St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fort Lauderdale)

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Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Image:STA crest.jpg
Motto Vita. Deo. Veritas
(Latin: Life. God. Truth.)
Established 1936
Type Private
Head Monsignor Vincent T. Kelly
Location Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Campus Urban, 20 acres (.08 km²)
Enrollment 2,100
Faculty 116
Tuition $7,100
$5,900 Catholic Parish members
Colors Blue & gold
Homepage www.aquinas-sta.org

St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA) was established in 1936, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA as St. Anthony Catholic High School. In 1952, it was renamed Central Catholic High School. Finally, in 1961, it was renamed St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the school has 2,100 9th to 12th grade students on its 20-acre campus in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

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[edit] Academic achievements

  • The class of 2005 graduated with 16 National Merit Semifinalists, and 23 National Merit Commended Students.
  • The Class of 2004 graduated 24 National Merit Finalists, 3 Semifinalists, and 29 National Merit Commended Students.
  • The Class of 2003 graduated a state high 36 National Merit finalists which was also the 13th highest in the country.
  • The Class of 2002 graduated 21 National Merit Finalists, and 35 National Merit Commended Students.
  • The Class of 2001 graduated 25 National Merit Finalists.
  • The Class of 2000 graduated 16 National Merit Finalists.
  • The Class of 1999 graduated 21 National Merit Finalists.
  • In 1985 and 1996 the school was recognized by the Department of Education first as a "School of Excellence" and then the Blue Ribbon Award.
  • In 2004, 2005, and 2006 the Catholic High School Honor Roll named STA as one of "the Top 50 Secondary Schools in the nation." STA is unique in that it is one of only 12 high schools in the nation to have received this honor three consecutive years. It is also the only high school in the state of Florida to have this distinction.

[edit] Athletic achievements

  • The school was recognized by Sports Illustrated as the third [1]"Best High School Athletic Program" in the nation.
  • STA has won the Broward County All-Sports Trophy for 21 consecutive years.
  • STA has won the Dodge Sunshine Cup FHSAA Floyd E. Lay All-Sports award for 11 consecutive years.
  • George Smith, longtime football coach and athletic director, was inducted into FHSAA Hall of Fame. His teams in 29 seasons have a total record of 292-62 (.825%), 3 state championships out of 9 appearances, 22 district titles, and 9 undefeated regular seasons.
  • STA Women's Track and Field Team has won States 8 consecutive times.
  • STA Men's Swimming and Diving has won 8 consecutive state championships from 1997-2005
  • STA football team mounted one of the greatest comebacks in the history of sports against the #1 nationally-ranked Lakeland Dreadnaughts. Trailing by 3 touchdowns with 5 minutes remaining, St Thomas recovered back-to-back onside kicks and scored 3 touchdowns, 2 within the last 2 minutes of the game. In double overtime, St Thomas decided to win the game from the 1 yard line rather than tying with a field goal and entering a third overtime. The attempt was unsuccessful.

[edit] Notable alumni

[edit] Notable faculty members

  • George Smith - Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Aquinas football team. Over 300 career victories. 3 state championships and 10 appearances in the finals.
  • Cris Carter - Former NFL Wide Receiver
  • Ed Waters - former New York Yankees Baseball player Assistant Baseball Coach

[edit] External links

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