Class of 2026 will be remembered for commitment to faith, school tradition and academic excellence
Top photo caption: Members of the Class of 2026 of St. Rose High School, Belmar, smile for the camera during May 28 Commencement exercises. St. Rose High School photo
By EmmaLee Italia, Contributing Editor
Every graduating class that passes through the halls of a high school has a unique story that sets it apart from the classes that came before it, a journey all their own marked by their shared experiences of the challenges and triumphs that happened along the way.
Impacted by the extraordinary experiences that have both unified and defined them, the Class of 2026 graduates will be remembered for the many ways they left their mark on their schools and communities.
Donovan Catholic restores traditions, strengthens community
Entering in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, “Many of the traditions, events and experiences that define high school life had been altered, postponed or lost altogether,” said Donvan Catholic school representatives. “Rather than simply accepting that reality, this class embraced the responsibility of rebuilding school culture.”
The Toms River graduates will be remembered, officials noted, for restoring those traditions, making their community stronger and reminding the school “of the importance of being present for one another.”
Seniors “participated in school activities, embraced opportunities to lead, and created a sense of community that younger students could follow.” The graduating class understood that “school is more than a building – it is the relationships, memories and shared experiences that unite a community.”
Most importantly, representatives said, “They learned that leadership is not about recognition but about example. Through their actions, they helped create a culture rooted in faith, respect, service and school pride that will continue long after they graduate.”
Growing intellect, passion and faith are key for SJV
Graduates of St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, “will be remembered as a class that truly lived out the spirit of SJV, igniting intellectual growth, serving those in need, exploring their passions and growing together as one faith-filled community,” said school representatives, highlighting the students support of each other “in faith, friendship and purpose.”
Showing “what it means to grow together,” SJV’s Class of 2026 “brought unity to every corner of campus life,” officials said, pointing to their support for one another as students earned Count Basie Awards for stage performances and both girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams captured Shore Conference Championships.
“Academically, they pushed boundaries,” school representatives said, noting how nine students earned Associate of Arts degrees and three earned Associate of Science degrees through the Early College Academy, while the inaugural Business Academy cohort graduated with 42 college credits each. The class collectively garnered 525 scholarships totaling over $42 million, with graduates heading to 92 colleges, including 45 Catholic institutions.
At the heart of their journey was “a deep and visible commitment to faith,” said officials, as students took active roles in liturgies as lectors, altar servers and Eucharistic ministers, while many participated in weekly Eucharistic Adoration and regular opportunities for Reconciliation.
“Leaders like Caeley Smith and Sofia Donello, recipients of the St. Timothy Youth Award, embodied the kind of faith-filled service and leadership that defined the Class of 2026. Sofia received the Bishop Ahr Award and Caeley received the Knights of Columbus Award.”
St. Rose grads garner impressive scholarship totals
“Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, on stage, or through service to others, this class has left a lasting impact on the St. Rose community,” said school officials for the Belmar high school. “They will be remembered for their leadership, school spirit and dedication to making the most of their high school experience.”
School representatives expressed their pride in the graduating class and that they “look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.”
This expectation is not unfounded as the St. Rose Class of 2026 earned more than $27.5 million in scholarship offers – “one of the highest scholarship totals received by a graduating class in recent years.” On average, each student received approximately $305,000 in scholarships, “reflecting their hard work, dedication and commitment to academic excellence.”
Beyond academic success, many graduates have been accepted to and will attend their first-choice colleges and universities, “reflecting their hard work, determination and commitment to excellence.”
Villa Victoria seniors excel in arts, academics
In Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, the small but mighty senior class enjoyed some unique opportunities in artistic expression and mathematics, making a splash on the national and international scenes.
“Three members of the senior class represented Villa during the Jubilee Year on a performance trip to Italy,” said Colleen White, school admissions and development office director. “These students were part of a performance choir that gave three concerts in Florence and Rome during (that) Easter Week.”
“Four students in the graduating class were also on the Villa Math Team and competed in the National Catholic Math League against 42 other schools and 675 students nation-wide,” she noted.
Katerine Sosa took 9th place in the league, Madelyn McNair took 7th place in the league, Gabi Fitzpatrick took 5th place in the league and Amy Perez took 1st place in the league and is the Catholic Math League Advanced Champion for the league (out of 675 students).
