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We continue to introduce the prefects for the California High School Summer Program, which begins July 6! For previous introductions, see the Summer Blog, and to be part of this year’s program, apply now!

Richard Goforth (CA’26)

Though he learned about Thomas Aquinas ������ý at his classical liberal arts high school, Richard Goforth (CA’26) had no interest in attending. He chose a different college, with the goal of attaining both a liberal arts education and a specific major, but after a year, started to reconsider his decision. “I was having a good experience there, but I wasn’t receiving what I had hoped to out of the liberal arts aspect,” Richard says. “I knew TAC was one of the only places that had the education I wanted, and it seemed like it filled in all the holes that the other college left.” After talking to a few of his high school teachers and friends who were TAC students, his mind was set. He enrolled at Thomas Aquinas ������ý as a freshman the following year.

Three years later, Richard is looking forward both to his senior year and to helping this year’s Summer Program attendees discover the ������ý for themselves. “The Summer Program is a very helpful resource for discernment,” he says. “It took me a lot longer than other people to know what I wanted, and I think the program helps you be honest with yourself as you figure out what you want out of college.” Richard is a talented film producer both on his own and for the ������ý, so if you see him with a camera during the program, make sure to smile!

Katie Colarelli (CA’27)

The daughter of two alumni and sister to four more, Katie Colarelli (CA’27) grew up hearing stories about Thomas Aquinas ������ý around the dinner table. “My initial impression of TAC was quite positive, especially as I witnessed my siblings grow stronger intellectually and, most importantly, in their faith life,” she says. Inspired by their testimony, she attended the ������ý as well, hoping to seek the truth while growing in the same virtues she saw exemplified in her family.

Katie can’t wait to experience the fun of the Summer Program alongside this year’s attendees, as well as provide an example of how the ������ý can impact a person, just as her parents and siblings did for her. “I hope to show attendees how beneficial and inspiring it is to live in such a beautiful Catholic community and be exposed to the fundamental ideas and discoveries that have shaped Western civilization,” she says. “The TAC curriculum is so valuable to anyone who wants to truly grow in his faith and intellectual life.”

Xavier Grimm (CA’27)

Xavier Grimm (CA’27) is no stranger to Thomas Aquinas ������ý. As a California native and son of alumni, he had always seen the ������ý as a good option for further education. It was a visit to classes, however, that convinced him to attend. “Hearing the intriguing discussions and seeing the community of exceptional, authentically Catholic individuals really made an impression on me.” In particular, he was also attracted to the lifestyle centered around the Catholic faith. “I love the high availability of the sacraments,” he says. “There is an inherent focus on the Faith, even in the architecture, with the steeple of the Chapel rising well above the rest of the campus.”

A Summer Program alumnus himself, Xavier believes it offers a great opportunity for personal development, from playing soccer to living in the residence halls. “It is a unique experience to be surrounded by 50 or more like-minded men and women in everyday life, whether you are brushing your teeth or in an impromptu jam session with two guys on guitar and a handful more on vocals.” Xavier loves sports of all kinds and is looking forward to experiencing all of the program’s activities with this year’s attendees!

Gianna Huckins (CA’26)

“I always knew about TAC and that it was a good school, even though I didn’t want to go myself,” says Gianna Huckins (CA’26). Although her four older siblings graduated from the ������ý and she experienced the Summer Program, she was intent on forging her own path — at least until her older brother’s graduation, which was held one year later than scheduled due to the COVID lockdowns. “It was eye opening for me to see how close the class was, even after they hadn’t seen each other for over a year,” she says. “I knew I wanted something like that in my college experience.”

Now a rising senior, Gianna has found so much to love about the ������ý since her freshman year, but her favorite aspect will always be the community. “It’s beautiful how connected we all are: We live together, eat together, pray together,” she says. “That’s why I love the Summer Program: you really get to taste the kind of community that is based on the Faith and centered around the classroom.”

Diego Mota de Alcantara (CA’28)

When Diego Mota de Alcantara’s (CA’28) oldest sister discovered Thomas Aquinas ������ý, he was intrigued. Having attended private Catholic schools in California, Brazil, and Arizona, he knew he wanted to go somewhere for college that would challenge him academically. So, when he received a personal message from the ������ý’s admissions director a few years after his sister graduated, he made the decision to attend. “I love how the ������ý brings out the authentic version of myself and pushes me to be a better man academically and spiritually,” he says.

An avid soccer and volleyball player, Diego hopes to show this year’s Summer Program attendees the well-balanced life found at Thomas Aquinas ������ý: one filled with academic challenges, quiet prayer, and joyful camaraderie. “The Summer Program can give the students an opportunity to see the ideal that TAC is pursuing,” he says. “I hope they take great memories away from this experience.”