Return of alumni as faculty members reveals impact of St. Thomas Aquinas HS

St. Thomas Aquinas High School has always been proud of the contributions of its over 11,000 alumni, contributions that extend from the local community to the wider world. It is especially noteworthy that there has always been a strong desire among alumni to return to the place that gave them their start, whether as a teacher, counselor, coach, staff member, or administrator. Currently, 18 STA alumni serve on the faculty as teachers or administrators, sharing their knowledge and experiences in each and every department.

As an institution that prides itself on developing well-rounded individuals with a strong ethical foundation, STA firmly believes that having alumni return as teachers reflects the enduring impact that a Catholic education can have on shaping lives. These exceptional individuals not only understand the academic rigors of the school, but they also embody the values and virtues that it holds dear.

“My time as a student here was recent enough to remember well, and long enough to give some perspective,” says English teacher Rachel Rivera. “Teaching in the same place I went to high school inevitably brings back strong memories of myself as a student. This simultaneously challenges me to do better as a teacher and reminds me to be compassionate towards the students I have now.”

When alumni return to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, they bring with themselves a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and a deep understanding of the school’s mission. They are living proof that the educational journey at St. Thomas Aquinas extends far beyond graduation, and that it fosters a lifelong love of learning and a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. With their unwavering passion for education and genuine care for STA’s students, these alumni teachers provide a unique perspective that ignites a spark in the hearts of all students. They inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential, offering guidance and support every step of the way.

Harry Ziegler, principal of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, commends the dedication and unwavering commitment of the alumni teachers saying, “Having our alumni return as teachers is a testament to the lasting impact of a Catholic education at STA. These individuals have chosen to invest their talents and skills into the next generation of students, imparting not just academic knowledge, but also the values and principles that will guide them throughout their lives. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and grateful for the profound influence they have on our school community.”

Each department at St. Thomas Aquinas High School benefits from the expertise of alumni teachers. For example, in the English department, former students’ love for literature is transformed into a lifelong passion for learning and theater. In the science labs, former students’ curiosity and thirst for knowledge inspire the next generation of scientific explorers, criminologists, and robotics experts. And in the math classrooms, the practical application of mathematical principles is brought to life by a devoted alumnus who spent part of his career as an accountant.

Physics teacher and head wrestling coach, Nick Tonzola, shares his experience returning as an alumnus teacher, “When I returned as a coach in 1990 and started teaching in 1993, the atmosphere was so wonderful. All the teachers and coaches that helped me as a student were all still there for me. I wanted to count myself among the teachers and coaches who truly cared about their students. I feel it every time I encounter alumni and the stories they share. They know they have a home at STA and, for me, it has been priceless.”

St. Thomas Aquinas High School understands that investing in a Catholic education is an investment in the future. By welcoming back talented alumni as teachers, the school creates an unrivaled community of educators who are deeply committed to helping students grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually, thus equipping them with the values, principles, and the guidance needed to navigate the challenges of the world with faith and resilience. The impact of their presence extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the lives and futures of STA students.

For more information about St. Thomas Aquinas High School and the impactful contributions of alumni teachers, please visit the website at stahs.net.