Thomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
Truth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
The intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
There is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
It’s early in the morning here in Santa Paula, and students on the California High School Summer Program have begun to return to the loving families who have missed them so. It’s been a wonderful two weeks, capped off by a spectacular final night.
After coming out of Friday’s last class on Macbeth, the Summer Program students enjoyed a quiet afternoon as they pleased. Some went on hikes, others took one last leap in the ponds, and more still took to the athletic fields in pursuit of one last victory.
Finally, at around 5:00 p.m., all flocked back to their respective residence halls to get ready for the evening. Soon enough, a large group of smartly dressed young men in ties and dress shoes waited patiently outside St. Monica’s Hall with the gallant purpose of walking the ladies down to dinner. One by one, the men escorted the women to a banquet in St. Joseph Commons.
Photos: Gentlemen Escort Ladies to the Banquet
Once all had had their fill of the delicious dinner, and had happily begun eating cheesecake and sipping coffee, the director of the Summer Program, Brian Dragoo, got up to speak. He led the students through the significance of all the Great Books they have read these past two weeks. From their first readings of Oedipus to their last day of Euclid and Shakespeare, the students have considered the thoughts of a few of history’s greatest minds on some of the world’s most enduring problems. These past two weeks, they have tackled questions such as:
By what standard can we know something to be pious?
How much of man’s future is it his business to know?
And, perhaps most important, is it possible for reason to proceed hand-in-hand with faith?
Photos: Banquet
After much cheering for Mr. Dragoo, Admissions Director Jon Daly, Fr. Sebastian, and this year’s incredible California prefects, the party descended to Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, where the group prayed the Rosary and adored the Blessed Sacrament. Fr. Sebastian gave a short talk, then offered students the opportunity to avail themselves of the Sacrament of Confession.
Photos: Adoration
The events of the evening then continued with performances from the students!
Photos: Entertainment
The sun now fully set, the students gathered under the stars for chocolates, cookies, chips, and one last party on St. Gladys Plaza. Music played from speakers set up specially for the event, and the dancing begun!
Around 11:00 p.m., the prefects gathered the students into St. Cecilia Hall for a slideshow of photos from their time together. There were lots of tears and laughter, both during and after the show, and students took a long time saying goodnight as they found their friends, exchanged phone numbers, and promised to meet again soon.
Photos: Dance
And so ends the 2023 California High Summer Program! A special thank you to the amazing prefects and faculty who worked so hard to make this year’s program so memorable ad delightful! Thanks, especially, to the newly graduated Regina Terreri (’23), who took all the wonderful photos for these blog posts, and to rising senior Peter King (’24), our fine writer/reporter throughout these last two weeks!
Peter King (’24) and Regina Terreri (’23)
Prefects and faculty began driving students to LAX starting very early this morning and are remaining attentive and available to all students until everyone gets safely home. We should have some photos from this morning’s departures before too long, so be sure to check the blog again later!
Safe travels to all our students, and thank you to all the parents whose support has made this program possible! We are sad to say goodbye, but hope to meet again!
