By Mary Frances McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/2/04)

Although the school is still the same, there’s a new name for Catholic education in Woodbridge.

St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School unveiled its new name, crest and logo at a ceremony last week, presenting a name, tagline and crest that are a better reflection of the role of the school in the community. Members of the school community and the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce were present to celebrate this new step in the life of the school.

Chairman Elect of the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce Ken Solem and Aquinas’ new principal, Sister Maria Christi, O.P., cut the ceremonial ribbon.

In order to be better represented by their name and logo, Aquinas School partnered with Information Experts, a national communications agency, who provided pro bono services to the school.

Aquinas School opened in 1977 and serves students in pre-K through eighth grade. It is staffed by the Dominican Sisters of the Saint Cecilia Congregation of Nashville and a lay faculty. Aquinas School primarily serves students from the parishes of Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge, Sacred Heart in Manassas and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Lake Ridge.

The new name, St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School, makes it known that the school serves more than just one parish, but broader region of students. It is one of the largest elementary schools in the diocese. The new tagline, "Love of God, Love of Learning in the Catholic Tradition" explains the school’s mission.