AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL
Voted Best Private High School & Best Catholic School 2025 14 Years in a Row!
The Aquinas Class of 2020 alumna is pursuing a PhD in visual neuroscience at UCLA while inspiring the next generation through research, mentorship, and faith-driven perseverance.
For many Aquinas graduates, the foundation built on campus continues to shape the paths they take long after graduation. For Ava Bignell, that path has led to the forefront of scientific research at University of California, Los Angeles, where she is now in her second year of a five-year PhD program in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology
At UCLA, Ava is immersed in the world of physiology, studying how biological systems function and respond to the world around them Her research focuses on visual neuroscience, specifically how fruit flies use vision and odor cues to navigate their environments While the subject may seem highly specialized, Ava says the broader implications are farreaching.
“If we do not understand how flies interact with their environments, we will never be able to understand how more complicated organisms like humans do,” she explained. “I have always been curious about how the brain works, and why animals and humans do what they do.”
That curiosity began to take shape during her years at Aquinas. Ava credits classes like AP Biology and AP Environmental Science for sparking her early interest in science. She also points to the school’s Healthcare Academy as a transformative experience, giving her a firsthand look at how science and medicine can directly impact lives through patient care and service
Beyond academics, Ava says the relationships she built at Aquinas gave her the confidence to pursue ambitious goals She especially remembers the encouragement of her vicariate leader, Ms Fontes, and the support of her vicariate sisters Aquinas taught me to put my faith first and trust in God’s plan,” Ava shared “It also taught me to work hard, persevere through setbacks, and lean on the strength of community.”
Those values continue to guide her through the demands of graduate school. In addition to launching her thesis project, Ava is gaining independence in designing experiments, coding data analysis, and writing a grant as part of her Written Qualifying Exam. She says one of the most meaningful parts of her journey has been collaborating with passionate people who challenge and inspire her every day.
“Aquinas taught me to put my faith first and trust in God’s plan,” Ava shared. “It also taught me to work hard, persevere through setbacks, and lean on the strength of community.”
Those values continue to guide her through the demands of graduate school In addition to launching her thesis project, Ava is gaining independence in designing experiments, coding data analysis, and writing a grant as part of her Written Qualifying Exam She says one of the most meaningful parts of her journey has been collaborating with passionate people who challenge and inspire her every day
Just as importantly, Ava has made it a priority to give back. Some of her proudest moments so far have come not from her own achievements, but from mentoring others. She has returned as a panelist for undergraduate programs that helped shape her own path, including the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences and the Louis Stokes California Alliance for Minority Participation. She also serves as secretary for the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science at UCLA, helping support underrepresented students pursuing careers in STEM.
Looking ahead, Ava hopes to continue in academia, eventually leading her own lab and mentoring the next generation of scientists. Her dream is to focus on sensory biology while creating space for more students especially those who may not always see themselves represented in science to feel that they belong
When asked what advice she would give current Aquinas students, Ava’s answer was simple: take advantage of every opportunity
“Aquinas has so much to offer,” she said “From academics to athletics to leadership opportunities, there are so many ways to grow. Focus on what you are passionate about, do your best, and always prioritize self-care.”
For Ava, the journey from Aquinas classrooms to advanced scientific research has been fueled by curiosity, faith, and perseverance. And while her work today is helping answer complex questions about how living beings experience the world, her story may be doing something just as important: showing today’s Falcons what is possible when passion meets purpose.
From Screen Time to Prayer Time: Aquinas Students Discover Faith Through the Hallow App
What began as a classroom conversation about modern distractions has grown into a meaningful opportunity for Aquinas students to build daily habits of prayer through the Hallow app during Advent, Lent, and beyond.
In a world where teenagers often spend hours each day on their phones, one Aquinas High School theology class asked a simple but powerful question: What if some of that time was spent growing closer to God?
That question sparked a new spiritual opportunity for students through the Hallow app, a Catholic prayer and meditation platform that offers guided reflections, Scripture readings, and devotional content. What began as a conversation in the classroom during Advent has quickly become a meaningful tool helping Aquinas students deepen their prayer lives throughout the liturgical year including now during the season of Lent.The idea first surfaced in Mr. Mark Sandoval’s Advanced Biblical Interpretation class during a discussion about prayer and students’ relationship with God.
