation. This fall, he will continue his academic journey at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, as part of the Honors College.

Valedictorian: Ethan Agustin Ethan graduates with a remarkable 4.82 GPA and a near-perfect SAT score of 1550. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, Vice President of CSF, a member of NHS, and a devoted leader in Campus Ministry. A four-year member of the Engineering Academy, Ethan represents the very best of Aquinas’ commitment to faith, scholarship, and service. He will begin his studies this fall at the University of California, Los Angeles. A Night to Remember From the opening prayer to the last tassel turned, commencement was filled with moments of joy, reflection, and celebration. Each graduate carried forward not only academic success but also the values and community spirit that define Aquinas. As the sun set on Reisch Stadium, it rose on new beginnings. The Class of 2025 now joins the distinguished network of Aquinas alumni, ready to make their mark on the world.

AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL

Class of 2025 Snapshot – Ready to Soar!

SPORTS WRAP UP Spring Sports Round-Up Spring at Aquinas High School brought thrilling performances, history-making moments, and plenty to cheer about as our Falcons soared across the diamond, court, and pool. Baseball Our Falcons took the field with grit and determination, battling their way into the CIF First Round. Their relentless spirit and teamwork made for an exciting season and set the tone for what’s to come. Softball Aquinas Softball proved once again why they are a powerhouse program. The team advanced all the way to the CIF Semifinals, showcasing their trademark toughness at the plate and in the field. Their deep postseason run highlighted both veteran leadership and the promising future of the program. Boys Volleyball History was made this spring as Aquinas Boys Volleyball advanced to the CIF Quarterfinals for the first time in school history! This milestone marked a huge leap forward for the growing program, and the Falcons left a strong impression on the court with their energy and competitive fire. Girls Swimming The Aquinas Girls Swim Team turned heads across the region with a season for the record books. Comprised of five freshmen, the Falcons scored enough points to finish runner-up at CIF Division 4, an extraordinary feat for such a young squad. Their success led to Coach Loren McCoy being named Coach of the Year by the Press-Enterprise News Group. The season’s most distinguished performance came from standout swimmer Regina Estrada, who captured three CIF Championships — two in individual freestyle events and one as part of the 200 medley relay. (Stay tuned for a full feature article on this historic swim season in the next section!) 18

Making Waves: Aquinas

Aquatics on the Rise

A Beloved Teacher, Mentor, and Friend at Aquinas High School For much of Aquinas history, swimming wasn’t a presence on campus. The first Aquinas swim team debuted in 1996, but after a short run, the program went quiet. It wasn’t until 2010 that swimming resurfaced, slowly gaining traction. Now, just over a decade later, Aquinas Aquatics has transformed into one of the school’s most exciting and fastestgrowing athletic programs. The Spring 2025 season was historic for Aquinas swimming. Both the men’s and women’s teams captured the Ambassador League Championship, only the second league title in school history for the sport. But the real headline came from the girls’ program. A small but mighty group of five freshmen delivered one of the strongest postseason showings Aquinas has ever seen, finishing as CIF Division 4 runners-up. 19

Leading the charge was Regina Estrada, who captured three CIF championships—two individual titles in the 200 and 500 Freestyle, and one as part of the 200 Medley Relay team. She was joined by teammates Mayla Martinez, Ellie Devine, and Bella Lira in the relay victory that secured Aquinas’ spot on the statewide swimming map. The team’s success earned Coach Loren McCoy the honor of being named Women’s Coach of the Year by the Press Enterprise News Group, a recognition of both the talent and dedication fueling the program. What’s perhaps most exciting is that this is only the beginning. All five standout freshmen are already back in the water, training year-round with Victory Aquatics and aiming to make an even bigger splash this upcoming season.

