eagles’ nest
fall 2025
St. Thomas High School Community Magazine
Eagles’ Nest Printed October 2025
The Eagles’ Nest is published twice annually by St. Thomas High School 4500 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77007-73332
713.864.6348
John T. Rynd ’75 - Interim President
Rev. James Murphy, CSB, Vice President of Mission
Dr. Aaron Dominguez ’96 - Principal
Daniel Bryant ’93 - Assistant Principal
Mark deTranaltes ’83 - Vice President for Advancement
Ronald George - Vice President of Finance
Dr. Maxwell Holmes - Vice President of Admissions and Communications
Jerome Llorens - Dean of Students
Sarah Jane Redding - Communications Specialist
Katie Romero - Marketing Specialist
KH Studio - Layout, Art Direction + Design
Hello, Eagle family!
The 25-26 school year is one of exciting milestones for our beloved school. St. Thomas is celebrating its 125th anniversary, we currently have the largest enrollment in our history, and I am honored to be entering my 9th year as your principal, the longest tenure I have held in my career in education.
All of these accomplishments are a testament to the amazing St. Thomas community and to our humble, yet unapologetic, stance about who and what we are. The more we lean into our Basilian charism, Catholic identity, and mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge, the more folks want to be a part of our outstanding community.
We now have an urgent responsibility to perpetuate the Basilian charism that we hold dear and have been charged with sharing. To this end, we are taking a deliberate approach of teaching our community what it means to be a Basilian educator, starting this year with goodness. We define a Basilian educator through the lens of goodness via three guideposts: strong personal student engagement, accompaniment, and the cultivation of community.
At St. Thomas, as we spend the year focused on goodness, we ensure that our current faculty and staff know how to leverage these aforementioned guideposts to be an effective, passionate, and motivated Basilian educator. As an alum myself, I am confident each of you can call to mind a story of engagement, accompaniment, or community from your time as a student at our school.
Whether you are reading this as an alumnus, a parent, a faculty member, a staff member, or even a student, you play an essential role in this endeavor. You are a Basilian educator. In everything you do, you teach and lead the world by example, living with goodness, discipline, and knowledge. It is our mission to keep this charism alive in our communities, our families, and our school. We thank you for your support in this always, and we look forward to many more years of nurturing this brotherhood at St. Thomas High School.
Eagle Fight Never Dies!
Aaron Dominguez, Principal, Class of 1996
Throughout its 125 year history, St. Thomas High School has stood as a pillar of Basilian excellence in Houston, educating young men to become wiser, better, and more pious servants to the Lord and their communities.
It all began in 1822, when the Congregation of St. Basil was founded. Ten diocesan priests defied anticlerical laws passed during the French Revolution to bring balanced Christian education to a small village in southern France by operating a seminary.
The founders chose St. Basil the Great as the congregation’s patron, who was a fourth century Greek Bishop and doctor of the Church, known as a theologian and champion of orthodoxy, who took special care of the poor and underprivileged.
The Basilian fathers live by the motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, which is inscribed in the crest of St. Thomas High School. The Basilians founded St. Thomas in 1900, which was then called St. Thomas College.
The school first opened its doors in the “Old Catholic Building,” as it was known to early Houstonians, at Franklin Avenue and Caroline Street. The building stood as one of the oldest in the city and was originally built as a priest’s home for the Franciscans serving at St. Vincent’s Church. By 1900, the home had been used for various Catholic purposes and was given its nickname by the local parishioners. The first cohort of St. Thomas students walked through the “Old Catholic Building” doors on September 4, 1900–all 44 of them.
Even in the school’s early years, it was clear that St. Thomas would always be defined by both its Basilian values and the Texan grit that lived in so many of its first students, faculty, and acting clergymen. Only four years into the school’s existence, the priests were forced to move locations and required fundraising from the Houston community to do it, which took years. In 1915, a hurricane blew through Houston, causing nearly $2 million in damage city-wide. 1916 saw the beginning of World War I, and 1918 saw a nationwide flu and local oil worker strike.
Still, through it all, St. Thomas remained.
The school officially changed its address in 1940 as it moved to 4500 Memorial Drive, just off Buffalo Bayou. When the Basilians were first tasked with establishing the school, they were told to bring their Catholic charism to the “Bayou City.” While the school did eventually move from its original site, its new location harkened still back to that first command, and the group of scholars and priests who believed in it.
At 4500 Memorial, the leaders of St. Thomas continued their mission of teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge. In 1944, students built a plane on campus as part of an extracurricular project, extracurricular project to support the war effort. In 1948, Rev. Ernest P. Magee, C.S.B. marked a historic moment as he became the first St. Thomas College alumnus to serve as principal. In 1950, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Mass and lively reception. In 1967, Thomas Gray and Andre Hence were the first African American students to graduate from the school.
The 4500 Memorial campus saw its own developments throughout the years, with an added gymnasium in the’40s, the introduction of a language lab in the ’60s, and the long-awaited installation of central air conditioning in 1969, welcoming in a cooler phase for the school in the ’70s. In 1973, the school broke ground for the new Learning Resource Center, and the Hall of Honor was established in 1975.
Beyond their coursework, students learned the importance of faith and gained resilience, becoming lifelong learners with that signature Texas grit and the school’s core Basilian values.
By the 1980s, St. Thomas had cemented its reputation as a school of academic excellence, strong Catholic values, and powerful athletic performances. The Father Wilson Field was dedicated on April 18, 1982, recognizing his contributions to the school and the sport. The Mothers’ Club dedicated that school year to the Blessed Virgin Mary and celebrated the first Mother Son Mass, which has since become an annual school tradition. In 1989, the newly renovated Reckling Gymnasium was completed and named in honor and gratitude of the Reckling Family.
1990 brought change to an official Mission statement for St. Thomas and its 50th anniversary at the Memorial Drive location.
The development of athletics continued throughout the ’90s, with the introduction of Granger Stadium in 1995. Larry R. Stegent ’66, a former professional football player, sparked the campaign for a new field, and donations from the Granger family made it happen. A plaque listing 400 contributors was mounted inside the stadium to recognize the generosity of those involved. John Carrigan and Sam Listi unveiled a 13-foot bronze eagle statue at the stadium’s Blessing and Dedication Ceremony on September 13. The 1995 freshmen won the first game ever played in the new stadium that fall.
In the 2000s, the school continued to build its legacy on the field and in the classrooms. Student clubs became more popular than ever, and Round Up grew into the record-shattering fundraising beast it is today.
As the 2010s rolled on, Houston saw plenty of newsworthy events, as the Astros rose to dominance, Hurricane Harvey forever altering the lives of all Houstonians, and the nationwide emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Through all these events, St. Thomas remained a safe space for its community to join together under the same mission: to foster brotherhood, build noble character, and encourage the act of lifelong learning.
As St. Thomas stands now, 125 years into its storied history, the school looks excitedly to the future. With new leadership and an intelligent, compassionate group of faculty and staff, the future at St. Thomas is brighter than ever.
BECKY DOWDY BECKY DOWDY BECKY DOWDY
Basilian Educators in Science
On Bridging Catholic Faith and Modern Science: Becky Dowdy, Dean of Science
“We have a great respect for the intellect and belief that an education in the truth leads to both great scholarship and great spirituality. We believe that the teaching of truth reveals God’s creation. Some of the truths are intellectual, and others are spiritual. These truths complement one another, and neither contradict nor conflict with each other.” – The Basilian Network of Education and Evangelization
Becky Dowdy, the Dean of Science at St. Thomas High School, holds strong in her faith while teaching subjects like Chemistry and Earth Science. From her perspective, science and religion both have seats at the same educational table.
“When we begin to think about the truth, part of that is moving kids to think about the truth of science,” Dowdy said. “And how science echoes and mimics the truth of the spirituality of God and the creation of everything.”
Dowdy works closely with her fellow science teachers to create coursework that harkens back to Basilian values. In Environmental Science, students learn about climate change and discuss it through the lens of the students’ responsibility to care for God’s creation. In Earth Science, they discuss the connections between the Big Bang, different theories of time, and God.