“In my class we talked about our prayer life and our relationship with the Lord,” Sandoval said. “It was widely agreed that we could all grow in that area.”
While studying the story of the Israelites and the Golden Calf, a moment of idolatry in the Old Testament, Sandoval asked students what their own “Golden Calf” might be— something in their lives that could be pulling their attention away from God.
“The overwhelming answer was their phones,” he said. “Many admitted they spend eight to twelve hours a day on them and often feel like they can’t put them down.” Rather than simply telling students to reduce screen time, Sandoval proposed a different idea: what if they used their phones as a way to grow spiritually?
Having personally benefited from the Hallow app, and seeing its use expanding in parishes—including his own, Holy Name of Jesus in Redlands—Sandoval began exploring whether it could be introduced to students at Aquinas.
“It presented an incredible opportunity and gift for our students to deepen their relationship with God,” he said. After nearly a year of conversations with representatives and exploring how it could be implemented for the school community, the app was introduced through theology classes and Vicariate meetings. The Hallow app offers a wide range of spiritual resources, including the daily rosary, reflections on Scripture from the lectionary, guided meditations, daily examens, and theological content.
For many students juggling academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities, the accessibility of the app has made it easier to build a consistent prayer routine.
Senior Donnivon Gomez says the app has become part of his daily spiritual rhythm. I’ve mostly been using Hallow for my daily prayer, and it’s honestly been super convenient, especially on days when things get busy,” Gomez said. “It helps me slow down and refocus, which I really need sometimes.”
As a Kairos leader, Gomez says maintaining that spiritual focus is important not only for himself but also for the students he helps lead.
“It’s been a great way to keep my spirit up and stay grounded,” he said. “Kind of like how athletes stick to a routine to grow, Hallow has become part of my routine to strengthen my faith.”
Students say one of the strengths of the app is how easily it fits into their daily lives.
Giselle Vargas appreciates the wide range of content available.
“I’ve been using the Hallow app to pray the Rosary, explore the lives of the saints, take part in short prayers, and even do daily trivia challenges,” she said.
The flexibility allows students to engage with their faith in different ways depending on their schedules.
“Building a consistent prayer routine has helped me balance everyday life while deepening my faith,” Vargas said. “Having access to such a wide range of resources is truly a gift.”
For some students, the app has even opened new perspectives on faith and spirituality.
Samantha Olaniyan, who comes from a Protestant background, said the experience has helped her better understand Catholic traditions.
“Using Hallow combined with what we’ve been doing in ABI has genuinely opened my mind to the Catholic faith,” she said. “It makes everything feel approachable and helps me understand the meaning behind certain practices instead of judging them from a distance.”
One practice that surprised her most was the Rosary.
“At first it was totally outside of what I’m used to, but it’s actually been surprisingly grounding,” she said.Several students shared that the most powerful moments with the app often happen during difficult or stressful times.
“One moment that really stood out was a daily reflection that matched exactly what I was going through that day,” Gomez said. “It lifted me up and helped me reset my mindset.”
Olaniyan recalled a similar experience.
“I was feeling overwhelmed and mentally drained one night,” she said. “I opened Hallow and tried one of the guided reflections. The way it was structured was slow and intentional, and it genuinely made me feel peaceful in a way I hadn’t felt all day.”
Moments like these, students say, remind them how prayer can provide clarity and peace even during busy or stressful days.
While the app was first introduced during Advent, many Aquinas students are continuing to use it during Lent, a season when the Church calls Catholics to deepen their prayer life through reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal.
Sandoval hopes the app will help students build lasting habits of prayer.
“One of my favorite features is the ‘routine’ option,” he said. “You can set up a daily routine and receive reminders to pray.”
The goal, he says, is not simply to add another app to students’ phones, but to help them discover a lifelong relationship with God.
“The app offers a vast amount of content that is both enriching and exciting,” Sandoval said. “I truly believe it has the potential to become an integral part of our students’ spiritual journey.”
And in a world where phones often compete for attention, Aquinas students are discovering that those same devices can also become a powerful tool for prayer.
Aquinas alumna Melissa Garvall is helping restore dignity, hope, and new beginnings through her work with the Orange County Rescue Mission tattoo removal program.
