Each year at The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, we are proud to recognize students whose dedication, character, and achievements reflect the very best of our school community. The 2026 Merit Scholarship Breakfast was a special opportunity to do just that. Students, families, donors, and friends of Aquinas gather for breakfast to celebrate the impact of generosity and the promise of our young leaders.
This cherished tradition highlights the meaningful connection between those who have established scholarships and the students whose lives are directly enriched by them. These awards honor not only academic excellence, but also leadership, service, faith, and personal character.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the individuals and families who have created and continue to support these scholarships. Their commitment ensures that Aquinas students are recognized and encouraged in their pursuits, whether in the classroom, the arts, athletics, service, or leadership. Their generosity is an investment in the future, and in the mission of Aquinas to form students who are College Prepared. Life Ready.
This year’s recipients represent a remarkable group of young men and women who embody the values we hold dear. Each student has demonstrated what it means to be Aquinas! We are proud to recognize:
Sienna Fallone ’27: Kathleen L. Lynd Leadership Award
Santino Young ’27: The Lynd Family Scholarship
Vyvyan Vu ’27: Robert ‘42 & Rita (Skelly) Naz ‘42 Cramer Endowed Memorial Scholarship
D'Nato Ortiz ’27: Kory Schramm ’99 #33 Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Brynn Henry ’27: Frank F. Velte ’64 Endowed Scholarship
Jaden Deming ’27: Richard F. O’Connor ’64 Endowed Merit Scholarship
Grant Gawronski ’32 & John Surek ’32: Andrew J. Sperr ’91 Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Ryan Wiepert ’28: Patrick G. Farren ’62 Memorial Scholarship
Giana Van Keuren ’27 & Michael Duprey ’27: Richard J. Pilliter ’63 Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Paisley Boulis ’27 & Malachi Florence-Moten ’29: Mary Lou Knapp Endowed Scholarship
Casey Asong ’29 & Adrienne Burger ’29: Raymond Manuszak & Family Endowed Scholarship
Nayanni Jarvis-Spraggins ’27: Thomas D. Wurzer ’53 Memorial Scholarship
Lay'lanniie Hargrove ’29: Santini Endowed Scholarship
Matt O’Neill ’27: Rev. Vincent F. Corbelli, MM ’51 Scholarship
Drew Scorsone ’28: Major Donald W. Holleder ’52 Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Ben O’Neill ’27: Gordon J. DeHond ’56 Forensics Fellowship
Jackson Rinebold ’31: Thomas T. McCarrick ’43 Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Ethan Grell ’28: The Michael ’64 & Kathleen Piehler Scholarship Fund
Matthew Josephson ’27: Joseph M. Quagley ’47 Endowed Memorial Scholarship
Doaa Nashwan ’28: Peter P. ’51 & Marietta I. Romeo Endowed Scholarship
Bailey Thomas ’32: Henry Conte ’59 Endowed Scholarship
Elijah Farnham ’31, Peter Le ’30, Zoe Grell ’29, Brendan Van Blargen ’29, Mason Hahn ’28, Tamya Shannon ’31, Aniyah Smith ’30, & Julianna Bouwens ’31: Jurij Z. Kushner ’68 Family Merit Scholarship
We are incredibly grateful to all who joined us for the breakfast and to those who continue to support our school and students in so many ways. Your presence and generosity strengthen our community and make moments like this possible.
Congratulations to all of our scholarship recipients. Your hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence inspire us all. We look forward to celebrating you again at the end of the school year and to seeing the many ways you will continue to make an impact #AQProud
To view all photos of the Merit Scholarship Breakfast, please visit our website Gallery.