“One of the biggest concerns in the world we live in is that kids believe there is a disconnect between what science tells us and evidence of God,” she said. “Part of what we, here, are trying to do is to move kids to the connection between them.”
In her experience, the connection between faith and science is never more evident than when looking at and teaching the Periodic Table.
“The orderliness of it, the amazement in how those elements all come together,” she said. “If the world was truly chaotic, why would that happen? Why would this be so orderly? That is always a key point towards a divine Creator.”
Recently, the Science Department has implemented questionnaires and discussions to their lessons, created by the Basilian Network of Evangelization and Education. These new implementations tracks students’ perspectives on the intersection of faith and science before and after certain lectures.
She also collaborates with members of the school’s Theology team to ensure that both subjects are reflecting the values of the other, creating a well-rounded educational experience for each St. Thomas student.
In the future, Dowdy hopes to implement new classes that specifically touch on the intersection of science and faith. A dedicated theology class, taught in tandem with Dowdy and a member of the theology team, is on her list of courses to introduce next.
“When we open this dialogue, it really suits the Basilian education, because it’s staying in tune with what Basilian educators have always done, which is educating the whole child,” she said. “It is vitally important, as Basilian educators, that we identify the misconceptions and the disparity of general knowledge—social media, everything like that—and that we show children the truth.”
“And how science echoes and mimics the truth of the spirituality of God and the creation of everything.”
INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO THE SACRAMENTS:
St. Michael’s & St. Thomas Offer OCIA Program
at st. thomas high school, students on a faith journey have a new path into the church through the ocia (order of christian initiation for adults) program, offered in partnership with st. michael catholic church. the program is tailored for students who are not baptized, baptized in another christian denomination, or baptized catholic but not yet fully catechized. ocia offers an accessible path toward receiving the sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and the eucharist.
While much of the education happens on campus—through biweekly lunchtime sessions and participation in the school’s vibrant sacramental life—students also attend Mass and formation sessions at St. Michael’s, connecting them to the broader life of the Church
“The Church, in her wisdom, recognizes that as great as Catholic schools are, people need to be rooted in a parish, and that is where they should participate in the sacraments,” program leader and Theology teacher Allan DeLeon said. “The pastor of St. Michael, Fr. Bart Reynolds, and his Youth Director, Chris Hart, graciously opened their doors to our students for Sunday Mass and Faith Formation classes.”
With a background in business administration from the University of Houston Clear Lake and a master’s degree in theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary, DeLeon has spent years teaching and walking alongside young people as they grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith.
DeLeon also coaches in the Archdiocese’s annual Priest vs. Seminarian Basketball Game, a joyful event that draws thousands—including St. Thomas families— and highlights the fraternity of the priesthood.
That same spirit of building Catholic community is reflected in his work with students in the OCIA program. As they journey through the sacraments with DeLeon and the St. Thomas Campus Ministry team, students are deepening their relationship with Christ in meaningful ways.
One student reflected, “I grew up in a nondenominational church where I learned a lot about Jesus. When I first got here at St. Thomas, I didn’t know anyone so I would go to Mass/Adoration during lunch, and the moment I walked into the Chapel, I knew the Jesus I had grown up learning about was really present.”
One mother even wrote to say that because of her son’s experience in OCIA, she had decided to join the Church as well.
Looking ahead, DeLeon hopes to see the program grow— not just in size, but in scope.
“I would love to make it available for teachers or parents who may want to become Catholic and help them get acclimated to a parish,” he shared. “The second goal would be to collaborate with other Catholic schools in the Archdiocese so they could start their own program.”
Whether in the classroom, the chapel, or the community, OCIA at St. Thomas is helping students experience the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith. For DeLeon, that is the heart of the mission: “This program has been a constant reminder that this is the Lord’s work, and it is His voice and His presence that is calling our students to Him and His Church.”
ST. THOMAS RECOGNIZES NEW POPE
St. Thomas joined the global Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, who began his papacy in April 2013. He is remembered as a faithful servant of Holy Mother Church, dedicating his life to the Gospel with humility, compassion, and a heart for the marginalized. Here are just a few of the things the St. Thomas community remembers him for:
A Preferential Option for the Poor – He frequently visited prisons, homeless shelters, and refugee centers, bringing the love of Christ to the marginalized. In 2017, he established the World Day of the Poor to further highlight this mission.
A Pastoral Approach to Moral Issues – His leadership emphasized pastoral care and accompaniment, seeking to bring people closer to the mercy of Christ.
Care for Creation – In his landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, he called for global action on climate change and environmental stewardship.
A Humble Papal Style – Rejecting the traditional luxurious papal apartments, he chose to reside in the Vatican’s simple guesthouse, embodying humility and service.
The Year of Mercy (2015) – Declaring a Jubilee Year of Mercy, he invited the world to focus on God’s infinite mercy, encouraging acts of forgiveness and compassion.
A Profound Witness of Faith – In March 2020, amid the global pandemic, he stood alone in an empty St. Peter’s Square, exposing the Blessed Sacrament during a special Urbi et Orbi blessing, offering the world hope in a time of uncertainty.
Recognition of Eastern Saints – He declared St. Gregory of Narek, an Armenian mystic and theologian, a Doctor of the Church, bridging Eastern and Western traditions.
Students, faculty, and staff gathered on Wednesday, April 23rd to pray the rosary for the repose of Pope Francis.
On Thursday, May 8th, 133 cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes for the next Pope. A television in the Theology hallway showed the livestream of the view of the chimney in the Sistine Chapel. Anyone walking the halls could find faculty, staff, and students gathered around it.
When there finally was white smoke, students rushed huddled around that TV and in the Theology classrooms, shouting and cheering as they waited to discover who the next Pope would be. When Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, walked out, students and faculty alike were excited and intrigued to see the first American Pope elected.
Father Murphy said it best:
“The election of Leo has been one of the most joyful moments of my experience of the Church. Witnessing it with a number of our students and faculty showed me their interest, concern, and hopes for our Church. Leo, being an American who has also lived for many years as a missionary in Peru and served in so many different capacities, reminds us that the Church is not one thing. Our Church truly is Catholic, meaning universal. His speaking to the world first in Italian and then in Spanish was a wonderful example of his connection to both the local Church in Rome and the wider global Church. He has a great deal of experience as an administrator, as a leader, and I’m excited to see how all of us can learn from his example and be willing to make our Church truly a missionary Church, willing to step outside of our comfort zones, step outside of our self-imposed labels, and bring the mercy and peace of Christ that is offered to all.”
Father Murphy then offered a beautiful Mass at the end of the school day, as the school offered prayers for the newly elected Pope. The following morning, St. Thomas continued to lift him in prayer by praying a Rosary with students.
May we continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV, asking for God’s guidance and blessings as he leads the Church with wisdom and compassion.
CODING CAMP
On February 15, 2025, members of the St. Thomas Computer Science Honor Society hosted coding camp sessions for 2nd-4th and 5th-8th graders. The camps provided elementary and middle school students opportunities to try out coding of various levels, exposing them to new concepts and highlighting the importance of STEM education.
“I really enjoy teaching kids how to code,” Honor Society officer Zachariah Hart said. “I feel like this camp is an excellent way to give back to my community and help advance the technological awareness of younger students.”
The members of the Computer Science Honor Society stressed the impact that these camps can have on younger kids, many of them acknowledging that they would have appreciated early exposure to coding and computer technology themselves.
“It’s fun teaching about something I am really passionate about, especially since it wasn’t available to me when I was a kid,” senior Keller Case shared.
The Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS), managed by Communications and Technology teacher Deanna Woodlief, is an achievement-based organization. Students must take an AP computer course to apply, and their acceptance is contingent upon their GPA, Dean’s Office standing, and their responses to a Computer Science questionnaire. The St. Thomas Chapter of the Computer Science Honor Society strives to uphold the Mission of the school – Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge – with an emphasis on the Honor Society’s Core Values – Equity, Service, and Excellence. The organization regularly hosts seasonal coding camps and provides tutoring services for their fellow Eagles to fulfill their service-minded mission. The coding camps are a consistent favorite among Computer Science Honor Society members.