There are some stories that remind you what it truly means to live a life of purpose and for Melissa Garvall, that purpose is showing up in one of the most unexpected, yet powerful ways.
After graduating from Aquinas, Melissa’s path was anything but one-dimensional. With a deep curiosity for science and a heart for helping others, she built an impressive academic foundation, earning a degree in Biology, followed by a Master’s in Molecular Biotechnology, and later a Bachelor of Science in Nursing She began her career in the Neuro ICU, where the stakes were high, and the work was both intense and deeply human.
But as life unfolded, so did her calling.
While her early career sharpened her clinical skills, Melissa eventually stepped into a season centered on family, faith, and service one that would ultimately lead her into a kind of work that goes far beyond medicine Sometimes the most meaningful opportunities don’t come through a job application they come through people and timing that just feel right
Melissa was introduced to the tattoo removal program at the Orange County Rescue Mission through a close friend’s father, who was helping pioneer the initiative. What started as an invitation quickly became something more.
Looking back, she sees it clearly: this wasn’t coincidence, it was alignment
“It opened the door for me to step into something that combines my background in healthcare with a deeper purpose in serving others ” At first glance, tattoo removal might seem cosmetic. But what Melissa does is anything but surface-level.
At the Rescue Mission, the program serves individuals rebuilding their lives after experiences with homelessness, addiction, incarceration, gang involvement, and even human trafficking. For many, tattoos aren’t just ink, they’re reminders of pain, survival, or identities they are trying to leave behind
In some cases, especially for women who have been trafficked, tattoos were used as branding marks they never chose.
Melissa volunteers her time performing tattoo removal treatments, but what she offers goes far beyond that.
Each session becomes a moment of transformation.
A pause.
A release
A step forward
“It’s not just about removing ink,” she shares “It’s about helping someone separate from their past and move toward a new direction with dignity and hope.”
Ask Melissa about the most meaningful part of her work, and she doesn’t point to a single case or milestone.
She talks about a moment.
The moment when something shifts in a person, not just physically, but spiritually.
“There are times when you can sense it’s not just about removing ink, but about letting go of something deeper tied to their past ”
It’s in those moments quiet, sacred, and often unseen that Melissa feels the weight and beauty of what she’s been called to do
“It’s a privilege to sit with someone as they take a step toward a new identity and a fresh start.” What many people don’t realize is how much a tattoo can impact someone’s future. It can affect job opportunities, relationships, and even how a person sees themselves
Removing it can be the first step in rewriting that narrative
“It removes a visible label that no longer represents who they are,” Melissa explains “That shift can change everything, confidence, opportunity, how they’re received by the world.”
And sometimes, it’s not just about the individual. It’s about families being restored.
Parents reconnecting with their children.
Lives being rebuilt from the inside out Melissa credits her time at Aquinas for planting the seeds that still guide her today
“It instilled a strong foundation of faith, service, and purpose,” she says “It wasn’t just about achievement; it was about using your life in a meaningful way.”
That mindset, one rooted in faith and action, is clearly alive in the work she does now. For current Aquinas students considering a path in healthcare, service, or outreach, Melissa offers advice that feels both grounded and deeply personal:
Work hard
Build your skills
Invest in your education
But also stay open.
“Be willing to follow where God leads, even if it looks different than you had planned.”
Because sometimes, the most impactful work isn’t found on a straight path, it’s found in the unexpected yes. At its core, the work being done at the Orange County Rescue Mission is about more than meeting immediate needs
It’s about restoration
People are not defined by their past, but are given the space, support, and dignity to begin again.
And through Melissa’s hands and her heart, that transformation is happening every single day.
With Coach John Evans at the helm, the revived boys program made school history while Aquinas launched its inaugural girls team, signaling an exciting new era for Falcons water polo.
For Aquinas, this year’s water polo season was about far more than wins and losses It was about revival
While many may think boys water polo is brand new at Aquinas, the program actually existed for a few seasons before the pandemic. But when COVID shut down sports, boys water polo was the one program that never returned when restrictions were lifted. That made this season feel like something bigger: a second beginning
And what a beginning it was
The roots of this new chapter started when students Owen Bonadimon and Landon De La Torre approached school administration last year with a vision to bring the program back. As sophomores, they helped lead the charge to revive a sport they believed could thrive at Aquinas.
