Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School became a reality after years of hard work and planning by many who remained dedicated to fulfilling the promise for quality Catholic education in Tangipahoa Parish and southeastern Louisiana. What began as the concept of a small regional school quickly expanded into a multi-purpose facility located on a 30+ acre tract north of Hammond. The support and cooperation of a large group of families, community leaders and church officials, including Bishop Stanley Ott of Baton Rouge and Father Mark Leuer, OP, were secured to render the undertaking of STA’s ambitious beginning. On August 27, 1986, the first students gathered for Orientation Day bringing this sparkling new school to life. It was only fitting this institution bear the name of Saint Thomas Aquinas, who is the patron saint of Catholic schools.
Staffed by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois, and lay men and women, Saint Thomas Aquinas opened its doors in 1986 with a freshmen class of thirty-five students. In 1990, twenty-nine students graduated in the first senior class. Since then, Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School has achieved a remarkable reputation for excellence in all its endeavors. The students at STA share a unique sense of pride in this remarkable institution that will last a lifetime. Today the school has an enrollment of more than three hundred!
The award winning main building, designed by the local firm of Holly and Smith, consists of classrooms, laboratories, a beautiful library, and administrative offices. The school gymnasium includes a weight room, locker rooms, and coaches’ offices. Outdoor fields for baseball, football, and soccer, a field house, and an all-weather track round out the athletic facilities. The Chapel offers a serene worship space where the Holy Spirit is ever present. Whether one is looking for a spiritual uplifting of music or prayer or a silent moment of grace, the Chapel is an awesome place.
Although the Dominican Sisters are no longer on staff at Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican traditions of prayer, community, study, and service continue to thrive. Dominican influence is also nourished through the presence of a Dominican co-chaplain from Holy Ghost Church.