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Alejo Cabranes ‘98 remembers St. Thomas’s Day School as more than just a place of learning - it was a pivotal part of his formative years, creating lasting relationships and instilling enduring values.

Alejo began his journey at St. Thomas’s in first grade and graduated in 1998. His mother, a professor at Yale Law School, valued the school’s esteemed reputation for education. “Many of my mother’s colleagues sent their children to St. Thomas’s because they prioritized education. Nothing beats St. Thomas’s,” Alejo recalled.

His experience at St. Thomas’s was marked by a profound sense of community and strong personal connections. With a small class size of about 20 students, Alejo and his classmates formed close-knit bonds. “Nearly all of us wound up attending Hopkins together—18 out of 20,” he noted, reflecting on their 12 years spent together.

Among the many highlights of Alejo’s time at St. Thomas’s were the dedicated teachers and head of school. “Mr. Craig O'Connell, who taught first grade, and Mrs. Hope Crescione, who taught us in fifth and sixth grades, were incredible,” he said. However, it was Fred Acquavita, the head of school during his time, who left the most significant impact. “Mr. A. was the heart and soul of St. Thomas’s. He was a gifted educator whom parents deeply respected and trusted. His dedication went beyond regular school hours,” Alejo added.

Extracurricular activities also played a significant role in Alejo’s experience. He enjoyed the “After School Program,” and the class trips to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., further enriched his education.

The key lesson Alejo took from his time at St. Thomas’s was a deep understanding of ethical and moral values. “St. Thomas’s teaches you about good and evil, right from wrong,” he explained. Despite the school’s religious foundation, the teachings were presented as universal life lessons. “Many students, including those from Jewish families, attended daily chapel. The lessons from the Bible were never overtly about religion but rather about understanding the world and preparing us for future success.”

After graduating from St. Thomas’s, Alejo attended Dartmouth College and later Columbia Law School. Initially exploring a career in finance as a summer analyst at Goldman Sachs, he soon realized it wasn’t his true calling. “The experience at Goldman Sachs was eye-opening. It led me to study public-private partnerships and eventually to a post-graduate fellowship in Slovenia,” he said. His research in Slovenia focused on how the privatization of the country’s banking sector contributed to democratization, guided him toward a career in law, public policy and international relations.

Alejo’s professional journey has included work at a multinational law firm in New York, where he dealt with cases often involving public corruption and financial crimes. Currently, he works in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes on national security matters. “I help develop and implement strategies to combat financial crimes and protect the integrity of the U.S. financial system,” he explained.

Beyond his career, Alejo is involved with the Federal Bar Council’s Public Service Committee, which focuses on enhancing legal services for the impoverished. “It’s important to ensure equal access to the courts and provide legal services for those in need,” he said.

To current students at St. Thomas’s, Alejo advises, “Cherish the opportunities to learn from your teachers and elders. The foundation you receive at St. Thomas’s is exceptional and will serve you well throughout life.” He also emphasizes the value of traveling and experiencing diverse cultures. “These experiences will enrich your perspective and growth.”

Reflecting on his time at St. Thomas’s Alejo remains grateful for the school’s role in shaping his character. “Mr. A’s dedication and kindness were central to our formative years. The values and friendships I developed there continue to guide me,” he said.