The boys’ team is also stocked with talent, with projections showing they could finish in the top three at CIF Division 4 this year. And yet, all of this success is being achieved without an Aquinas pool of our own. The Falcons train at Arrowhead Country Club’s six-lane pool—built more than 65 years ago —making their rise even more impressive. Swimming isn’t the only aquatic sport gaining momentum. The boys water polo program, only a couple of seasons old, has already shown strong performances and is quickly establishing itself as a contender. Even more exciting, plans are underway to launch a girls water polo team in the near future, a development that will expand opportunities for Aquinas student-athletes in the pool. From its first team in 1996, to a rebirth in 2010, to today’s league championships, CIF titles, and the promise of new teams on the horizon—Aquinas Aquatics is a story of resilience, determination, and rapid growth. With young talent, dedicated coaching, and an expanding vision for the future, the Falcons are proving that their place in the water is only just beginning.

LARIVIERE SCHOLARSHIPS & TEACHING EXCELLENCE 2025 Four high achieving students and an inspiring teacher were among many who were honored recently at the Aquinas High School end-of-school term Awards Night. These four students entering their Senior year of high school were spotlighted for not only their academic accomplishments but also their outstanding character. Avid learning and solid citizenship are the qualities that are recognized and celebrated with a LaRiviere scholarship.

Siobhan Sanders

Andres Chaldea

Lianna Pasimio

David Martinez

LaRiviere Teaching Excelence award was presented to Aquinas HS faculty member Khiarra Ward Mrs. Ward has consistently demonstrated the qualities that reflect her dedication to her profession, is an excellent communicator and inspires each student to perform at their very best.

Khiarra Ward Father Earl LaRiviere was a Jesuit trained priest who taught at Aquinas High School from 1959 to 1969. He was a larger than life presence in the classroom and his booming voice kept students on the edge of their seats. Father Earl had very high expectations for his students and inspired each to perform at their very best. Many former students credit Father LaRiviere with instilling in them an appreciation for learning and the importance of a solid work ethic. These qualities have served each well during their adult lives.

For more information visit www.larivieresociety.com

Aquinas & USD PR I PA OM ‌ R ‌ T N IS NE ‌ E‌ RS ‌ HI ‌ P ‌

As Aquinas High School celebrates its 70th anniversary, we reflect on a legacy that reaches back to the earliest days of Catholic education in Southern California. That story begins with Bishop Charles Francis Buddy, the first Bishop of San Diego, whose vision gave birth not only to the University of San Diego (USD) but also to Aquinas High School here in San Bernardino. Today, through the Torero Promise, his legacy continues to open doors for Aquinas students to pursue higher education at the very university he helped create.

Appointed in 1936, Bishop Buddy oversaw a vast diocese that stretched across San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The Diocese of San Bernardino would not be established until 1978, which meant that in Aquinas’s earliest years, Bishop Buddy was its shepherd and guiding force. Bishop Buddy was a visionary who believed in building Catholic institutions at every level. In San Diego, he worked with Mother Rosalie Hill of the Society of the Sacred Heart to establish the San Diego College for Women and the San Diego College for Men, institutions that later merged into In those formative years, Bishop Buddy was not simply a distant figurehead, he was actively what is now the University of San Diego. At the groundbreaking ceremony in 1948, Bishop Buddy involved in ensuring the school’s stability. He donated $1,000 to establish a scholarship fund, declared USD would be a place “where truth will oversaw the budget, and even made difficult be fearlessly taught.” decisions about athletics, directing the school to At the same time, Bishop Buddy recognized the suspend interscholastic competition until urgent need for Catholic secondary education in sustainable funding could be secured. the Inland Empire. On June 15, 1954, at St. Bernardine’s commencement, he announced that a His leadership ensured that Aquinas weathered new Catholic boys’ high school would open in San challenges like transportation shortages, tuition debates, and the absorption of students from the Bernardino. That vision became reality in September 1955, when Aquinas Hall opened with shuttered Newman High School in 1958. Ultimately, Aquinas grew into a coeducational 49 freshmen students. Bishop Buddy personally institution in 1971, carrying forward Bishop blessed the new school on November 11, 1955, Buddy’s legacy of opportunity and inclusivity. linking Aquinas’s mission directly to his broader vision for Catholic education. Decades later, the bond between Aquinas and the University of San Diego was strengthened again through the Torero Promise. Launched in 2017 with five Catholic high schools in the Diocese of San Diego, the program guaranteed admission for qualified students and committed to meeting 100% of their demonstrated financial need. In 2019, the program expanded to include three additional schools in Riverside and San Bernardino counties: Aquinas High School, Notre Dame High School (Riverside), and Xavier College Prep (Palm Desert). This expansion was historic — it extended USD’s promise of access and affordability to students in the very region where Bishop Buddy had planted the seeds of Catholic secondary education. 23

