CBA Class of 2014 Celebrates Graduation

On the evening of May 22, members of Christian Brothers Academy's Class of 2014 marked their graduation during a ceremony at Brookdale Community College.

Alumni from the Class of 1964 were present to present the graduates with a Challenge Coin, a new tradition established last year by the Class of 1963, CBA’s first graduating class. The message on the coin stated, “This Challenge Coin is given to you, the Class of 2014, by the Class of 1964 with the responsibility to uphold the traditions of the Academy and to set the standards for the next 50 graduating classes. We ask you to present this to the Class of 2064 with the message that this was presented by the Class of 1964 – 100 years ago! Good luck, God bless you, and remember... St. John Baptist de la Salle, Pray for Us. Live Jesus in Our Hearts, Forever.”

The ceremony also included the presentation of a gift to Principal Peter Santanello for his 40 years of service to CBA, as well as several speeches.

Class valedictorian Michael Collins '14 spoke about the distinguishable character of his fellow graduates.

“The men sitting here tonight are unlike most,” he said.  “Each has developed the character necessary to distinguish himself from the common crowd, a quality that will set him miles above the rest.  For that achievement, I give my sincerest congratulations.  Now, our mission is to live out this character.  We must live in a way that distinguishes us from everyone else.”

An officer in the National Honor Society and Latin Honor Society, Michael completed two years in CBA’s Scholars Program. Michael was also a member of CBACCS, a chapter of the National Junior Classical League (and served as the Contest Coordinator for the NJ Classical League), the varsity Math Team, and Science Team. He also served as a band manager for CBA’s Pipes and Drums. Michael also volunteered at CentraState Hospital and as a member of LaSallian Youth. He will attend Rutgers University.

Classmate and salutatorian Thomas Palisi '14 gratefully recalled memories shared by members of the Class of 2014, sharing that, “Christian Brothers Academy will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thank you, my brothers, for the greatest experience of my life, and for forging a brotherhood that truly will live on forever.” 

Co-captain of the varsity lacrosse team, Thomas was a member of the Scholars Program and an officer of the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. He also served as a lector at school liturgies and as a member of the CBA’s Pipes and Drums. Thomas will attend Duke University this fall.

President Brother Frank Byrne, FSC also addressed the graduates, charging them to, “Take what you learned here and make a true difference in our world. You must be a force for good and the world must be a better place because you made a positive impact on family, school, community, workplace, church and country.”

Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2014 on all of their accomplishments.  Following are just a few impressive statistics on CBA’s newest alumni:

• Of the 222 graduates, 97% will be attending a four-year university next fall.
• In total, 218 seniors were placed in 100 colleges in 24 states and the District of Columbia.
• 30% of the class will be attending a Catholic college or university.
• 177 graduates (80% of the class) have been awarded scholarships based solely on academic achievement, amounting to more than $32,400,000. This number excludes athletic scholarships, grants in aid, work study, Pell Grants, and any other pay back loans.
• The graduates performed 27,571 hours of community service.