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Valerie Thompson, Reporter

Valerie is a freshman in the class of 2028 at Saint Thomas Aquinas. At Aquinas, Valerie participates in Key Club, track and more. Outside of school, she likes to make art, play music, and spend time with friends and family.

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10% of the Gratitude
  • General
KC Guatemala Alliance

This past June, Saint Thomas Aquinas junior Grant Pomianek, '27 and his father Matt, traveled with their home parish, St. Thomas More on a mission trip to Guatemala. Their experience was captured in an article in the KC Guatemala Alliance newsletter, Amigos para Siempre.

Kicking Toward Her Goals: Olivia Giammanco Balances College Soccer Dreams and Career Ambitions
  • Student Life
  • Student Profiles
Judy Callahan, Director of Strategic Communications

Saint Thomas Aquinas senior, Olivia Giammanco, '26 has been playing soccer since she was three years old, when she started pre-school. Her dad was her first coach and she remembers she picked the number 10 for her jersey because it was his number when he was a kid. Fifteen years later, she’s still on the pitch - no longer focused on the number on her back, but on using her talent to play at the collegiate level while pursuing her career ambitions.  

Framing the Moment: Student Photography is Capturing Our Attention
  • Academics
  • Student Profiles
Judy Callahan, Director of Strategic Communications

New entry-level photography class inspires students to capture life's everyday moments through the lens of a camera. This class gives students a fun chance to explore both the art and the skills of photography!  

Students Cassia Mazzella, '27 and Lucas Winkler, '28 were selected to share their work. 

 

NHS Annual School Supply Drive:  An Inside Look with Senior, Kathryn Forge, '26
  • Faith and Service
  • Student Life
  • Student Profiles
Judy Callahan, Director of Strategic Communications

At Saint Thomas Aquinas, the first week of school carries a special tradition - one rooted in generosity and community.

For the past 22 years, our National Honor Society has led a Back-to-School Supply Drive, inviting students to bring not only their own supplies, but also to share with others. Together, they’ve brightened the start of the school year for the students and teachers of Resurrection Catholic Grade School in Kansas City, Kansas, ensuring they have the tools to learn, grow, and thrive.

The Transformative Power of a Faith-Filled Community
  • Faith and Service
Samantha Paradise, '03 Director of Community Relations

This Easter, 11 students from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School made the profound decision to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. Additionally, two alumni chose to join the Church and received their First Communion and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass, Saturday, April 19, 2025. 

In Times of Need, We Often Look for Mentors
  • Student Profiles
Eli Carter, '25, Shield Contributor

Mentorship is a very important part of the culture at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, whether it’s upperclassmen to freshmen, or teachers to their students, we strive to make each other better, to support one another. There's no one better at this than senior, Shane Gifford. '25. As a mentor he goes above and beyond.

Saints March for Life in Washington D.C. 2025
  • Faith and Service
Eva Best, '25, Shield Contributor

The Teens For Life Club held its annual trip to Washington D.C. and over 40 students traveled to participate in the March for Life. Read this account of the pilgrimage as told by senior, Eva Best, '25.

  • Student Spotlight
Valerie Thompson, '28, Shield Reporter

Did you know there' s a wiffle ball champ at Aquinas? His name is Andre and he's a freshman. 

Alex Henderson Is Buddy the Elf
Valerie Thompson, '28, Shield Reporter

This week I interviewed Alex Henderson. Alex is a junior at Aquinas and the lead in Aquinas’s Winter musical, Elf!

Inside Christmas at Aquinas
  • Faith and Service
  • Student Life
Gabi Poeschl, '26 Shield Reporter

Christmas is right around the corner and the holiday season is in full swing. Aquinas students celebrate Christmas in many ways throughout the month of December. 

Wicked: A Film that Truly Defies Gravity
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
Peyton Vena, '25, Shield Reporter

It’s time to try defying gravity, and that is exactly what the film Wicked did. This wildly popular Broadway musical took its plot line and songs to Hollywood and completely stunned audiences with the graphics and acting.

Saints Go Global: Japan
  • Academics
  • Student Life
Caran McMahan, '26, Shield Contributor

Over a period of 25 years, Aquinas has sent a total of 49 students to Japan and Yonago has sent 143 students to America. Discover the history of this awesome Student Exchange Program with Yonago High School!

Evelyn Thompson: Sky's The Limit
Valerie Thompson, '28, Shield Reporter

Evelyn Thompson, is a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas and when she graduates wants to pursue a career as a pilot. She has always been interested in flying but never thought it would be a possibility, until now. After she graduates, Evelyn is going to attend K-State and start flight school. 

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