The first season back was a rebuilding year. The Falcons finished 4-16, laying the groundwork for what they hoped would eventually become a competitive program But beneath the record, something important was taking shape: belief
This year, when John Evans took over as head coach, he arrived with both ambition and faith in what the team could become.
“When I was offered the job this year, my expectation was to improve to 12 wins that season, best case scenario,” Evans said. “I told the team that our goal was to win a Division 6 CIF championship and win a league title ”
For a team coming off four wins, those goals may have sounded lofty But the Falcons bought in What followed was one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Aquinas athletics history.
After finishing last in league the year before, Aquinas stormed through league play undefeated, capturing the program’s first league championship in school history. The Falcons finished the season 21-7 and earned a spot in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 playoffs It was a stunning leap for a team in only its second season back
The defining moment came after an early season loss to La Quinta High School
Rather than letting the setback define them, the team used it as a wake up call.
“The team met and decided that our best effort was not met,” Evans said. “From that point on, the effort and energy displayed over the course of the season was nothing short of astounding.”
That response changed everything Practices became more intense Standards rose Accountability deepened Every day in the pool became an opportunity to sharpen not only skills, but character
“Every practice was highlighted by hard work, effort, and toughness,” Evans said. “With the exception of one day, the effort was close to 100 percent.”
For Aquinas, though, the season’s success was never just about trophies.
Evans said the true heart of this team was found in its faith, perseverance, and love for one another “These young men are shining examples of what it means to live a Catholic life,” Evans said “The culture I want to establish is one of hard work and devotion to God and one another.”
That culture, he said, is meant to shape more than athletes.
“My hope is that they can learn to be young men who believe in something higher than themselves,” Evans said “My hope is they learn to love something and sacrifice for that ”
The momentum in the pool was not limited to the boys program
This year also marked the inaugural season for Aquinas girls water polo, another exciting step forward for the school’s growing athletic offerings. The girls showed promise in their first season, setting the stage for what could become another strong program in the years ahead.
And the future looks even brighter
The boys team graduated just three seniors, with the core of the roster returning next year Even more exciting, many players are still relatively new to the sport, which means their potential ceiling remains incredibly high.
“The most exciting thing about the future of boys water polo is that they still are learning the game, and they are really, really good,” Evans said.
For Aquinas, this season was proof of what can happen when students lead boldly, coaches dream big, and a team chooses to believe
From a program once sidelined by circumstance to a league champion making school history, Aquinas water polo is no longer just making a comeback
The Falcons have arrived.
Aquinas student-athletes delivered league titles, CIF playoff runs, and historic milestones across a standout 2025–26 fall and winter season
The 2025–26 fall and winter seasons were another strong chapter for Aquinas athletics, with Falcon teams competing at a high level across multiple sports and continuing the school’s tradition of excellence
Football
Aquinas once again proved itself among the area’s top programs, capturing the Ironwood League title and advancing to the CIF Southern Section playoffs The Falcons continued their standard of discipline, toughness, and postseason consistency while representing Aquinas with pride.
Boys Water Polo
One of the biggest stories of the year came in the pool, where boys water polo completed a remarkable turnaround season. In just the program’s second year back after a post-COVID restart, the Falcons went undefeated in Mountain Valley League play, captured the league championship, and advanced to CIF marking a major milestone in the program’s resurgence.
Girls Water Polo
This winter marked a historic milestone for Aquinas athletics with the launch of the school’s first varsity girls water polo team. In its inaugural season, the Falcons laid a strong foundation, gaining valuable experience and setting the tone for what promises to be a bright future.
Girls Tennis
Aquinas girls tennis once again continued its tradition of consistency and competitiveness. The Falcons battled through league play, qualified for postseason competition, and showcased the depth and discipline that have long defined the program.
