Arete.

That’s a powerful word.

To the Greeks, it meant excellence. It was the ultimate expression – cerebral, physical, moral, spiritual.

The pursuit requires a certain philosophical approach. Because brilliance, inspiration, and skill are not sufficient enough.

Aristotle: We are what we repeatedly do. Therefore excellence is not an act but a habit.

Valedictorian Caleb Davis ‘23 is a profound practitioner, the epitome of such a credo coupled with the power of and.

His unadulterated academic achievement encompassed a two-year membership in the National Honor Society.

And the prestigious St. Thomas Club – elite students with a minimum 4.0 grade point average for seven consecutive semesters.

And recognition as a National Merit Commended scholar.

And a perfect ACT score of 36.

And team captain for Eagle Football, a four-year varsity letterman, two-time first-team All-State and Academic All-State.

And two varsity seasons with Eagle Baseball, honorable mention All-State, Academic All-State, and All-District.

And continuing his scholar-athlete career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he’s pursuing his fervor in engineering and business among many of the most preeminent scholars from across America.

Sweeping success with astounding significance.

And …

Where Davis was arguably most marvelous at St. Thomas – as the unquestioned two-year leader in the Round Up student fundraising initiative for tuition assistance. He inspired the 2023 record-smashing collective effort with a bold and blistering $69,540 to shatter the individual single-season raffle ticket sales mark. After generating $30,000 in 2022, $12,000 in 2021 (4th highest), and $3,000 as a freshman (12th best seller that year).

“Round Up always had a special place in my heart because of how much my family relied on that for me and my brothers (triplets Cooper ‘25, Joshua ‘25, and Major ‘25) to attend St. Thomas,” Davis says. “We wouldn’t be here without the generosity of others. Of all my involvement and accomplishment that’s the one that has meant the most to me.”

“My parents instilled the importance of worth ethic in all facets of my life. And I’m very much aware of setting an example for my brothers. I’m competitive and if there’s an opportunity to set goals, I’m determined to meet or surpass them. I don’t accept falling short of my expectations. Whether it’s academics, athletes, Round Up, or personal objectives, St. Thomas provides a culture where one can thrive in all disciplines.”

Davis projects MIT as an ideal partner to further advance his passion and purpose.

“The university reminds me of St. Thomas in that the students are driven in a very aggressive arena. The chance to learn equally from faculty and colleagues is attractive,” Davis says. “Coming into high school from St. Vincent de Paul (Catholic School), I had designs of making an impact here across all areas. In some ways, athletics is the ultimate reward because you’re contributing to a team outcome. The adrenaline rush of winning cannot be matched.”

Simply no match for Caleb Davis. Undeniable intelligence. And undefinable fury. And unbridled compassion.

Arete.

Catholic. Basilian. Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.