Juniors Host Celebratory Dinner for Class of 2026

Each spring, as the academic year draws to a close and Commencement approaches, the Junior Class at Thomas Aquinas College hosts a special farewell dinner and dance for the soon-to-be graduates. After three memorable years together, this event serves as an opportunity for the upperclassmen to reflect and reminisce on all that they have shared.

New England

A cocktail hour, held on the lawn outside St. Frassati Student Center, preceded Saturday’s elegant dinner on the New England campus. Tutors and upperclassmen enjoyed the last of the warm evening sunshine over charcuterie boards and conversation before heading indoors for the dinner.

Under the direction of Gerald Faist and Maximino Merriam (both NE’27), the juniors spent two days preparing and organizing the meal. Their efforts were well rewarded: All enjoyed delicious steak and tables ornamented  with lovely floral arrangements.

As servers deposited cups of crème brûlée before guests, the evening’s toast ceremony began. Members from both classes rose to honor individuals and the two classes present, calling out friends, recalling moments from the past three years, and toasting the future. “While reading your theses, it was amazing to observe how much wonder you all have,” said Will Rosa (NE’27), addressing the Class of 2026. I truly hope that you maintain this wonder, and that you go into life being that light which the world so desperately needs.”

Senior Liam O’Brien similarly lauded the juniors: “It brings me a great amount of hope just knowing that the school I love and the mission that it is carrying out is being left in good hands. The Holy Spirit has its will here, and it fills me with great joy.”

When dessert and the toast ceremony were finished, juniors and seniors reconvened in Olivia Music Hall for a final night of music and dancing. 

California

At half past five Pacific Time that same Saturday, seniors and juniors in California made their way to the academic quadrangle in their best formal attire, where junior volunteers had set up rows of tables and chairs along Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel’s steps. Attendees conversed over light refreshments and savored the evening breeze. Before long, everyone took their seats to enjoy a delicious five-course meal.

Once dinner was cleared and homemade tiramisu served, students took turns raising toasts to siblings, role models, and friends from the neighboring class. “There’s something really special about the class right above you. It’s beautiful to have them as inspirations and to share so much life with them,” said Hannah Chadwick (CA’27). “Seniors — you guys are incredible. You are all examples of love flowing from the inside out. We have been so blessed to know you so intimately these last three years.”

When the last cheers resounded, the party moved to St. Cecilia Hall, where the juniors had two more festivities in store: a picture slideshow highlighting the Class of 2026’s best moments, followed by one last dance. The upperclassmen lingered well into the night and savored some of their final moments together as schoolmates. “The seniors were there for us from the start, and they’ve been there for us year after year,” said JP Sommers (CA’27). “So we thank them for being here tonight, and thank them for being here time and again.”

More Junior-Senior Dinner photos from New England ...

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... and California!