Standing here on East 182nd Street I want to share the story of Aquinas High School. This all-girls Catholic school once stood proudly in the Belmont section of the Bronx. Though Aquinas High School closed its doors in 2021 its legacy lives on.
Aquinas High School’s story began long before it officially opened. In the late 1800s the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill purchased the Grote Estate. Frederick Grote was a partner in an ivory goods firm. The estate spanned an entire city block.
In 1900 a day school called St. Martin’s Academy opened in a house on the property. It served children in grades 1 through 6. As enrollment grew the academy moved to the Grote mansion. In 1923 the sisters transformed the academy into Aquinas Hall. It was a two-year business school for young women. A second building was added in 1929.
By the mid-1930s the need for a four-year high school became clear. In 1939 Aquinas High School was established. The old mansion was torn down and a new school building erected.
Aquinas High School quickly gained recognition. It became the first high school in New York City to be named an exemplary school by the U.S. Department of Education in 1985. First Lady Laura Bush even visited Aquinas on September 11 2002.
The school’s mission was to educate and inspire young women. Aquinas aimed to foster faith learning and compassionate action. It served the changing immigrant populations of the Bronx.
Over the years Aquinas saw many changes. In 1952 an extension was added providing more classrooms. The round rooms were a unique architectural feature.
Despite its many achievements Aquinas High School faced challenges. Declining enrollment led to its closure in 2021. The final class graduated on June 10 2021.
Many remember Aquinas fondly. Sister Catherine Rose Quigley a 1959 graduate called it a home away from home. Kris Sherwood a teacher said there was always so much life in the building. Leslie Limardo the library media supervisor cherished conversations with students.
The building that once housed Aquinas High School now serves as the Cardinal McCloskey Community Charter School. The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill continue to lease the property.
Aquinas High School left a lasting impact. Its alumni include actress Debbi Morgan and Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón. Reynoso Pantaleón is now chief of staff to First Lady Jill Biden and former U.S. ambassador to Uruguay.
Even in closing Aquinas High School celebrated its legacy. A 100th-anniversary celebration was planned for 2023. It commemorated the school’s contribution to Catholic education in the Bronx.
So as we stand here remember Aquinas High School. Remember its mission its students and its legacy. Though the doors are closed the spirit of Aquinas lives on.