Valedictorian
Alison Picerno is planning to Northeastern University with a double major in economics and sociology. She received scholarships totaling $498,000 over the next 4 years. Alison was the co-president and founder of Amnesty International Club, Vice President of Environmental Service Club, and Secretary of International Club. In her junior year, she received the Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, National Merit Scholarship – Letter of Commendation, Middlesex County Principal and Supervisors Association for Outstanding Student Award
Salutatorian
An Nguyen will be attending the Honors College at Rutgers University this fall in the six-year Doctorate of Pharmacy program at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. After also being accepted into the University of the Sciences, the University of Scranton, Temple University, the University of Maryland, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, An accumulated over $500,000 in scholarships. An organized the St. Peter's Children's Hospital Collection on the CSAC Leadership Team, was a Peer Leader, and was a member of the Concert and Jazz Band. His proudest achievement at STA was working with the Insight staff as an Editor-in-Chief for two years.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Math Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years Participation in Music, Outstanding Contribution to the STA Band, Insight Editor-in-Chief, Herff Jones Award for Journalism Award
Katherine Abrams is planning to attend Villanova University continuing her journey as an honors student, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Katherine received over $32,000 in scholarship awards. She has been a member of the two-time GMC Championship Varsity softball team since freshman year, ran cross country her first two years, and played basketball her first three. Throughout the course of her high school career, Katherine has been an executive board member of the environmental service club and a member of the fishing, medical explorers, and CSAC clubs. She is also a part of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, the Math National Honor Society, the History National Honor Society, and the Science National Honor Society
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll
Eleni Alvarez will be attending Johns Hopkins University next year. Her major is currently undeclared, but she is going to be pursuing a degree in the STEM field. Eleni was awarded over $550,000 in scholarship awards. One of her proudest achievements during her time at St. Thomas Aquinas was receiving the Greater Middlesex Conference Sportsmanship Award for her character on and off the track. Eleni was a member of the Aquinas Star Board, Ahr Choice, several Honor Societies and was the Varsity Captain of the Cross Country and Track Teams. She was also a Student Ambassador, a Peer Leader and the Student Council Vice President.
Additional Recognition: Physical Education Award, Physical Science Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, NJSIAA Award, Society of Woman Engineers Award, Award of Excellence In Video Productions – Behind-the Scenes, Vice President of the Student Council, College Board - National Hispanic Scholar Award
Nathaniel Bael was accepted into Stevens Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. He has received a total of $32,000 in scholarship awards. He is planning to attend Rutgers University. To this day, Nathaniel is still proud of his performance of "Hold Me, Rock Me" for the virtual Concert Choir Spring Concert in 2020.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program
Aadharsh Baskar was accepted to Rutgers, Stevens, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and University of California: Davis, Irvine, and San Diego. He has received over $34,000 in scholarship awards. He is planning to attend Rutgers SAS Honors as a Computer Science major this fall. During his time at St. Thomas Aquinas, he greatly enjoyed playing in the Chess club, being part of the Varsity Golf Team for one year and several honors societies, and being top ten percent in his senior class.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Excellence in Technology Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll
Jaren Buliyat will be attending New York University next year with a major in biomolecular science in engineering with a concentration in pre-med. Jaren received a total of $406,880 in scholarship awards. Jaren was a proud member of the drama department and a varsity cross country runner. Jaren is proud to have served as student council vice president his junior year and as president his senior year.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, President of the Student Council, Outstanding Dedication to Drama, Director’s Award for Most Improved Performer over 4 Years, Zolnier Student Leadership and Service Award
Abigail Chadwick will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design in the fall, majoring in interior design. In total, Abigail received $172,000 in scholarship awards, including the Distinguished Scholarship from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Abigail has been on the yearbook staff for three years and has been co-editor for the past two years, both of which the book received a first place award from the American Scholastic Press Association. In addition, she is a member of the Student Council, CSAC, Peer Leadership, Ahr Star, Art Club, etc.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Bishop Checchio Religion Award,
4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, Herff Jones Award for Journalism Award, Insight Editor-in-Chief, Secretary/Treasurer of the Student Council, Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department, The Spirit of Blessed Mother Angela Award