University leaders launched the Torero Promise because they recognized that many talented Catholic high school students were already highly qualified for USD but faced two significant barriers: the increasingly competitive college admissions landscape and the high cost of tuition. By guaranteeing admission and committing to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, USD removed those obstacles. The program gives families confidence that a USD education is not only possible, but accessible. At its heart, the Torero Promise reflects USD’s mission to support students educated in Catholic high schools, ensuring they have a clear pathway to continue their formation in a faith-filled environment at the university level. From Bishop Buddy’s blessing of Aquinas in 1955 to today’s thriving Torero Promise partnership, the story has come full circle. Aquinas students continue to benefit from the same vision of Catholic education that shaped both our high school and the University of San Diego. As we celebrate 70 years, we honor Bishop Buddy’s role in our history and look with pride to the future, where more Falcons will soar from Aquinas to USD, carrying forward a legacy built on faith, education, and opportunity.

TORERO PROMISE By the Numbers Since the partnership began, Aquinas students have taken full advantage of the Torero Promise. Each year, more Falcons have been offered admission to USD, reflecting both the strength of our academic programs and the aspirations of our students: Fall 2019: 4 students Fall 2020: 3 students Fall 2021: 13 students Fall 2022: 22 students Fall 2023: 12 students Fall 2024: 21 students Fall 2025: 11 students In total, 86 Aquinas students have been offered acceptance to USD under the Torero Promise since 2019.

Shared Roots, global Impact: Two Aquinas Alums transforming urban design Few Aquinas connections span continents and decades the way Sean O’Malley (’80) and John Shreve (’81) do. Once teammates on Aquinas’ starting basketball five, their paths diverged after graduation—only to reconnect on the world stage of urban design. Both men achieved the rare feat of earning graduate degrees in Urban Design from Harvard’s prestigious Graduate School of Design, a program that accepts fewer than ten U.S. students per class

Looking back, Shreve reflects that Aquinas was where he first discovered the value of being challenged “intellectually in the classroom, physically on the court, socially in the quad, and spiritually in the chapel.” He credits Father Andre, the campus chaplain, for awakening his dreams and encouraging him to apply to Notre Dame, where he studied architecture and art history. O’Malley, meanwhile, found his inspiration in the San Bernardino mountains that framed his childhood home across from campus, instilling a lifelong love of landscape and design.

For O’Malley, the reward is knowing his work will outlive him: “To design places that people will enjoy for generations —that’s what keeps me going.”

