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Throughout history, there have been many famous musical families like the Von Trapp family singers and television's Partridge Family. Now Aquinas High School has its own talented musical clan with the Estrella siblings - Chris, Khiarra, Khaeryst, and Xander. Nurtured musically and spiritually by their parents,Deacon Edwin and Kathleen, the Estrellas have cultivated their musical gifts from a young age This year, for the first time, these passionate musicians will bring their talents together at Aquinas But the Estrellas hope to contribute more than just music to the Aquinas community. With their dedication to faith and family, they aim to positively impact students spiritually and build community on campus. Just like other legendary musical families, the Estrella siblings exemplify how a love of music and shared values can connect and inspire.

The Estrella Family Brings Faith, Music, and Family Ties to Aquinas

This year is shaping up to be an Estrella family affair at Aquinas High School Siblings Chris, Khiarra, Khaeryst, and Xander Estrella will all be on campus together, bringing their close family bonds, musical talents, and dedication to faith to the Aquinas community.

Eldest brother Chris Estrella, class of 2006, first stepped foot on the Aquinas campus over 15 years ago He has fond memories of Aquinas traditions like the lively Holy War pep rally against Notre Dame where his principal furiously ripped up an opposing team jacket. Chris returned to Aquinas as an adult to take on the facilities manager role at the Rezek Center. He is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Santa Clara University, With two decades of musical experience under his belt as a conductor, composer and multi-instrumentalist, he hopes to see his compositions published in national hymnals in the coming years. Chris has served as a faith speaker and worship leader for Oregon Catholic Press, taking him to events like World Youth Day His proudest accomplishment is being signed as an OCP artist.

Sister Khiarra Estrella, class of 2011, walked the same halls as her big brother a few years later For Khiarra, the Kairos retreat was a highlight of her high school experience. She went on to earn dual Bachelor's degrees in Biology and Biochemistry from CSUSB in 2016, followed by a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2020 She returned to Aquinas in 2020 as a teacher in the science department and member of the campus ministry team. This year she will be teaching physics and AP physics. She is ready to inspire students in the classroom just as she was inspired. Outside the classroom, she looks forward to spending time with her new baby joining the family this October

Now in 2023 youngest brother Xander Estrella arrives at Aquinas as a freshman ready to make his own memories. As a hopeful football player and musical theater performer, Xander plans to get the most out of high school He looks forward to meeting new people and learning from his siblings around campus. He will also be in the engineering academy and wants to have a positive impact on as many people as possible Xander is both excited and nervous to start this new chapter He knows he will have to balance academics, sports, theater, and a social life. Some days will be more challenging than others. But he is ready to work hard and make the most of all the opportunities Aquinas has to offer Xander hopes to follow in his siblings' footsteps and leave his own positive mark on the school. With his natural charisma and talent, he is sure to thrive during his time as a Falcon.

The next Estrella sibling, Khaeryst, graduated Aquinas in 2018 as the valedictorian of her class She fondly remembers highlights like Homecoming week festivities and starring as Belle in the school musical Beauty and the Beast. Khaeryst earned a B.A. in English from UCLA in just 3 years. She then completed a Master's degree in Urban Education from Loyola Marymount University. As an English and ethics teacher this year, Khaeryst aims to share the beauty of faith and guide students on their spiritual journeys She would tell students to get involved in school activities and always think for themselves.

Though busy with work and school, the Estrellas still make time for family fun like backyard barbecues, birthdays, and singing karaoke together. Even with their age gaps, their passion for music has always brought them together. Nurtured by their musical mother Kathleen, each child developed their talents singing, playing instruments, and serving at church They hope to share this love of music and faith with the Aquinas community. The Estrella siblings credit their mother Kathleen, a professional liturgical musician, for instilling in them a deep love and appreciation for music from a very young age. Kathleen serves as the Director of Music at their home parish and has worked as a music director for diocesan liturgies for over 20 years Through her guidance, the Estrella children learned to sing and play instruments, developing their musical gifts in service of the church. Each sibling has unique talentsKhaeryst enjoys singing and playing percussion like the djembe and congas. Chris is a skilled singer, speaker, conductor, composer and multi-instrumentalist Khiarra sings beautifully and plays the flute. Xander, the youngest, sings and plays guitar, percussion, bass guitar, ukulele, piano, steel drum and more. During quarantine, his passion for music really took off as he taught himself several instruments. With such devoted mentoring from their mother, it's no wonder music flows through the Estrellas' veins, binding them together as a family.

Having all four Estrella siblings on the Aquinas campus at the same time will be a unique and special experience for the tight-knit family. Due to their wide age gaps, they have never all attended school together before.

Khaeryst feels it will be surreal but exciting to have all her siblings in one place, since she only briefly overlapped with Khiarra in grade school. While the Estrellas spend much time together outside school, being on campus will allow them to connect in new ways, while still maintaining professionalism Chris hopes Xander can fully enjoy high school, even with his older siblings around Khiarra is thrilled to finally share a school with her siblings after years apart. As the youngest, Xander never imagined all four would be on campus simultaneously. But he looks forward to growing even closer to his brothers and sisters through this shared daily experience. Though their age differences are great, their bond is strong. Sharing the campus will allow the Estrellas to make new memories while deepening their lifelong sibling bond.

The Estrellas agree that the supportive Aquinas environment feels like family. Khaeryst believes "once you're a Falcon, always a Falcon." As the new school year starts, this faith-filled musical family will continue their Aquinas legacy - together.