“Teaching the kids coding is very rewarding,” Hart said. “I like giving back to the community which has supported me as I learn. It’s also fun to introduce new technologies to kids who are eager to learn.”
For the 2nd-4th grade sessions, campers learned the basics of coding in Scratch, a coding language with a simple interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. Scratch is designed, developed, and moderated by the nonprofit Scratch Foundation, whose mission of prioritizing creative learning, valuing research and critical thought, and making learning accessible for all is similarly reflected in the values of the Basilian charism.
The 5th-8th grade campers learned the fundamentals of coding in Python, which is frequently cited as one of the most popular coding languages globally. The camp equipped students with foundational knowledge of the language, giving them hands-on experience and tangible skills to take with them further into their education.
“I loved watching each person make unique projects by the end of the day,” senior John Simoneaux, the organization’s president, said. “The chance to foster the kids’ curiosity and creativity is not something I take for granted.”
RECORD-BREAKING ROUND UP
EAGLE ENTREPRENEURS
RAISE RECORD-BREAKING $1 MILLION FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE
Each year the students of St. Thomas endeavor to break the previous year’s school record for Round Up raffle ticket sales. This year was no different, and yet, it was. The students had their eye on breaking the seven-figure mark in raffle ticket sales, all for tuition assistance, and all for their Eagle brothers.
Through weeks of hard work, that is just what they did, raising a historic total of $1,002,640 in sales. The funds will go directly toward tuition assistance and financial aid, enabling the school to remove the barriers to a Basilian education for current and future young men at St. Thomas.
“Being a part of this historic moment is overwhelming. The leadership of the Round Up Board, the commitment and support from the faculty and school leadership, and of course, our amazing community all converged to make this moment possible. This is a unified effort to support the school’s mission, and I am honored to play a part in this incredible moment,” Head Soccer Coach and Round Raffle Chair Kenny Martin (’01) shared after the announcement.
St. Thomas students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the culminating Round Up Reveal on February 28, where Tom Eagle and Toro of the Houston Texans entertained the student body with their mascot antics and the whole school reveled in the success of Round Up. At the moment the million-dollar total displayed on the Granger Stadium screen, the entire stadium erupted with cheers as they celebrated the hard work they had put into this staggering achievement.
Father Jim Murphy, CSB, who had the honor of announcing the total to the fans in the stadium, commented, “Our tradition of aiding students in order for them to attend St. Thomas dates back to the early part of the nineteenth century. It is a testament to the time-honored tradition of the STH community that they continue to ensure our mission is fulfilled. And they do it with an insatiable fever that rallies the community. I couldn’t be prouder of this student body”
Vice President for Advancement, Mark deTranaltes (’83), likened this achievement to breaking the 4-minute mile barrier: “No one thought it could be done, until it was. These young men will always remember this moment, and the thrill of their achievement will stay with them.”
Reaching the million-dollar milestone would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of this year’s top 10 sellers:
1. Jonathon King ’25, of House Roche, with $110,570
2. Anthony Hill ’25, of House Schwenzer, with $32,175
3. Max Moore ’26, of House Allnoch, with $26,280
4. Andres Levaro ’26, of House Magee, with $25,240
5. Manrique Campos ’26, of House Magee, with $23,090
6. Charles Madden ’27, of House Allnoch, with $21,380
7. Michael Richards ’25, of House O’Rourke, with $15,660
8. Thomas Rzasnicki ’25, of House Magee, with $11,880
9. Russell Johnston ’25 of House Magee, with $11,840
And tied for 10th place:
Travis Ruch ’27, of House O’Rourke, with $11,260
Jacob Quinlan ’26, of House Cooper, with $11,260
“Throughout my four years at St. Thomas, Round Up has been the cornerstone of my success,” top seller King shared. “I thought about the true meaning of Round Up and saw it as a great business and networking opportunity, but most notably, a chance to give back to the school community and serve others. Jesus taught us to uplift and provide for our brothers and sisters. I felt the need to raise as much as possible, seizing every day and opportunity.”
Activities
Activities
The following Sunday, March 2nd, the school hosted the annual Round Up Sunday celebration. The day served as a moment for the community to rally behind the school’s mission, celebrating Round Up’s success and continued legacy with carnival games, shopping local businesses at the Big Red Market, and enjoying live music performances. These performances included a preview of the Spring Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a showcase from the St. Thomas Jazz Ensemble, and a headline act from faculty band “No Late Work”, who wrapped up the evening with their take on some classic rock and jazz anthems.
With the support of generous donors, alumni, and local businesses, the event welcomed many friendly faces to campus, demonstrating the strength of the St. Thomas community. This year’s Round Up illustrated the commitment of everyone involved – from the students who broke records, the volunteers who helped set up, the guests and alumni who contributed to the auction, to the staff who worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Together, they all made a difference in the lives of current and future students, ensuring that St. Thomas remains accessible to all who wish to be part of its tradition of excellence.
Graduation
2025 ACADEMIC AWARDS
ST. THOMAS SCHOLARS SHINE AT THE 2025 ACADEMIC AWARDS CELEBRATION
At the St. Thomas Academic Awards Celebration on April 30th, 141 students received an Academic Letter (awarded to those who have had a GPA of 4.0 or higher for three consecutive semesters). 31 seniors earned the distinction of Permanent Member of the St. Thomas Club (for maintaining a 4.0+ GPA for seven semesters), and over 100 students received awards for specific
“Each award is significant – whether you win one award or many awards – and all of you should be proud as we recognize the work you have done and the effort you have put forth,” Principal Dr. Aaron Dominguez (’96) shared with the honorees.
“We congratulate you and encourage you to continue with your hard work and fine efforts.”
Jeff McCurry, Class of 1988 and president of the St. Thomas Alumni Association, awarded three alumni scholarships, given to one rising sophomore, one rising junior, and one rising senior who submitted an essay, answering a prompt about the school’s mission and vision. This year’s recipients were Dominic Bellomo, Warner McDowell, and Luke Orr, respectively.
Evan Wisnoski received the honor of being the Class of 2025’s Valedictorian, alongside Mathew Michael as Salutatorian.
To wrap up the evening, four seniors were celebrated with special awards to recognize their outstanding contributions to our St. Thomas community.
The Ronald Schwenzer Campus Ministry Award is given in honor of Fr. Schwenzer, the first President of St. Thomas High School. This year’s recipient was Evan Wisnoski.
“This young man has truly lived a life centered on prayer and service,” Dominguez said. “Week after week, he can be found at the front of the Chapel for daily Mass, present at Adoration, not only participating with deep reverence but also leading by example, inspiring his peers to join him. His faith is further made visible through action, as he has dedicated hundreds of hours to serving others, becoming the hands and feet of Christ.”
The Principal’s Service and Leadership Award is given to a graduating senior who has shown outstanding leadership and who has been generous in serving his school and the community. This year’s recipient was Mathew Michael.
“He is an outstanding and exemplary young man. His wisdom, kindness, and humility have all had a profound impact on me as I’ve watched his leadership,” Dominguez said. “His leadership has sewn harmony, peace, and accord into the fabric of our school.”
The Carl Mitchell Allnoch Athletic Memorial Trophy for Excellence in Academics is given in honor of Fr. Allnoch, the 16th principal of St. Thomas. The recipient must be an excellent student in the classroom lettering in at least 2 varsity sports and participating in them for at least two years. This year’s recipient was Roberto Pacini.
“He is the first person in the room and the last to leave every day,” his wrestling coach shared. “He is the hardest working, most courageous, and most enthusiastic. He has the traits that make competitors and scholars truly great.”
Finally, the Albert R. Gaelens Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge Award is given in honor of Fr. Gaelens who was our 21st principal. The Albert R. Gaelens Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge Award is presented to the senior student who most exemplifies the school motto of “Teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.” The seniors nominate their peers for this award and the faculty votes on those receiving the most nominations. This year’s recipient is Edward Bocock.
“He is one of the smartest people on campus and one of the greatest athletes, but more importantly, he is endlessly kind and down to earth,” a classmate and friend shared. “He is the type of friend everyone needs to have.”