Francesca Citro will be attending Sacred Heart University next year, majoring in exercise science in the 3+3 physical therapy program. Francesca received a total of $27,500 in scholarship awards. Some achievements Francesca is proud to have accomplished at STA were being accepted into the Peer Leadership Program and the National Honor Society. Francesca was also on the varsity soccer team and a part of numerous clubs.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll
Kiara Cronin was accepted to Seton Hall University, St. Joseph’s University, Villanova University, Elon University, Loyola Marymount University, and the University of San Diego. Kiara plans to attend Elon University and intends on majoring in International Relations. She has received a total of $374,000 in scholarships for four years from her combined schools. Kiara is often recognized for her service to the community. Kiara is also a member of NHS, CSAC, and is a student ambassador.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Merit Award, St. Bernadette Columbiettes Good Citizen Award
Natalie Devlin will be attending Fordham University next year, majoring in Digital Technologies & Emerging Media. Natalie received a total of $775,800 in scholarship awards. Along with Fordham University, she was accepted into Rochester Institute of Technology, Rowan University, Adelphi University, Temple University, Monmouth University, Drexel University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Sacred Heart University. A personal achievement of hers is getting into every honor society that the school has to offer. Natalie spent her time as a Varsity cheerleader, a part of the Leadership Team for CSAC, and an executive board member for Aquinas Star and Art Club.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll
Caroline DiMaggio will be studying Biology on a Pre-Health Professions track in the fall. Caroline was accepted to Villanova, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Quinnipiac, Monmouth, and others, with acceptance to multiple university honors programs. Caroline plans to attend Monmouth University in the fall. Caroline received a total of $660,000 in scholarship awards. At STA, Caroline was a member of the Honors Program, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, and National Honor Society of Dance Arts. She was a Varsity Cheerleader all 4 years and Captain senior year. Caroline was a member of the Christian Social Action Club, Ahr Choice, and Future Lawyers Club. She enjoyed her participation as a Peer Leader, Student Crisis Manager (CMT), Satoma writer, and Student Ambassador. Caroline has earned Principal’s List honors all 4 years, NJ Cheer State Champion title, national titles for cheerleading, Student of the Quarter, and won in the NJSBF Mock Trial Competition. Along with her in-school involvement, Caroline volunteered her time teaching dance and served her community, accumulating 400+ hours of service. Caroline is also proud of having the honor to be St. Thomas Aquinas 2021 Homecoming Queen her senior year.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, U.S. Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll
Isabella Hamm will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology in the fall and majoring in Computer Science for her secondary educational career. She received over $125,000 in scholarships and grants, and was also accepted to Rutgers University, St. Joseph’s University, University of Colorado-Boulder, and St. Peter’s University. Isabella’s favorite accomplishment at STA was being named First Guard Officer of the Marching Trojans Colorguard. Over the years, she was also a member of NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, CSAC Club, Environmental Service Club, Art Club, and the varsity swim team.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Outstanding Contributions and Achievements in Chorus, Most Improved over 4 Years in the STA Band
Carissa Matrale will be attending Loyola University Maryland next year, majoring in Biology. Carissa received approximately $700,000 in scholarship awards. She was given a Catholic Youth Excellence Award and was on the executive board of Rho Kappa, the Social Studies Honor Society. Carissa was a member of CSAC, Aquinas Star, Ahr Choice, Peer Leadership, and four Nation Honor Societies, among other things.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Outstanding Contributions to the Insight Staff, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll
Fiorella Merriman-Mendez will be attending Fairleigh Dickinson University in the fall. She was also accepted to Boston College, Sacred Heart University, and Pratt Institute. She plans on majoring in Graphic Design and received a total of $274,493 in scholarship awards. During her junior year Varsity soccer season, Fiorella was a lead scorer. Fiorella was a member of the NHS, Art Club, Varsity soccer, spring track, CSAC club, Ahr Star, and was a scorekeeper for the boys’ Varsity basketball team.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Prudential Spirit of Community Certificate of Merit Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, Distinguished Contributions to the STA Drama Department
Sean O'Leary will be going to Stevens Institute of Technology next fall to major in Quantitative Finance. At STA he played Varsity Soccer receiving the GMC sportsmanship award, and was a member of the Varsity Swim Team, where he achieved all-division honors. He was a member of NHS, SNHS, INHS, and Rho Kappa.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Middlesex County Scholar Athlete Award, Principal’s Honor Roll