Cross Country
Aquinas cross country turned in another strong season, with both boys and girls teams competing well throughout league meets, invitationals, and postseason competition. Falcon runners continued to build on a culture of endurance, discipline, and steady improvement
Girls Volleyball
The Falcons competed in a challenging fall schedule and remained competitive throughout league play, earning key wins while continuing to demonstrate resilience and teamwork
Boys Basketball
Aquinas boys basketball battled through a tough winter slate and continued to build depth against strong competition The Falcons showed grit and growth throughout the season, making a playoff run and continuing to lay the groundwork
for
future success
Girls Basketball / Soccer / Wrestling
Across the winter season, Aquinas athletes in girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, and wrestling continued to compete with heart and determination Whether in league play, tournaments, or postseason competition, Falcon athletes represented Aquinas with pride and perseverance
From established championship programs to new teams breaking ground, the 2025–26 seasons reflected what Aquinas athletics is all about: excellence, growth, and the relentless pursuit of something greater.
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From the Playground to the Piazza
How a friendship that began in grade school grew through Aquinas, flourished at USD, and carried Abby Barrows and Madelyn Hellrich across Europe
At Aquinas High School, students are encouraged to grow not only in academics, but in faith, friendship, and the kind of community that lasts far beyond graduation For alumnae Abby Barrows and Madelyn Lorraine Hellrich, that sense of connection began in grade school, deepened during their time at Aquinas, and ultimately followed them all the way to Rome
Their friendship is the kind Aquinas has long been known for steadfast, rooted in shared values, and strengthened through every stage of life While they made countless memories together on campus, both point to one experience as especially formative: Kairos
For Abby, serving as a Kairos leader alongside Madelyn remains one of the defining memories of her high school years The two leaned on each other as they prepared witness talks, wrestled with questions about faith, and supported one another through the vulnerability the retreat demanded. “That experience caused us to become even closer,” Abby shared. “It constantly reminds me of how deep our friendship is and how it is rooted in God.”
Madelyn echoed that sentiment, recalling not only attending Kairos as juniors, but later returning together to help lead their senior class. “We were able to grow closer in our friendship while also growing closer to God,” she said.
Years later, that same friendship became an anchor when the two decided to take a leap neither had fully imagined: studying abroad together in Rome while attending University of San Diego
Though they had talked about the idea since starting college, Abby admits it never felt entirely realistic. As students in different majors, and both stepping far outside their comfort zones, the opportunity seemed more like a dream than a plan. Even once they arrived, it still felt surreal.
For both, the experience began with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Abby remembers feeling overwhelmed and deeply homesick at first, adjusting to life thousands of miles from everything familiar. Madelyn, who had never traveled internationally before, also felt the nerves of navigating a new country and culture. But Rome quickly began to feel less intimidating and more like an invitation to grow, explore, and embrace the unknown. Living in Rome gave them the chance to experience history, beauty, and faith in a way few ever get to Abby still remembers the first time she saw the Colosseum sitting at its base with friends, eating gelato, and taking in the scale of something she had only ever seen in textbooks “That was the first time of many moments that I remember thinking how surreal my life felt,” she said For Madelyn, one of the most unforgettable moments was stepping into Vatican City for the first time A devout Catholic, she was especially drawn to Rome because of its central place in the Church. Seeing the Vatican and attending the Angelus was, in her words, “such a blessing.”
Their travels eventually took them well beyond Rome through Italy, Paris, Copenhagen, Ireland, Germany, Spain, and more. They explored bustling cities, navigated foreign transit systems, attended Mass in multiple countries, and shared unforgettable moments that will stay with them for a lifetime. One of Madelyn’s favorite memories was spending one of their first nights in Rome wandering a riverside market in Trastevere, sitting together by the water and taking in the excitement of what the next four months would hold
But more than the passport stamps and postcard moments, both say the experience was made meaningful by having each other
There were difficult moments homesickness, culture shock, and the challenge of living far from home but their friendship remained a constant source of comfort and support Abby credits the experience with teaching her courage and resilience, while Madelyn says it strengthened her independence and confidence. Through it all, they were reminders to each other of what Aquinas had helped instill in them years earlier: faith, perseverance, and the importance of showing up for the people you love.
Their story is a reflection of what makes the Aquinas community so special. The friendships formed in its classrooms, retreats, and hallways are not just part of the high school experience they become part of who students are. For Abby and Madelyn, Aquinas didn’t just prepare them for college. It gave them a lifelong friendship strong enough to cross oceans.
And if their journey proves anything, it’s this: some of life’s greatest adventures begin with the people who have been beside you all along