Graduation
CLASS OF 2025
On May 24th, the class of 2025 graduated from St. Thomas High School. This year’s commencement weekend marked the 125th of its kind at STH, a historic achievement for the graduates and the school.
The celebratory day began with Baccalaureate Mass in Cemo Auditorium, where the graduates and their loved ones enjoyed a heartfelt homily from Father Murphy.
“Today, you are apostles,” he shared. “Today, we send you out to the world. We hope that what you bring is authentic, honorable, joyful, and faithful. We hope that what you bring reflects well on how you want the world to see you. We pray that people, in seeing you, learn something about goodness, discipline, and knowledge.”
Following Mass, the graduates filed out from Cemo onto the field of Granger Stadium, where Principal Aaron Dominguez ’96 and Salutatorian Mathew Michael welcomed the class of 2025 and their guests, sharing words of encouragement and praise for the graduating class. In his speech, Michael shared insights from his time spent in his grandfather’s garden, where he learned the importance of patience and the noble act of caring for the people—and plants—around him.
“At St. Thomas, we’ve all faced times when things didn’t come easily—whether it was balancing leadership roles with academics or pushing through difficult moments when results weren’t immediate,” he shared. “Like Grandpa’s plants, growth doesn’t always show up right away. Sometimes, we have to trust the process and be patient, knowing that persistence pays off in the end.”
Kurt Hanson (’83), Chairman of the Board of Directors, shared his perspective as an alum, a parent, and a Board Member with the graduating Eagles, highlighting the impact of the Basilian education he received at St. Thomas in his life after graduation.
After the graduates walked the stage and received their diplomas, Valedictorian Evan Wisnoski culminated the ceremony with his speech. Wisnoski invoked a sense of nostalgia in his address, reminding the Class of 2025 of all they had experienced together during their time as Eagles, from Camp Aquinas to Communio to witnessing a second Astros World Series win.
“Graduation is an event with a multitude of emotions, as this marks the end of one chapter and the commencement of another,” he shared. “This is likely the last time the entire Class of 2025 will all be together in the same space. However, this does not mean our journey is over, as we are all called to go out and do great things, representing St. Thomas through our actions.”
THIS DOES NOT MEAN OUR JOURNEY IS OVER, AS WE ARE ALL CALLED TO GO OUT AND DO GREAT THINGS, REPRESENTING ST. THOMAS THROUGH OUR ACTIONS
Evan Wisnoski, Valedictorian Class of 2025
The Class of 2025, a group of 182 Men of St. Thomas, will go forth buoyed by the words of encouragement shared at their ceremonies and the support of those around them.
These lifelong learners will continue their studies at colleges and universities across the globe. Some will remain close to home at schools like Texas Tech, Rice, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or the University of Oklahoma. Others will go on to schools like the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Rochester Institute of Technology, or the American University of Paris. Regardless of where these Eagles fly, their bonds forged and lessons learned at St. Thomas will carry them through all that life has to offer.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
LEGACY GRADS
AKIN - Matthew Akin ’25, Richard Akin ’89
BOWLING - Scott Bowling ’05, Noah Heckel ’25, David Bowling ’90
BRYANT - Zach Bryant ’21, Peter Bryant ’25
COSELLI - George Rentz ’21, Jack Rentz ’15, Wayne Wickman III ’18, Richard Coselli ’50, Richard J Coselli ’87, Adam Coselli ’25, and Wayne Wickman Jr. ’81
GLEASON - Nicolas Gleason ’25, Sam Gleason ’89
HAAS - Derrick Haas ’96, Leo Haas ’69, William Haas ’25
CLASS OF 2025
HOUSH - Sebastian Housh ’18, Ethan Housh ’25
HEWITT - Max Hewitt ’19, Miles Hewitt ’25
HILL - Anthony Hill ’25, Tony Hill ’91, Jeff Hill ’93 (not pictured)
HERNANDEZ - Daniel Hernandez ’23, Christian Hernandez ’25
HAINE - Chris Haine ’92, Zac Haine ’25, Sam Haine ’27
HAGENEY - Colin Hageney Jr. ’25, Colin Hageney Sr. ’83
LEGACY GRADS
LEVY - Evan Levy ’25, Seth Levy ’23
LANCLOS - Sean Lanclos ’92, Jaxon Lanclos ’25
JOHNSTON - Joey Johnston ’20, Russell Johnston ’25, Alan Johnston ’89, Jeff Burns ’63
LOPEZ - Harry Lopez Jr. ’89, Brenden Lopez ’25
LODGE - J.W. Lodge ’04, Jason Keyser ’94, Hudson Keyser ’25, Eric Lodge ’08
KING - Nicholas Horan King ’23, Thomas Horan, IV ’17, Thomas Horan III ’85, Jonathon Horan King ’25, Timothy Horan ’73, John Horan ’71, George Horan ’64, Gregory Horan ’89
CLASS OF 2025
PULIDO - Michael Pulido ’89, Aidan Pulido ’25, Robert Pulido Jr. ’87, (not pictured the late Robert Pulido Sr. ’59)
SWEENEY - Mark Sweeney ’97, Owen Sweeney ’25
SAUVINET - Ryan-Michael Tully Sauvinet ’16, Ryley Sauvinet ’25
TEMPLE - Ben Temple ’25, John Temple ’19
YANKOWSKY - Nick Yankowsky ’25, Alex Yankowsky ’22
VALLONE - John Vallone ’93, Luca Vallone ’25
1 - Washington
Gonzaga University
University of Washington
2 - California
Antelope Valley Community College
Hope International University
Loyola Marymount University
3 - Colorado
Colorado School of Mines
University of Colorado Boulder (2)
4 - Kansas Benedictine College
5 - Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
The University of Oklahoma (8)
The University of Tulsa (2)
6 - Texas
Alvin Community College
Austin College
Austin Community College (2)
Baylor University (4)
Blinn College (2)
Dallas Baptist University
Houston Christian University (2)
Houston Community College (5)
Lamar University
Lone Star College
Prairie View A&M University
Rice University
San Jacinto Community College
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
Stephen F. Austin State University (2)
Texas A&M University-College Station (20)
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Texas Christian University
Texas State Technical College
Texas State University (17)
Texas Tech University (8)
The University of Texas at Austin (11)
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Trinity University (5)
University of Houston (9)
University of Houston-Downtown (2)
University of Houston-Victoria
University of North Texas
Wharton County Junior College
7 - Arkansas
University of Arkansas
8 - Louisiana Bossier Parish Community College
Louisiana State University (2)
Tulane University
9 - Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Mississippi (5)
10 - Tennessee Rhodes College
The
of
EAGLES SOAR
MAY GOODNESS, DISCIPLINE, AND KNOWLEDGE GUIDE YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS AS YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
EAGLE FIGHT NEVER DIES
ST. THOMAS STUDENT-ATHLETES PLAYING AT COLLEGE LEVEL
17 St. Thomas student-athletes from the class of 2025 committed to play their respective sports at the collegiate level.
BASEBALL:
» Jackson Ambrose – San Jacinto College
» Jaxon Lanclos – Wharton County Junior College
» Hayden Murphy – Antelope Valley College
» Basilio Williams – Prairie View A&M
» Caleb Kimble – University of Houston
» Jake Baskin – Alvin Community College
FOOTBALL:
» Greg Pearson – Southwestern University
» Trace Langin – Johns Hopkins University
» Damarcus Batiste – Morehead State University
» Logan Branting – The Citadel
» John Carr – Benedictine College
» Blake Coogan – Rhodes College
» Elijah Henry – Morehead State University
GOLF:
» Landon Donnelly – Palm Beach Atlantic
TRACK AND FIELD:
» Edward Bocock – Rice University
» Wyatt Johnson – Depauw University
WRESTLING:
» Roberto Pacini – University of Chicago
Caleb Kimble
Basilio Williams
Damarcus Batiste
Blake Coogan
Edward Bocock
Trace Langin
Hayden Murphy
Jaxon Lanclos
Logan Branting
John Carr
Greg Pearson
Jackson Ambrose
Jake Baskin
Robert Pacini Wyatt Johnson
Landon Donnelly
Athletics SPRING SPORTS AWARDS
Baseball finished the regular season as co-district champions. They opened the TAPPS 6A playoffs with a 6-0 victory over Austin St. Dominic Savio. Their season ended in the regional round on Tuesday with a tough 1-0 loss in game 3 of their series at San Antonio Central Catholic. The award-winners from the 2024-25 baseball season were:
» Most Valuable Hitter – Evan Wisnoski (’25)
» Most Valuable Pitcher – Braden Comstock (’26)
» Most Valuable Player – Jackson Ambrose (’25)
» Bryan Selby Award – William Bryant (’26)
St. Thomas Golf won the district championship last week at Gleannloch Pines GC. Landon Donnelly won the individual title shooting a 1 under par 71. He was joined in the top ten by Harris Sobba (3rd), Nicolas Requenes (6th), Davis Sobba (7th) & Hudson Keyser (7th). The team then earned a 2nd place finish in the south regional meet at Geannloch Pines GC and moved on to the TAPPS 6A state championships at Glen Rose GC, where they placed 7th.