Kristel Rambaud will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in nursing. In addition, Kristel was accepted to Villanova University, Rutgers University, Drexel University, and The College of New Jersey. She is proud to have received $182,000 in scholarships over four years and of her academic achievements in high school, such as being a member of the Honors Program. During her time in high school, she was involved in many activities like Peer Leadership, Marching Band, Concert Band, and Satoma and a member of six honors societies: National, Science, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Latin, and Tri-M. Kristel is very grateful for her time at STA and looks forward to her future in college and beyond.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Biology Award, Latin Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years Participation in Music, Most Improved over 4 Years in the STA Band
Gianna Strazzulla will be attending Quinnipiac University in the fall. She has accepted their invitation to participate in their 3+3 BA/JD Accelerated Dual Degree Program majoring in Law and Society. She has also accepted their invitation into their Honors Program. Gianna received a total of $325,000 in scholarship awards. Over the last four years her perseverance, pragmatism, and diplomacy have allowed her to have many successes. Her proudest academic accomplishment was being inducted into five National Honors Societies. As a dedicated athlete for over thirteen years, it was an honor for Gianna to have been named one of the captains of the varsity cheerleading team as well as being named a member of the National Cheerleading Association’s All-American Athlete Team and the New Jersey Cheerleading & Dance Coaches Association’s All State Athlete Team. Gianna was even recognized by NJ News 12 as one of their Scholar Athletes. As President of the Future Lawyers Club for the last three years, she has led the team to three back- to -back mock trial victories. She has also diligently completed two law internships over the last few summers. In addition, she has been able to put her religious beliefs into action through numerous community service outlets. Gianna eagerly awaits all of her future endeavors.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Social Studies Award, English Award, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, Excellence in Writing Award, Editor-in-Chief of the Satoma Magazine
Nihaal Walia will be attending the University of Delaware, majoring in chemical engineering. Nihaal received the Presidential Scholarship, being awarded $15,000 per year. He was involved in many different extracurriculars, such as Tennis, Soccer, and the Concert/Jazz Band. Also, he was involved in CSAC Ahr Star, NHS, Science NHS and Spanish NHS. During his senior year, he was recognized as a “Commended Student” in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, Principal’s Honor Roll, Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department, National Merit Scholarship – Letter of Commendation, 4 Years Participation in Music
Sara Walsh will be attending Villanova University to study civil engineering in the Honors Program. She has received over $200,000 in merit scholarships and awards. Sara is a member of the Crisis Management Team, Ahr Choice Club, CSAC, and the Volleyball team. In Sara's junior year, she received the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award.
Additional Recognition: Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll List, Principal’s Honor Roll, Outstanding Contributions to the Insight Staff, Academic All Starr Award, American Irish Association of Woodbridge’s Justin McCarthy Award
Patrick Abd (Rowan University)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Ashley Abi-Atme (New Jersey Institute of Technology)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Kaitlyn Adlassnig (Sacred Heart University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll
Sian Brossard (The College of New Jersey)
Spanish Award, Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years Participation in Music
Anthony Cacchione (Penn State University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, Outstanding Contributions and Achievements in Chorus, Most Improved Over Four Years in the STA Chorus, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Excellence in Acting, Director’s Award for Outstanding Stage Performance
Michael Carr (Pace University)
Participatory Excellence in STA Drama
Anna Caruso (Northeastern University)
Outstanding Contributions and Achievements in Chorus, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Excellence in Acting, Excellence as Social Chair of Student Council
Samuel Corry (Penn State University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama
Diogo Costa (Undecided)
Outstanding Contributions to the STA Jazz Ensemble
Kaitlyn Davis (Boston University)
4 Years Participation in Music, Outstanding Contribution to the STA Music Community, Distinguished Contribution to STA Drama
Karina Diaz (Rutgers University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, Excellence as Social Chair of Student Council, Ronald G. Rios Charity Trust Fund Scholarship
Connor Doherty (The College of New Jersey)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Timothy Drake (University of Delaware)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Brianna Dy (Hartwick College)
Robin Cone Memorial Award
Miles Farrell (U.S. Marine Corp)
4 Years Participation in Music, Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department, Member of the Honors Program, Brian Crelin Memorial Award, Marine Corp Athletic Award, Marine Corp Semper Fi Award
Stephanie Flores (Middlesex County College)
