“Tonight marks a profound milestone in the lives of these young men, a moment of achievement, reflection and promise,” Christian Brothers Academy principal Neil Begley said, as he welcomed graduates, their family and friends to the 63rd Commencement exercises May 22 in Brookdale Community College, Lincroft.
“You have been shaped by a tradition that believes that education is not just the transmission of knowledge, but the formation of the whole person. You now stand ready to fulfill the second half of our Lasallian call: to leave to serve,” Begley, a member of the Class of 1996, added.
PHOTO GALLERY: CBA Baccalaureate Mass
The graduates took that call to service learning seriously during their senior year, earning more than $31.1 million in college scholarships and completing 21,527 hours of community service – an average of 103 hours per student.
Cormac Whalen, who will be attending Villanova University, presents his mother with a rose during their Baccalaureate Mass May 20. Matt Marzorati photo
Prior to their graduation, members of the Class of 2025 gathered May 20 in St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown, for their Baccalaureate Mass, where graduates presented a rose to their families, symbolizing the gratitude that each young man has for his family’s encouragement, sacrifice, and love during their CBA career. Father Jeff Kegley, pastor, celebrated the Mass for the 207 members of the graduating class and their families.
“The Church and the world need young men like you – formed in faith, anchored in truth, disciplined in mind and body – to become saints, scholars, and servants … you are called to make a difference that is eternal,” Father Kegley said in his homily.
The graduating seniors have been accepted to 224 colleges with students attending 95 different schools both nationally and internationally.
Academy President Ross Fales congratulated the graduating class on their achievements.
“We know that CBA is not an easy road, but very little that is worthwhile is ever easy,” Fales said. “CBA has educated and developed over 12,000 well-rounded men of character. You men are now amongst those graduates, and you will remain a part of that brotherhood.”
Monitor June 2025 Graduation: Led by Faith
Graduation 2025 in the Diocese