The award-winners from the 2024-25 golf season were:
» Newcomer of the Year – Dave Sobba (’28)
» GDK Recipient – Shane O’Hare (’25)
» Jack Burke Jr. Player of the Year –Landon Donnelly (’25)
Lacrosse finished their successful season with a 7-6 loss to Austin Hyde Park in the Texas High School Lacrosse League super regional at Concordia Lutheran. This is the second consecutive season that the squad has advanced to the super regional. Prior to the game, Head Coach Hayden Powers received a very special recognition: the Sam Chambers Coaching Excellence Award by the THSLL South Region. This award is given each year to a head coach whose program reflects excellence on the field and sportsmanship that THSLL strives for with all member programs. Congratulations to Coach Powers, his staff, and our athletes on this prestigious honor. The award-winners for the 2024-25 lacrosse season were:
» Rising Star – JT Koby (’28)
» GDK – Jude Williams (’27)
» Eagle Heart – Ian Riches (’25)
» Dawg – Roman Faucetta (’27)
» Ground Ball King – Milam Jones (’25)
» Offensive MVP – Ben Temple (’25)
» Defensive MVP – Keller Case (’25)
» MVP – Jacob Quinlan (’26)
Athletics
Rugby completed their season with a tough loss to Strake Jesuit in the first round of Rugby Texas playoffs. The young squad competed hard all season, with some nice wins and showed some real growth. They’re looking forward to an exciting and successful 2026 season. The award-winners for the 2024-25 rugby season were:
» Chris Lind Offensive Player of the Year – Xander Young ’26
» Frodo Defensive Player of the Year – Patrick Murphy ’25 and Jack Reid ’25
» Kurt Page Newcomer of the Year – Jackson Saunders ’26
» Blake Pellerin Most Improved Player – Matthew Brolan ’26
» Johnny Brown Golden Boot Award – Berhane Linbeck ’25
» Keith Freeman Spirit Award – Christian Hanks ’25
» Andrew Locke Most Valuable Player – Bailey Holub ’26
» Michael W. Mills Leadership Award –Peter Bryant ’25 and Khairan McQueen-Clayton ’27
» Coach Wolf Founder’s Award –Hudson Hendee ’26
» The Order of the Eagle Award –Nick Zakarevicz ’25
Congratulations to St. Thomas Tennis on their 2nd place finish in district. They also qualified their #1 singles player, Everett Neason and both doubles teams for the TAPPS state championships. The award-winners for the 2024-25 tennis season were:
» Eagle Fight: Eli Zamore ’25
» Most Valuable Partners: Augustus Walcik ’26 and Nicholas Walcik ’28
» Most Valuable Player: Zack Moser ’26
Track & Field won the TAPPS 6A state championship for the second consecutive year. It was an outstanding team effort with school records being broken in several events. Edward Bocock ’25 delivered another strong all-around performance in multiple events earning Man of the Meet for the second consecutive year. The award-winners for the 2024-25 track and field season were:
» Most Improved: Shaun Benesch ’27 & Elijah Henry ’25
» Eagle Heart Award: Ryan Bordas ’25
» Most Valuable Player: Edward Bocock ’25
Athletics WINTER SPORTS RECAP
St. Thomas Swimming finished the season as South Region runners-up and earned 6th place at the TAPPS 6A state championships. Top performances at the state meet included a third place finish from senior Zachary Haine in the 500 yd. Freestyle. The award-winners from this year’s swim season were:
» Most Improved: William Lucas ’27
» Most Valuable Swimmer: Zachary Haine ’25
» Eagle Spirit Award: Matthew Healey ’27
Congratulations to the STH Swim program and Coach Jones on yet another great season
STH Varsity Basketball ended their season with a loss to Antonian College Prep in the area round of the TAPPS 6A playoffs in San Antonio. Sophomore Pierce Jacobsen led the scoring for the Eagles with 22 points, followed by Senior Drin Tafilaj with 14 points & 10 rebounds and Senior Evan Levy 12 points & 8 rebounds. The Eagles ended the season with an 18-14 record. The award-winners for the 2024-25 basketball season were:
» Offensive Player of the Year: Evan Levy ’25
» Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year: Caleb Kimble ’25
» Eagle Fight Award and Chadwick Roberts Award: Funbi Osunsami ’25
STH Varsity Soccer completed their regular season as the district 4-6A champions with a 17-2-1 record. Throughout their dominant regular season, the Eagles performed consistently at a high level, led by head coach Kenny Martin. On February 4th, the team hosted Senior Night, where senior Mambo Tello set a new all-time scoring record at STH with 89 goals. The Eagles opened the playoffs at Granger Stadium on Monday, February 24th vs Texas Military Institute, defeating the TMI Panthers 5-1. They faced off against St. Michael’s next, on February 27th, taking home the 1-0 win and advancing to the TAPPS Semi-Final game. The Eagles faced the Central Catholic Buttons on March 6th in the semifinals and lost 1-2, ending an impressive season for St. Thomas soccer. The award-winners for the 2024-25 soccer season were:
» Newcomer of the Year: Caleb Soluren ’26
» Fr. Wey Coaches Award: Asher St. Clair-Foster ’25
» Offensive Player of the Year: Mambo Tello ’25
» Defensive Player of the Year: Sebastian Vargas ’26
» Most Valuable Player: Titi Labarthe ’27
After a great season on the mat, STH Wrestling came up just 4 points shy of repeating as TAPPS state champions, securing second place. The runners-up had some impressive individual performances, including first-place finishes from Bezhod Rakhmatov, Pierce Ritchey, Roberto Pacini, and David Grattan, in their respective weight classes. The award-winners for this year’s wrestling season were:
» Newcomer of the Year: Pierce Ritchey ’28 and Behzod Rakhmatov ’28
» Most Valuable Player: Roberto Pacini ’25
Athletics BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONS
ST. THOMAS TRACK AND FIELD BRINGS HOME SECOND CONSECUTIVE GOLD
After a dominant season and first-place finish in 2024, the 2025 track and field Eagles became State Champions once again. From May 1st through 3rd, the team competed at the TAPPS State Meet in Waco, Texas, coming home with their second consecutive state title.
The weekend began with a bus ride to their final destination on Thursday, May 1st, where the team checked in and headed to the track for warm-ups and shake-outs to get acclimated. The team and coaches then enjoyed the traditional pre-meet dinner and team meeting, where Head Coach Nathan Labus and Assistant Coach Joe Malouf reviewed the weekend’s expectations.
“In that meeting, Malouf gave our team a motto that failure is never an option,” Labus said. “If you foul, then you foul. Don’t dwell on that. Reassess, then adjust what we need to adjust. You go down there and you compete as hard as you can.”
After winning last year’s state title, Labus expected another top-three finish—especially after a dominant 2025 regular season. He emphasized to his runners and field athletes that their consistency and high level of performance should boost their confidence, and not get in their heads.
“The last thing you want to do is put pressure on these teenage kids,” he said. “We told them they didn’t have to do anything special to win this meet. Just do what you normally do, and don’t put any extra pressure on yourself.”
