Though the sizzling weather gave no hint of the autumn to come, St. Thomas Aquinas High School kicked off the new school year with a convivial welcome picnic for freshmen and their families, followed by the much-anticipated home opener of its Trojan football team. The turnout at both events was remarkable, with over 250 students, family members, and faculty members at the picnic and over 700 attendees at the football game.
The journey to this point been long yet rewarding for both the students of the freshman class and the members of the football team. Most of the Class of 2026 began its journey with STA years ago as guests at our welcoming and engaging open houses. Even before that, some of them had joined us during the summers for our dynamic Aquinas Academy camps, with offerings such as Theater Extravaganza, Forensics, STEM, and various sports. But now they are official members of the STA family who were welcomed with open arms by upperclassmen, faculty members, and administrators. “We felt so welcomed and we know that it’s going to be a great and exciting four years,” shared Liz Amaya-Fernandez, mother of freshman Isabel. Families enjoyed a picnic dinner before the new students were brought inside to enjoy some icebreaker games and friendly competitions. Freshman Jasahn Canary added, “The picnic was a lot of fun. I was able to meet new people and see old friends, as well as some of the teachers who I might have this year.”
For the football team, the journey to this moment included many highs, going undefeated and unscored against in the regular season last year. However, it also endured the tragic and unexpected passing of its head coach Brian Meeney last spring. In a moving tribute to Coach Meeney prior to the game, the opposing teams joined together with coaches and Meeney’s wife and daughters to remember his legacy as a father, friend, and coach. After a moment of silence, the teams took the field, though the Trojans found a tough opponent in Timber Creek, having moved up two divisions in just one year. Though the team took on an early deficit, it was able to narrow the gap, aided by two big interceptions by Najee Lovejoy as well as by the cheers of the packed bleachers, and finished the game down by only five points. The marching band also made its debut at the event, performing its video game music-inspired halftime show for the first time to the awe of everyone in attendance.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is delighted that everyone enjoyed this exciting kickoff to the new school year and looks forward to sharing many successes and memories with students and families!
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