If O’Malley designs the connective tissue of cities, John Shreve focuses on the architecture of gathering places. His career with Populous, the world’s leading sports and entertainment design firm, has included marquee projects such as Yankee Stadium, the Sphere in Las Vegas, and the upcoming Buffalo Bills stadium. Shreve’s career highlight reel also includes the 2022 Dubai World Expo, where he helped shape an Sean O’Malley’s journey took him from Cal Poly Pomona to Harvard, architectural icon that posed bold and then to SWA Group, where he questions about humanity’s has served as Managing Principal of future: “How do we live in harmony with our planet? How the Laguna Beach office for two do we prepare for what’s next?” decades. His philosophy is clear: “What connects us is what we should design first—the framework Closer to home, Shreve is proud of a city that stands for hundreds of to be working on the 10,000-seat Great Park Amphitheater in years.” O’Malley’s projects range Irvine—a project that has brought from global city master plans to him full circle alongside his Southern California parks: Aquinas teammate, Sean Great Park in Irvine, a O’Malley. “It’s always fun to transformative cultural and watch our clients and colleagues ecological hub now under marvel at our back-and-forth construction. bantering and wacky humor— Jeffrey Open Space Trail, a seven-mile linear park beloved tapping into the same chemistry that we developed on the in Irvine. basketball court at Aquinas High Bashi Island in China, a twoSchool.” mile river island designed to flood 50 feet annually while sustaining a living forest. Master planning work for new capitals in Russia, Saudi Arabia, and China.

On the Great Park project, O’Malley and Shreve complement one another’s strengths: O’Malley leading the master planning, Shreve shaping the amphitheater experience. O’Malley credits Shreve with pushing the design team to think beyond performances, considering how the amphitheater could serve the community every day. Their approaches are rooted in authenticity. “One of the most difficult aspects of design to solve is the quality of authenticity,” Shreve explains. “If I’ve done my job right, the places we create become sources of civic pride— open to everyone, where people forge memories and maybe think differently about themselves and the world.” Both O’Malley and Shreve remain connected to Aquinas. Distinguished Alumni honorees, their names sit side by side on the school’s recognition wall. Their Aquinas connection came full circle in 2024, when O’Malley was honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the school’s Scholarship Dinner. That night, he met Sofia Casillas-Holowatz, a current senior who shared her interest in pursuing architecture and urban design. Sofia remembers: “After the dinner I walked up and introduced myself, asking if I could intern at his office. 26

LookHe agreed, and the next week I toured his studio in Laguna Beach. Soon after, I began my internship.” During her time at SWA, she contributed in meaningful ways: gathering concept images for clients, creating a cataloging system for office supplies, and even developing design ideas for a project in Irvine. “My highlight was redesigning a business center parking lot into outdoor office recreation space,” she says. More importantly, the experience gave her clarity about her future: “I had been torn between landscape architecture, urban design, and architectural engineering. After the internship, I knew—I want to pursue urban design and landscape architecture. It helped me make one of the biggest decisions of my life.” Sofia also cherished the culture of O’Malley’s office. “Lunch breaks were my favorite part. Sitting outside with coworkers from around the world, I learned about Indian schools, Chinese birthdays, Argentinian traditions. It was such a fun and eye-opening experience.” O’Malley beams when speaking of her contributions: “When I was her age, I’d never have had the guts to do what she did—she’s far more talented than I was.”

Future designer at work—Sofia at SWA, where ideas take shape on the walls.

Hands-on learning: Sofia’s desk at SWA, where she worked on concept images, site designs, and client presentations.

For O’Malley and Shreve, their stories demonstrate the reach of an Aquinas education—courage to take risks, curiosity to pursue the unknown, and a commitment to give back. Both have built global careers, yet both return to their roots—Sean by mentoring a current Falcon, John by reminding students that their world is both small and vast. “The Irvine project that brought two kids from San Bernardino back together is proof that it’s a small world,” Shreve says. “But it’s also a big one, endless in its possibilities. For young Aquinas students, I’d say—pause, take a breath, and take the leap. The adventure awaits.” 27

From teammates on the court to visionaries shaping cities, their journeys show how Aquinas instills not just knowledge, but the drive to make an impact—locally, nationally, and globally.

