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We now continue to introduce the prefects for the ����ӰԺ Two-Week 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!

Riley Edwards (CA’28)

After her family converted to Catholicism in 2021, Riley Edwards (CA’28) began her college search. Intrigued by Thomas Aquinas College, she attended the High School Summer Program on the New England campus. “I had taken some classes at a community college in high school, and I found the discussion classes at TAC way more impressive and engaging,” she says. “I was really struck by the people I met and the quality of the relationships I was able to form in such a short amount of time.” She ended up enrolling as a freshman on the ����ӰԺ campus, closer to her home state of Montana. 

With her freshman year under her belt, Riley is excited to share her experience with this year’s Summer Program attendees. “I can’t wait to meet the different students, engage with them about their interests, and learn what they’re thinking about for the future,” she says. “I received so much hospitality when I came to TAC, so I’m hoping to give back what I received.” A lover of the great outdoors, she enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, paddleboarding, and games of all kinds. 

Max Alvarez (CA’26)

“I was sold on TAC from the beginning,” says Max Alvarez (CA’26). A Ventura County native and the son of an alumnus, Max attended a Catholic high school in Ventura that had some discussion-style classes, which he found disappointing. “I enjoyed those classes, but the other people in the class weren’t very involved or excited about learning.” When he attended the Summer Program and got to participate in TAC’s Discussion Method, his college choice was confirmed. “I wanted an active part in my education, and I found that at TAC,” he says. “The people in my section were really interested in learning and participating in the conversation. It was a real discussion.” 

Though he enjoys all aspects of the Summer Program, Max’s favorite part is helping attendees discern whether the College is right for them. “I’m always excited to meet a new group of young people who are interested in making the right decision about their education,” he says. “Both during the Program and after, they should take the time to reflect on what they really want out of their college experience and evaluate if TAC fits the bill for them.” 

Hannah Chadwick (CA’27)

Born and raised in Tempe, Arizona, Hannah Chadwick (CA’27) was not initially sure what she wanted out of a college. “I knew I wanted to go, but I wasn’t looking at a particular degree: I just wanted the experience and to love it while I was there.” When she discovered TAC’s Great Books Summer Program, she did not want to attend, but once on campus, fell in love with Thomas Aquinas College. “I loved that we were pursuing knowledge for the sake of knowledge,” she says. “I got to prioritize my relationship with God and with others, and I saw that this community brings out my best.” 

Hannah is looking forward to showing this year’s attendees the faith-filled community and Great Books curriculum she discovered as an attendee herself. “It’s such a blessing to work the program that meant so much to me,” she says. “It changed my life in so many ways, so I hope I can help change other people’s lives as well.” She is especially looking forward to spending time with attendees in the coffee shop and playing sports. 

Lucas Wozniak (CA’26)

While researching colleges, one wrong Internet search led Lucas Wozniak (CA’26) to Thomas Aquinas College. He was immediately fascinated by the College’s strong devotion to the Church and tradition, the Discussion Method, and especially its classical curriculum. “The idea of reading original sources, not the regurgitative textbooks I was raised on, was like putting a fine steak in front of someone who had only ever eaten beans,” he jokes. “The pure and raw authenticity sealed the deal for me.” 

A rising senior and a second-time High School Summer Program prefect, Lucas hopes to show attendees the power of a fruitful discussion, the beauty of wonder, and the joy he found at TAC. “What I love most about the College is the unceasing, unyielding, radiating joy that pervades the whole community,” he says. “It shows the tangible difference between TAC and the rest of the world.”