Bipeds of Brookland: Michael Thomasian

Bipeds of Brookland: Introducing the people who make Brookland their home, one step at a time.

Mike Thomasian, the principal of St. Anthony Catholic School, says that people tease him about living in a ‘Brookland bubble.’ “I hardly ever get in the car, I hardly ever go on Metro because my life is focused around these few blocks, and I’m not complaining. I love it.”

Mike came to St. Anthony in 2000 through Response-Ability, an AmeriCorps program which placed volunteer teachers in inner city Catholic schools.  He is happy that in addition to rigorous academics, St. Anthony offers classes in art, music, PE, computer, library, and Spanish every week to 200 students from Pre-K3 to 8th grade.  Mike proudly shared that 100% of St. Anthony graduates are accepted into private and/ or Catholic high schools in the area.

Mike’s wife, Jessica, also taught in a nearby Catholic school. “We met in Brookland, we were married in Brookland, we own a home in Brookland, and our four children were born in
Brookland. Three of whom were actually born at home. My first daughter arrived before the midwife reached our home creating another happy memory."

“My wife and I are happy to raise our children in Brookland. We love the Catholic identity of the neighborhood. We love that our children have friends from various religious communities
and are so comfortable with the neighborhood. We love that we can walk to the Shrine or the Monastery any time to worship or simply enjoy the gardens and the artwork. We love the people who live in Brookland. Part of the beauty of Brookland is the diversity of the people. We also enjoy all the conveniences in Brookland. That my son can walk to CVS or to Yes! and pick up milk if we need it. We feel blessed."

Interview and picture by Tom Sabella