And the Eagles delivered.
The following day, field athletes dominated.
» Quinn Klenke ’26 placed third in Pole Vault.
» Elijah Henry and Edward Bocock (both ’25) placed first and second in Triple Jump, respectively.
» Bocock also placed first in the Long Jump.
The Eagles cleared the competition that first day, leading the pack with 54 points, about 15 points higher than the team in second place.
Heading into Saturday, the team had a cushion to compete comfortably. The pressure eased even more, having at least one runner in each track event, which guarantees at least one point per athlete.
St. Thomas’ runners had top-three finishes in the 800-meter Run (second place, David Carbajal, ‘26), the 110-meter and 300-meter Hurdles (third place in both, Bocock), the 100-meter Dash (third place, Derek Stevenson, ‘26), and the 1600-meter Run (third place, Tyler Benesch, ‘27). The Eagles placed first in all three relays—the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400—securing a decisive win for St. Thomas Track and Field.
“The relay guys are huge contributors to the morale of the team,” Labus said. “From day one, those guys have gelled well and have been great leaders this year.”
4x100 and 4x200-meter Relay Team:
» Logan Branting ’25, Derek Stevenson, Damarcus Batiste ’25, and Blake Coogan ’25 4x400-meter Relay Team:
» Caleb Soluren ’26, Edward Bocock, Ryan Bordas ’25, and Logan Debose ’27
The first-place finish in the 4x400 was the “exclamation point on the state championship,” in Labus’ words. The Eagles won the championship with 165 points, surmounting the second-place Liberty Christian by 61. Bocock earned his second Athlete of the Meet distinction for his strong all-around performance.
After the track and field athletes brought home the second state championship trophy to 4500 Memorial, Labus thanked the seniors, his coaching staff, and the school community for their support. Looking ahead to next year, he hopes to keep the momentum going.
“I always say we want to be in the top three. Next year, our guys will be able to fill the seniors’ roles. I have confidence in the boys and our phenomenal coaching staff that we’ll be good—great—again.”
Reflecting on this year’s team and title, he added, “We had the right recipe. Great coaching staff, great athletes, and leadership from the athletes who all really wanted it.”
Arts SPRING BAND CONCERT 2025
SHANTIES, STOMP!, AND SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS: ST. THOMAS SPRING CONCERT SHOWCASES MUSICAL EXCELLENCE
The St. Thomas music programs ushered in the month of May with their annual Spring Concert on May 1st in Cemo Auditorium. Musical showcases from the St. Thomas string orchestra, percussion ensembles, concert band, jazz lab band and combo, and both Incarnate Word Academy and St. Thomas choirs culminated a year of award-winning performances for the schools.
“The band program has consistently ranked in the top five TAPPS programs for many years. This year, we ranked second,” Director of Instrumental Music Donald Thoede said. “Despite their demanding schedules and drive times, they all have worked hard this year.”
The show started with a (literal) bang as the Percussion Ensemble took the stage to kick off the concert. The audience then listened to a special marimba quartet performance, followed by a guitar showcase from Blaine Turner (’25). Turner earned a spot in the 2025 Texas Private School Music Educators Association All-State Jazz Band earlier in the spring.
Following the introductory music stylings of Turner and the percussion groups, the Incarnate Word Academy Choir performed a series of three pieces, all in Latin.
“Both choirs performed the three pieces they sang for Contest this year,” Choir Director Joshua Wilson shared. “I chose those pieces because I knew they would give them a chance to really show off their musical abilities. The choirs sang so well, with beauty, musicality, and mature expression. I am so glad for all their growth this year, and this was a wonderful way to cap off the semester.”
The concert continued with the Jazz Combo performing Behind You by Gordon Goodwin and the St. Thomas Singers singing three pieces. Their final song, Blow the Man Down, a fishing shanty, featured soloists Maxwell Manning, Benjamin Castano, and David Vingerhoedt (all ’25). Manning, along with fellow singers Anton Joshy (’27), Jonah Moore (’26), and Ethan Tastard (’25), earned TPSMEA All-State distinction this spring, as well.
The evening rolled along with performances from the Jazz Lab Band, String Ensemble, and Concert Band.
To close out the concert, the Percussion Ensemble returned to the stage with a raucous performance of Stick Schtick by Chris Brooks – an 8-person ensemble piece originally performed by STOMP. The piece requires each member to hit their drumstick against a bigger stick, each one a different size, to create different sounds. The boys tapped their rhythms and performed choreography to keep the beat.
In keeping with tradition, the concert ended with the St. Thomas Singers and IWA Choir singing An Irish Blessing and all combined ensembles performing the St. Thomas Fighting Eagle Fight Song. This year’s seniors were also recognized, each receiving a round of applause from the audience.
“The biggest thing I learned from Choir is how to collaborate with my peers for a greater goal through music,” Tastard, a senior, shared. “Choir is energetic. There isn’t a clear way to accurately describe what it’s like to sing with an ensemble unless you do it. Everyone is listening to each other, making sure we create a uniform sound. Forgot a few notes? Listen to the guy on your right, he’s got it. Forgot a few words of the music? Listen to the guy on your left, he probably remembers. It’s through this almost subconscious support everyone has for each other – that’s what creates the music.”
Arts
STH SPRING MUSICAL
AN AMAZING TECHNICOLOR PERFORMANCE: STH SPRING MUSICALJOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Bringing a theatrical production to life requires countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and passion from an entire community. The St. Thomas High School production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (March 28th-30th) was no exception. Over eleven weeks, the cast and crew of Joseph auditioned, rehearsed, learned their parts, and culminated their season of hard work with four weekend performances.
“A show like this is about giving people something joyful,” director Dan Green said. “Our time and effort don’t amount to much if we don’t share our work with other people.”
From St. Thomas Eagles to the young children’s choir, each member of the musical’s production team dedicated time and energy after school and on weekends, for those eleven weeks. St. Thomas students collaborated with cast and crew from Incarnate Word Academy, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, St. Agnes Academy, Gateway Academy Houston, and St. Thomas Episcopal to create memorable performances.
“Jonah Moore ’26 was spectacular as Joseph,” Green said. “Emily Salvatierra, Cassie Martinez, and Mariana Cardone were amazing as the narrators. If you missed Dylan Martinez ’25 or Pedro Sequeira ’26, you missed something extraordinary. And, of course, one of the audience’s favorite moments was the appearance of Will Luckow’s ’25 Pharaoh. It’s hard to get past the look of Luckow as Elvis Presley. But when he performed, it was hard not to watch how expertly he captured the nuances of Elvis. It was simply too much fun.”
Arts
Known for its lighthearted, family-friendly story and catchy, uplifting music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a highly-acclaimed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical based on the character of Joseph from the book of Genesis. The show has charmed audiences since its Broadway debut in 1982.
“I chose Joseph because I’ve always liked the songs, and we had the voices, the costumes, and the sense of humor this year,” Green said. “This senior class is immensely talented, and they are also quite funny.”
Green noted that ‘Those Canaan Days,’ a lament sung by Joseph’s brothers in Act II, perfectly showcased the students’ comedic timing and musical talent.
“I knew David Vingerhoedt’s (’25) thick French accent and Benjamin Castaño’s (’25) accordion would work to make the audience laugh,” he said. “I just didn’t realize how much they would. It was amazing.”
Beyond the laughs and good humor, this year’s musical also reflected the values of St. Thomas High School and the importance of a faith-based education.
HALL OF HONOR 2025
•
ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL
RAWLE ANDREWS JR., ESQ., ’ 83
is the Executive Director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of the American Psychiatric Association. In his work, Andrews leads his team in raising mental health awareness and championing innovative research to create new avenues for helping others. Andrews also serves as the President of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia.
Never seeking out recognition for his accomplishments, Andrews’ work ethic is instead motivated by a true sense of goodness. In his efforts to advance the field of psychiatric care, he drives national growth in knowledge and resourcefulness about mental health.
“When I think about goodness, discipline, and knowledge— when I get it right—I know GDK is really undergirding a lot of what I’ve been able to do to help my fellow neighbors in need,” he said.