“A large number of our students are going on to healthcare majors in nursing, with others pursuing careers inspired by their passions in mental health, neuroscience, veterinary medicine, education, atmospheric science, pre-physical therapy, occupational therapy and biochemistry,” White said. “Their diverse interests reflect a shared commitment to improving lives while making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their communities.”
Multifaceted graduates of CBA commended for academics, athletics
With acceptances to 195 different colleges and universities and a combined $37.619 million in merit-based scholarships to colleges, this year’s graduating class from Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, might well be remembered for their academic prowess and their strong foundation for future studies.
Among the 190 graduates are individual students who have received honors and recognition in academics, athletics and the arts – including two who were named scholar thespians through Pegasus Production Company.
Also among the graduates is Conor Andree, who is the fourth and last brother in his family to walk the halls of CBA – following in the footsteps of brothers Tim ’06, Dan ’13 and Pat ’16.
Like his brothers, Conor was part of CBA’s basketball team – and was part of the group of men who won a Shore Conference Championship during his senior year. Off the court, he was a leader in Student Council and with a number of programs and events.
“CBA is so multifaceted where you can grow so many parts of yourself,” Conor said. “CBA hits every single part of [how] you want to grow as a man and it is something that I have really appreciated.”
“You have made the very best of the blessings that God has bestowed upon you,” President Ross Fales said during commencement exercises. “Much time was spent on the development of your character, spiritual growth and moral compass. That is always what a Lasallian education was for. I know when you exercise your new freedom, you will do so with the moral discipline you learned here at CBA.”
Notre Dame graduates lauded for wide range of achievements
“The Class of 2026 has exemplified dedication and commitment to the Mercy Core Values” of service, compassion, justice, integrity and respect, said school representatives, noting the graduates’ resilience, resulting in exceptional academic, artistic, service and athletic achievements. “Their success, a reflection of the unwavering support of their teachers, families, and the wider school community, is a shared victory we all celebrate.”
The class was recognized for its outstanding academic prowess, securing over $32 million in scholarships. Notably, 53 student-athletes will continue their athletic careers at a collegiate level. A record, 7 Colonial Valley Conference Championships were won in 2025-26: Girls Swimming, Boys Soccer, Boys Golf, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Indoor and Outdoor Track.
Special recognition was given to Valedictorian Simone Nobile Pettit and Salutatorian Olivia A. Blount for their exceptional academic achievements and leadership.
Among the points of special recognition for class members were the Award for Excellence in Religion and Principal’s Award, both awarded to Josephine Margaret Vernon; and the Irish Spirit Award, awarded to Kara Rose Lynch and Ryan Anthony Lushbaugh, in recognition of students’ outstanding contributions to the school community.
“Above all, the Class of 2026 has demonstrated exceptional character and values, embodying kindness, empathy and a genuine commitment to positively impacting the world around them,” school officials said. “As they transition to the next phase of their lives, we urge everyone to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.”
RBC’s Class of 2026 to leave ‘lasting legacy’
“As these young men and women embark on their collegiate endeavors, they carry with them the values instilled by RBC, such as integrity, compassion and a commitment to excellence,” said Red Bank Catholic school representatives. “They are poised to make a significant impact on their chosen fields, and the world at large, embodying the Casey spirit and leaving a lasting legacy.”
The Red Bank graduating class has much to celebrate between academic excellence, substantial scholarship totals and secured admissions to prestigious colleges and universities across the United States. Some notable destinations include The U.S. Air Force Academy, Harvard, Bucknell, Clemson, Pepperdine, The U.S. Military Academy, Notre Dame, NJIT, James Madison, Fairfield, West Virginia, Pitt, Indiana, The Catholic University of America and Seton Hall.
Of the 156 graduates, 98 were awarded college scholarships, amounting to more than $37.4 million – averaging $60,052 per student per year, an increase of $4,871 per student over last year’s class.
“This remarkable feat is a testament to the students’ hard work, talent and commitment to their academic pursuits,” school officials said. “They will undoubtedly make significant contributions to their respective colleges and universities, fostering an environment of excellence and pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their chosen disciplines.”