4 Years Participation in Music
Alexa Gates (Providence College)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll
Alexander Gofferman (Rutgers University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll, Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department
Jamie Hamilton (Montclair State University)
4 Years Perfect Attendance Award
Amaris Hemmingway (University of Delaware)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Katherine Iko (Towson University)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Jalen Jones (Lincoln University)
Excellence in Video Production – On-Camera
Micah Kelly (Kean University)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Victoria Knapp (Fairleigh Dickinson University)
Most Improved over 4 Years in the STA Chorus, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama
Thomas Koenig (Rutgers University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll, Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department, President’s Volunteer Service Award, Prudential Spirit of Community Award-Certificate of Achievement
Gianna Kormondy The College of New Jersey)
4 Years Participation in Music, Exceptional Musicianship, Leadership, and Dedication to Choral Music, Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department
Adam Kubisiak (University of Florida)
Member of the Honors Program, Kathleen Duffy Memorial Award
Grace Lancia (Monmouth University)
Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department, Excellence as Media Representative of Student Council, Distinguished Contribution to the Insight Staff
Melanie Mallari (Rutgers University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll, Distinguished Contribution to the Insight Staff, Middlesex County Scholar Athlete, The Spirit of Blessed Mother Angela Award, Excellence as Media Representative of Student Council
Abigail McCarty (Rutgers University)
4 Years Participation in Music, Exceptional Musicianship, Leadership, and Dedication to Band Music, Exceptional Musicianship, Leadership, and Dedication to Choral Music, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Technical Excellence
Edward McGillicuddy (Loyola University Maryland)
Participatory Excellence in the STA Drama Department
Victoria Nasto (Sacred Heart University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll
Christopher Nguyen (Rutgers University)
Member of the Honors Program, Distinguished Contribution to STA Drama
Christopher O’Connell (Colgate University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll, Physical Education Award, Distinguished Contributions as Satoma Editor
Cayla Shae O’Neil (Hussian College Los Angeles In Studio )
Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Excellence in Dance
Antonio Ortega (Rutgers University)
Excellence as Athletic Chair of Student Council, Distinguished Contribution to STA Drama
Connor Owens (University of Virginia)
4 Years Participation in Music
Wafa Qureshi (The College of New Jersey)
Principal’s Honor Roll, Distinguished Contributions to Insight Staff,
Marianne Razzano (Rutgers University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, Member of the Honors Program
Olivia Robinson (Seton Hall University)
4 Years Participation in Music, Outstanding Contributions and Achievements in the STA Marching Band
Anali Rodriguez (Seton Hall University)
Outstanding Contributions and Achievements in the STA Color Guard
Bryanna Rosa (Rutgers University)
4 Years Participation in Music, Principal’s Honor Roll, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, The Scott Stringer Award
Ryan Salamante (Rutgers University)
Nicholas College Northeast Principal’s Award, Excellence as Aquinas Star Chair of Student Council
Mary Schilp (Middlesex County College)
Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Backstage Excellence
Emily Scott (Clemson University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll
Victoria Serafin (Rutgers University)
Excellence in S.T.E.M. Award, 4 Years Participation in Music, Outstanding Contributions to the STA Music Community, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Technical Excellence
Joseph Simmons, Jr. (University of Miami)
Excellence as Aquinas Star Chair of Student Council
Naomi Southerland (North Carolina State University)
French Award, Air Force Technology Award
Mary Strunak (Seton Hall University)
Italian Award, Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll, Outstanding Contributions to the STA Music Community, Outstanding Jazz Musicianship, 4 Years Participation in Music
Allison Tkacenko (University of Delaware)
Distinguished Contributions to Insight Staff
Joseph Valenzuela (Rowan University)
Member of the Honors Program, 4 Years Participation in Music, Exceptional Musicianship, Leadership, and Dedication to Choral Music, Outstanding Contributions to the STA Music Community, Outstanding Dedication to STA Drama, Director’s Award for Excellence in Acting,
Director’s Award for Outstanding Stage Performance, Karen Trautvetter Memorial Award
Richard Vavrak (Middlesex College)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Siyuan Wang (Rhode Island School of Design)
Art Award, Principal’s Honor Roll
Yudan Xiao (University of Washington- Seattle)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years Participation in Music
Wenxi Yin (The Ohio State University)
Principal’s Honor Roll
Fengye Zhang (University of California-Davis)
4 Years Participation in Music
Lizhe Zhang (University of Toronto)
Principal’s Honor Roll, 4 Years on the Principal’s Honor Roll
Jiaqi Zheng (New York University)
Principal’s Honor Roll, Air Force Math & Science Award
Jiaying Zheng (Northeastern University)
Principal’s Honor Roll
$ 29 Million in Scholarships Awarded to the Class of 2021