After graduating from St. Thomas High School, Andrews attended Texas Southern University and earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology. He also holds his JD, with Honors, from the Howard University School of Law and further executive education from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
“Even though the people have changed, the zip codes have changed, the years have changed, the reality of it is, bringing people together to drive impact for the greater good is what I learned at St. Thomas,” he said. “And that’s what I carried forward in my career.”
Beyond St. Thomas’ influence, his career advancement was largely made possible through his own determination and strong sense of self-discipline. Since his graduation, he has become a stellar representative of St. Thomas High School nationally, receiving the presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service in 2023. He is a highly accomplished member of the Hall of Honor, Class of 2025.
“When I was at St. Thomas, I did have the privilege of studying in the Hall of Honor, and I saw the names of war heroes, the politicians, the business leaders, the sports heroes, who were all over the Hall when I got there,” he shared. “Put plainly, I am humbled beyond belief by an honor such as this.”
FATHER CARL BELISCH ’ 54 HALL OF HONOR 2025 • ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL
was ordained to the priesthood on December 12th, 1965, and served at St. Thomas High School for more than 45 years as a Theology, English, and Latin teacher. A large element of his inspiration to join the Basilian Fathers came from his teachers and the Basilian leadership he witnessed while a student at St. Thomas. In particular, Fathers James Wilson and Carl Allnoch left positive impressions of the Basilian brotherhood on a young Belisch. Now, Belisch, Allnoch, and Wilson stand beside each other as namesakes of their respective Houses in the St. Thomas House System.
“In the time that I was here, there was a number of young Basilians, and they were great teachers,” Belisch said. “I joined the Basilians because of them, because they were so happy, and they got along so well together, and they showed that being a Basilian was a lot of fun.”
Throughout his tenure on the St. Thomas faculty, Belisch similarly left a profound mark on the school and the students he taught. He is fondly remembered among his students for his extraordinary memory, often recalling not only the names of countless young men but also the exact courses he taught them and their graduation year.
His passion for the school extended beyond the classroom; he was an avid supporter of Round Up, actively participating in pep rallies and fundraising events. Belisch was also frequently seen walking the halls with a large wooden rosary in hand, praying with students and faculty members, and offering steadfast encouragement and spiritual guidance.
His dedication to the Basilian values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge is evident in everything he did.
“It’s the Basilian motto,” he shared. “I’ve tried to follow that— teaching goodness, discipline, and knowledge, and practicing it myself. I’ve taught at a number of Basilian schools, and I hope I’ve lived by that motto.”
Through his unwavering example, Father Belisch enriched the lives of his students and embodied the spirit of the Basilian mission, leaving an indelible legacy at St. Thomas.
HALL
OF HONOR 2025 • ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL
JOHNNY CARRABBA ’ 77
is a renowned restaurateur and the co-founder of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, a beloved chain of Italian-American restaurants. In 1986, he opened the first Carrabba’s location on Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas. The restaurant quickly won over guests, thanks to its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Since then, Carrabba’s has grown into a national brand with over 200 locations across the United States. The chain eventually became part of Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company behind other popular restaurants like Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Reflecting on his journey, Johnny notes, “When Outback approached me and we expanded the restaurant into a national chain, I consider that my biggest business achievement.”
When he first opened Carrabba’s, Johnny’s vision was clear: he wanted to provide high-quality dishes in a casual, inviting setting. Over the years, the restaurant has stayed true to that original mission, maintaining its reputation as a place where families can enjoy delicious food and each other’s company. In addition to Carrabba’s, Johnny now owns and operates six Mia’s Table locations and Grace’s on Kirby. Mia’s Table, named after his daughter Mia, brings his family values to the forefront of his business.
“The biggest accomplishment that I cherish the most personally is I’ve raised two beautiful children, Johnny and Mia,” he says.
Johnny credits much of his success to the foundation laid during his time at St. Thomas High School. The school’s mission—Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge— had a lasting impact on him and his approach to business.
“Besides my mother, who has the biggest heart and giving soul, ever, St. Thomas taught me about goodness,” he explains. “When it comes to discipline, I run my business the way my coaches ran our teams. I credit that discipline to my coaches.”
Attending St. Thomas was a dream come true for Johnny, who wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, Johnny Carrabba Jr., a proud alumnus of the Class of 1955. He fondly remembers his father, the owner of a grocery store in East Houston, closing up shop early on Fridays during football season to secure a spot in the bleachers for St. Thomas games.
“St. Thomas played a major role in shaping my success in life,” Johnny reflects.
HALL OF HONOR 2025 • ST. THOMAS HIGH SCHOOL
JOHN T. RYND ’ 75
is a well-esteemed businessman and passionate St. Thomas alum, who has returned to St. Thomas as a generous supporter, Foundation Board Member, assistant freshman football coach, and most recently, Interim President.
Rynd graduated from St. Thomas in 1975, followed by his two sons, Clay (’08) and Kyle (’09), who continued the Rynd legacy at St. Thomas. His daughter Kelly graduated from St. Agnes in 2012 and was part of the cheerleading squad for three years. His father, Jack Rynd, is a member of the Class of 1937.
“St. Thomas runs deep in our family,” he said. “There was no other school I was going to go to. It’s been a thread in my life that I can’t separate myself from.”
While attending St. Thomas, Rynd played on two state championship football teams. He remembers his time as a student fondly, noting that he still keeps in touch with many of his former classmates.
“My dearest friends today are my classmates from St. Thomas,” he said.
Following his time at St. Thomas, he graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.
He has over four decades of experience in the global offshore energy industry, serving as CEO of publicly traded companies Tidewater, Inc. and Hercules Offshore. He also served as Chairman of the National Ocean Industries Association and on the Board of Directors of Fieldwood Holdings, LLC and Hornbeck Offshore.
“I was active in business for 42 years,” he said. “The highlights were whenever you can put a team together with diverse backgrounds, diverse views, and were able to achieve success through a common goal, whatever that goal was. Nothing comes without hard work.”
Recently, Rynd returned to campus to serve as Interim President after four years of donating his time to the freshman football team as a volunteer coach and being a consistent supporter of the school. The lessons he learned at St. Thomas have continually influenced his life beyond 4500 Memorial Drive.
“The value of goodness has stuck with me,” he said. “Live your life in God’s way, be reverent, stay humble. On the knowledge side, never quit learning. There’s something to learn every day. I do think that Teach Me: Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge has been a part of my life since I was at St. Thomas.”
Advancement
STYLE SHOW 2025
Decorated in shades of pink and sunset hues, the River Oaks Country Club ballroom and event space was primed for the annual St. Thomas Style Show and Luncheon on April 25th. The 2025 theme of this beloved event was Eagle Royale –An Afternoon at the Country Club, which inspired the colorful décor and the cheerful outfits from Dillard’s that the moms rocked down the runway.
The first St. Thomas Mothers’ Club Style Show was held in 1971, also at the River Oaks Country Club. It was the brainchild of St. Thomas mom Barbara Hanson. The secret ingredient involved a well-known St. Thomas graduate, Victor Costa ’54, who was one of America’s finest and most successful designers. The focus shifted some years back to bring the Senior students
Williams and co-chairs Haley Finkelman and Jennifer Lenz spent months planning and organizing the show, coordinating volunteers, and honing in on the theme.
“Special thanks are owing to the fantastic co-chairs and their team of volunteers,” Director of Events Gretchen Penny said. “Haley Finkelman, Jennifer Lenz, and Danielle Williams led a team that worked tirelessly to bring this beautiful 1960s-themed afternoon at the country club to life. Their creativity, teamwork, and boundless energy were the driving forces behind this much-loved community event.”
Senior moms and their sons walked the runway in a wide array of on-theme outfits—for the students, these ranged from fishing gear to football uniforms. The Class of 2025 chose their attire to reflect their favorite activities they participated in during their time at St. Thomas.
The show concluded with the Rose Ceremony, in which letters that the senior students wrote to their mothers were read aloud. Many of the boys thanked their moms for cheering them on at sports events, believing in their futures, and enrolling them at St. Thomas.