6 1.Great Park Irvine Veterans Memorial (Rendering, SWA / Sean O’Malley) 2.Great Park Irvine Cultural Terrace West (Rendering, SWA / Sean O’Malley) 3.Shunde New City (SWA / Sean O’Malley) 4.Future Buffalo Bills Stadium (Populous / John Shreve) 5.The Sphere, Las Vegas (Populous / John Shreve) 6.Dubai World Expo (Populous / John Shreve) 7.Student Design – Sofia Casillas-Holowatz, Aquinas High School Senior (Summer internship with Sean O’Malley at SWA) 8.Student Design – Sofia Casillas-Holowatz, Aquinas High School Senior (Summer internship with Sean O’Malley at SWA)

CLASS NOTES Discover the latest updates from fellow alumni in our class notes section—. Your story matters too! Contribute and keep the connections alive by submitting your updates for the next issue.

Robert Marzullo

‘68

I am now 75 years old and am now OFFICIALLY RETIRED

Melissa Face

‘86 29

Teacher for 29 years Currently teaching 2nd grade at Branch Elementary School Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation Board Member Married to Scott Face for 33 years 2 children- 30 year old daughter and 22 year old son.

Lisa Avila (Ramos)

‘08

Welcomed a healthy baby boy, Liam Avila, with husband Edward Avila.

Kevin Wenclewicz

‘10

My wife (Stephanie, also c/o 2010) welcomed the birth of our first child, Matthew Thomas Wenclewicz, on April 25. Yes, we chose Thomas in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas!

Evelyn Atencio

‘23

I just graduated with my bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in communications

Emily Donson

‘23

I’m currently studying biology with an emphasis in premedicine and graduation next year, in three years instead of four. I’m also currently discerning religious life, to see if I am called to be a religious sister.

Julliette Gayton

‘24

Barely a year after graduating from Aquinas, Gods plan is so beyond what I could have imagined! I was selected as one of only 10 undergraduate students throughout the nation to attend Harvard University to conduct stem cell research through the Harvard Stem Cell Institute! As a current sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, I am pursuing studies in Neuroscience and Behavior on the path to medical school and am in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. My plan is to become a physician and hopefully make an impact to many people throughout the nation and give back to my community of San Bernardino. I am in the blue blouse and white skirt in the photo!

In Memorium In Loving Memory of Coach Sixto Gonzalez

The Aquinas High School community mourns the loss of our beloved Boys’ Soccer Coach, Sixto Gonzalez, who passed away in July. For nearly two decades, Coach Sixto gave his heart to Aquinas, mentoring student-athletes with wisdom, faith, and a fierce dedication to the game he loved. In 2009, Coach Sixto was asked to take the helm of the Boys’ Varsity Soccer program. At the time, the team was largely made up of multi-sport athletes who used soccer season to stay in shape, often winning only a few games each year. Under his leadership, the Falcons were transformed into an elite program—one that not only competed at the highest levels but also developed young men of character. His tireless efforts culminated in the 2018 CIF Championship, a crowning achievement in Aquinas history. That same year, he was named Ambassador League Coach of the Year. Though he often said he would retire after certain groups of players graduated, his loyalty to his athletes and to Aquinas kept him coaching for 16 seasons. More than wins, his legacy is seen in the number of players he guided into college soccer and in the lives he shaped by advocating for scholarships and opportunities. Beyond the field, Coach Sixto was a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind his loving wife and four children—three proud Aquinas alumni and his youngest, who began ninth grade at Aquinas this fall. As we grieve his passing, we ask our Falcon family to hold the Gonzalez family in prayer. While Coach Sixto may no longer stand on the sidelines, his spirit, lessons, and unwavering love for Aquinas will endure for generations to come. Rest in peace, Coach. You will always be part of the Falcon family.

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al e together weAncan p p nual A Our Together We Can annual appeal is underway. This is years fund will focus on updating our emergency and earthquake supplies. If you have not yet donated, please prayerfully consider donating to support the Christ centered Catholic school mission of Aquinas High School and our ability to offer the safest educationalenvironment possible. The campaign will close June 30th. Thank you for all of your support.

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