Saints Spotlight – Maura Licata
The Saints Spotlight series highlights the people who make St. Thomas Aquinas High School a special place to learn, grow, and lead. From current students to dedicated faculty and staff members, each spotlight offers a glimpse into the lives, achievements, and experiences of our vibrant school community.
For our inaugural spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature Maura Licata, a standout senior, dedicated student, and valued member of the STA community. Her passion for dance shines through in all she does, and she truly exemplifies what it means to be a Saint. She is determined, kind, and committed to making a positive impact both in and beyond the classroom.
We are so proud to call Maura a Saint and excited to see where her journey leads her next!
Maura Licata, Class of 2026
What middle school did you attend?
Dover Middle School
If you are part of a parish or church community, which one?
St. Mary Catholic Church in Dover
Has anyone else in your family attended STA? If so, who and when did they graduate?
My big brother, Kieran Licata, graduated from STA in 2019.
Are you involved in any athletics, extracurriculars, or clubs at STA? What about activities outside of school?
I dance at a studio called Portsmouth School of Ballet. I have been dancing since I was 2, and I have been on a competitive team since I was 7.
Do you participate in any community service? If so, what kind?
At my dance studio, I help by being a role model to others and assisting younger kids in their dance classes.
What is your favorite aspect of being part of the STA community?
My favorite aspect of the STA community is that all the teachers push you to be the best version of yourself and to support others in doing the same.
What does being part of a faith-based school/community mean to you?
Being a part of faith-based school is an amazing experience. It gives us peace of mind and helps us be away from the stress of schoolwork or other challenges. It also allows all of us to connect on a deeper level.
Favorite memory at STA?
Meeting best friends that I know will be lifelong.
What are your plans and goals after graduating from STA?
After graduating from STA, I will be on the path to becoming a professional dancer. I will be attending school for dance and pursuing a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Contemporary. I will be applying to many schools, including The Juilliard Dance School in NYC, USC, UNCSA, and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. I am very excited to start my journey doing something I have always loved.
What advice would you give to underclassmen?
The late nights, the laughs in the hallway, even the hard days, it all matters. High school goes by faster than you think. So show up for yourself, care for people, and make memories you’ll be proud of. One day, you’ll be standing where I am wondering how it all went by so fast.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your time at STA that applies to everyday life?
Seeing the true friendships that will stick with me through anything. And showing people that are in my life how much they really mean to me.
Who has made the biggest impact on your STA experience and why?
My best friend, Conall Ciaschini. He taught me to think before I do anything, or something can happen where I end up hurting myself or anyone else. He always gets me up on my own two feet when I don’t have the strength to do it. He made me realize that there is something worth waiting for in the future. He showed me hope in everything, even in our friendship. I want to thank him for everything that he has done and that I’m beyond thankful to have him in my life.