“The Style Show is definitely one of the school’s sentimental favorites,” Penny said. “And this year was no exception.”
Advancement
PERFECT PAIRINGS
186 ALUMNI GOLFERS TEE UP AT THE 34TH ANNUAL ST. THOMAS GOLF TOURNAMENT
The annual St. Thomas Golf Tournament sold out for the fifth year in a row, bringing together 256 golfers across two 18-hole courses at Champions Golf Club. This year’s tournament was a standout not just for its scale, but for the participation from alumni— 186 of the 256 players were St. Thomas graduates. The Class of 2009 boasted an impressive 25 participants and filled six teams.
“The St. Thomas Golf Tournament is always incredible,” Adam Brown (’87) said. “It never fails to be a highlight of the year. The alumni participation just keeps getting better and better.”
Champions Golf Club hosted the tournament on May 5th, offering pristine course conditions and top-tier hospitality. Renowned golfer and St. Thomas alumnus Jackie Burke (’40) opened Champions with Jimmy Demaret in their hometown. This Cinco de Mayo, the premier golfing venue offered a beautiful course for the alumni golfers to compete.
Advancement
Another key part of this year’s success was the leadership of the dedicated alumni tournament chairmen: Matt Brewer (’00), Chris Dauterive (’00), David Etlinger (’01), and Brian Salazar (’01).
The school thanks our 36 generous sponsors for their support, including John Rathmell, John Rynd and the Class of 1975, Mike Burke and the Class of 1973, Bowen, Miclette & Britt Insurance Agency, LLC, Formers International & John Dominguez III, 1997, and Marek.
The golfers arrived at the tournament serenaded by a mariachi band, fitting with the Cinco de Mayo date of the event. They quickly got to practicing their putts before heading out on the two courses offered at Champions: Cypress Creek and Jackrabbit. The final winners were announced over a Tex-Mex dinner, with prizes donated by Agazul Tequila, the Class of 1974, Simple Vodka, Matt Malone (’87), and Jason Maida (’89) of Maida’s Belts & Buckles.
The winners were:
On Cypress Creek
1st Gross: Matt Brewer, Chris Dauterive, Brian Salazar, and David Etlinger
1st Net: Alan Patterson, Fundi Mwamba, Kevin Odom, and Dave Brown
On Jackrabbit
1st Gross: Trey McKirahan, Jason Martinez, Jimmy Devlin, and Henry Devlin
1st Net: Steven Love, John Ruiz, Mike Jordan, and Kevin McCauley.
THE TICKER FALL 2025
ST. THOMAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS AND ON THE MOVE.
Michael Horrocks ’62 moved last year to St. Louis, Missouri to be closer to family. He is a Recruiter at Hospitality Pro Search, with more than thirty years of experience in the industry, and holds the designation of Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive.
Jim Shanahan ’68 recently retired from his career in medical and surgical education media and tele-medicine development. He worked in the Texas Medical Center, starting there in 1974. He enjoys his retirement by spending time with his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
Marcus Schnur ’93 relocated to San Antonio in 2022 for a job promotion at Way Mechanical, where he now works as Labor Manager. Way Mechanical is a mechanical contractor that specializes in air conditioning, plumbing, piping, and the maintenance of these systems.
Johnny Misleh ’00 recently became Incarnate Word Academy’s newest Director of Admissions. He will bring his years of experience in Catholic education in Houston to this role, including his service to St. Thomas High School in various capacities.
Stephen Dwyer ’06 was named Partner at Gray Reed in their Construction practice. He brings deep industry knowledge and practical experience to this role, helping contractors and construction companies navigate contract negotiations, payment disputes, lien issues, and complex litigation. He has been selected to Super Lawyers: Texas Rising Stars from 2022-2025.
Joshua Garcia ’10 began a new role as Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager with Stellar Bank. With 12 years of banking experience, he will continue to support businesses across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, commercial real estate, and M&A at Stellar.
Hunter Pallasch ’13 married Hannah Reynolds in June 2025 in Dallas, TX. Hunter is a CPA and currently serves as a Controller at Flooret, a California-based flooring company.
John Ganucheau ’15 married Shelby Skeete in April 2025 in Houston, where they currently live with their dog, Beaux. John is a CPA and works as a Tax Manager at Deloitte.
Matthew Harris ’17 graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 2024 and has joined Kelley Drye & Warren LLP as an associate attorney. He graduated with a degree in economics with summa cum laude honors from Texas A&M University in 2020, and was featured in the Wall Street Journal as an early investor in Nvidia.
Jacob Manley ’18 graduated from South Texas College of Law Houston after earning his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Texas A&M University. To cap off his law school experience, he and a partner argued before the highest criminal court in the state and brought home the TYLA State Moot Court Championship.
Hayden Diamond ’21 graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. Following graduation, he began a new role as Missionary at FOCUS Catholic, embarking on a new chapter of spiritual growth.
Max Dagley ’23 is majoring in Journalism at the University of Texas, Austin. This past school year, he was involved with TSTV Sports as a Reporter, gaining invaluable experiences in front of the camera and behind the scenes and creating his first officially broadcasting reel.
As we begin a new academic year, it is with great pride and gratitude that I welcome all of our new families to the St. Thomas family. This year marks a historic milestone for our beloved institution, the largest enrollment in the school’s history as we continue to celebrate our 125 years! This achievement speaks to the enduring strength of our mission, the trust of our families, and the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff, and administrators. Thank you to every member of the St. Thomas team for the extraordinary effort in preparing our campus, classrooms, and community for another remarkable year!
As we embrace this new chapter, I want to reaffirm our shared commitment to BNENE – “Basilian Network for Education and the New Evangelization.” This call serves as both our compass and our charge to live fully and faithfully in the spirit of the Basilian Fathers who founded our school. Being a Basilian institution means that every decision, every relationship, and every act of service is rooted in the pursuit of Teaching Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.
This year begins our two-year accreditation process, an important opportunity for reflection and renewal. Under the leadership of Dr. Aaron Dominguez ’96 and his dedicated team, St. Thomas is well prepared to demonstrate the academic excellence, operational integrity, and Catholic identity that defines our school. This process will not only affirm who we are but also strengthen our vision for the future.
We are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Interim President John Rynd ’75, whose impact has been felt across every corner of the community. His guidance has allowed Father Jim Murphy, now serving as Vice President of Mission, to thrive in his new role, as he meets regularly with students, deepening their faith experience, and ensuring that our Basilian mission continues to inspire every young man who walks our halls.
As we move forward together, and guided by our motto of Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, St. Thomas is not just a school. It is a brotherhood, a mission, and a family. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey!
Eagle Fight Never Dies
Christopher T. Malloy
Christopher T. Malloy ’86
Chairman, Board of Directors
St. Thomas High School
in memoriam
E. Louis Whittington ’45, Passed 7/27/25
Al Guerrini ’53, Passed 1/3/25
Jerry Schrader ’53, Passed 4/1/2025
Carlo Triolo ’53, Passed 4/26/25
Joseph A. Carrabba ’56, Passed 8/3/25
Carl E. Altenburger ’60, Passed 7/14/2025
Son of Herman M. Altenburger ’28, Brother of Robert M. Altenburger ’59, Dennis P. Altenburger ’62, and Marcus J. Altenburger ’64
James Albright ’63, Passed 1/12/2025
Patrick Albright ’64, Passed 9/5/2025
John Ditta ’67, Passed 7/25/2022
David Stavinoha, ’72, 7/23/2025
Son of Jerome Stavinoha ’52, Brother of Paul Stavinoha ’74 and Jerome Stavinoha, Jr. ’71.
James Hurd II ’76, Passed 1/5/2025
St. Thomas Family
Elsa Rangel, Passed 8/4/2025
Wife of Daniel Rangel, Jr. ’73, Sister-in-law to Edward Rangel ’73 and Ariel Rangel ’75.
Susan Krus, Passed 7/31/2025
Dedicated Business Office Staff Member.
4500 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77007-7332
P: 713.864.2606 F: 713.864.6402 www.sths.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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