By David Karas | Correspondent

After two Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, students – who are also brothers themselves – received a special scholarship to help defray the cost of their tuition, they decided to pay it forward – to the tune of $100,000.

Peter and Max Ferraro were both recipients of the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski ’00 Scholarship, named in honor of the CBA graduate who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. The award is open to CBA students “who, through creatively designed projects, bring awareness of the value of military service to the CBA community,” according to the school.

As part of his application, Peter – now 17, and a senior – pitched the idea of creating a campaign that would grant the son of a military family a full four-year CBA scholarship. And he has since worked with his brother and fellow recipient, Max – now 15, and a sophomore – to launch the “Ferraro Brothers for Brothers Scholarship Campaign” to see that project through completion.

All told, their efforts – as well as partnership monies from a nonprofit, the Folded Flag Foundation – yielded $100,000 in funds.

“In Theology class freshman year, we discussed today’s social injustices. One issue that particularly stood out to me was how our society undervalues military families after their loved ones return home from serving,” said Peter. “Having realized that there wasn’t any particular activity that benefited the military community at CBA, I took it upon myself to establish my campaign.”

Peter described the entire process as “a rewarding experience and extremely meaningful,” especially with the efforts culminating with the presentation of a $100,000 check to CBA principal R. Ross Fales at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.

“It is incredibly humbling to be touched with the generosity of friends, family and even strangers,” he said.

Max said he was interested in joining his brother’s efforts to help grow the scholarship campaign and to keep it going after his graduation.

In addition to his desire to help the son of a military family after receiving scholarship support in honor of a fallen service member, Max also sees the need for support that future recipients might have.

“CBA is expensive, and a military family might not be able to pay for it, so I wanted to be able to give them a chance,” he said. “It feels incredible that we have raised so much money and that we can pay it forward.”

For both Peter and Max, CBA plays a significant role in their lives.

“The Academy has offered me various opportunities to excel, both inside and outside the classroom,” Peter said. “ I am not only proud to offer another individual the opportunity to receive a great education, but I am eager to grant an individual the opportunity of a lifetime to meet such amazing people and participate in a plethora of activities in the CBA community.”

Max also spoke about CBA playing a role in more than just academics. He described “a brotherhood where everyone cares and looks out for each other.”

He added, “It feels great being able to give this opportunity to another young man because I know that they will be thrilled to be part of the CBA family.”

Peter also credits his parents with instilling in the brothers the value of service, and in helping them cultivate their faith.

“From a very young age, my brothers and I have been taught to ‘pay it forward’ and to never take things for granted. My parents and my teachers throughout the years have always explained to me that there always exists a purpose greater than myself,” he said. “Having attending Catholic school since kindergarten, the main concepts of morality are instilled in me. However, one can only truly demonstrate his faith through action, thus prompting me to being my campaign.”

Max said faith plays a significant role in his daily life, too, and that it also inspired his work alongside his brother.

“Faith factored into this project because Jesus was always emphasizing giving,” he said, “and the feeling of giving is so satisfying that it makes this project 10 times better.”