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 academic courses.

“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 the three alumni scholarships, given to one rising sophomore, one rising junior, and one rising senior who submit 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.

The presentation of many other distinctions followed. The winner of the William H. Goetzmann prize, named for a St. Thomas alum (’48) and Pulitzer prize winner, was Thomas Hayes. Zacariah Hart, Kale Mazurek, Dylan Vettical, and Richard Brush all received awards from the University of Rochester’s awards programs, and Matthew Chung earned the Rensselaer Medal for Science and Math. Five St. Thomas students were recognized as National Merit Finalists–Peter Bryant, Everett Denson, Roberto Pacini, Michael Richards, and Evan Wagner. Edward Bocock received the Richard B. and Anne Stephens Scholarship, awarded to a senior at St. Thomas who has chosen to attend Rice University and has demonstrated great academic and personal achievement.

The Alexander Briceño Endowed Scholarship is awarded to two graduating seniors every four years.  It was created by his family in honor of the life of Alexander Briceño, Class of 2002, who died tragically in a car accident in 2011.  During his four years at St. Thomas, Alex played the tuba in the band and was on the swim team. He went on to attend the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he graduated in 2006 with degrees in International Business and Spanish.  Sadly, Alex’s bright future ended far too soon.  His legacy lives on in this 8-semester, full-tuition scholarship, lovingly designed to give other St. Thomas graduates an educational opportunity much like the one that Alex relished. This year’s recipients were Gregory Shannon and Evan Wisnoski.

Wisnoski will also serve as 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 is 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 is 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 is 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.”

Congratulations to all of our St. Thomas Academic Award recipients.