“Be faithful, stay close to the Sacraments of the Church, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist,” an alumnus told the 61st graduating class of Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft.

“Remember to use your faith and intellect and see Christ in others. Be leaders who build others up and encourage and unite each other. Go change the world and make it a better place,” said the alumnus — Father Christopher Dayton, principal celebrant and homilist of the May 17 Baccalaureate Mass for the all-boys private school. Pastors and parochial vicars from the CBA’s sending parishes joined the 2006 graduate to concelebrate the Mass at St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown.

PHOTO GALLERY: Christian Brothers Academy Baccalaureate Mass

PHOTO GALLERY: Christian Brothers Academy Graduation

Changing the world to make it a better place was important to the Class of 2023, as evidenced by the completion of 21,008 hours of community service, an average of 100 hours per student — doubling the requirement needed for graduation.

In addition to their acts of service, the 208 graduates were commended for their academic achievements at the commencement exercises May 19 in the Robert J. Collins Arena in Brookdale Community College, Lincroft. More than one-third of the class graduated with distinction, earning a 91.5 GPA or higher.

“I am honored to stand before you this evening,” said Neil Begley, principal and member of the class of 1996. “You will occupy a special place in my heart, as you are my first graduating class as principal. During your time at CBA, you have discovered and learned skills, while also identifying and developing many talents. The foundation you have been given is a strong and lasting one; build on it wisely.”

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Addressing the graduates, Ross Fales, president of CBA, said: “You are a part of a brotherhood that will last far beyond your past four years at the academy. Graduation is not an end, but a new beginning. It is our hope that you will go forth from the hallowed halls of CBA to be the leaders of tomorrow. Your time at CBA, in addition to your academic studies, has been about spiritual and moral growth and about learning and reinforcing the values of becoming good men. That is what CBA has always stood for.”

Thibaut Fabricant and Jack Butler delivered speeches as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Fabricant, who will attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, reflected on his four-year career at CBA in a question-and-answer series after delivering the valedictorian address.

“I think any advice that I could give incoming students can be boiled down to this: Put yourself out there. Whether it be joining clubs that pique your interest in freshman year, trying out for that super competitive team that you’ve always wanted to be a part of, emailing teachers for help outside of class, or even introducing yourself to the kid you walk past in the hallway every day, put yourself out there. You are the only one who can ensure that you get the most of your four years at CBA, so make sure you put in the effort to do so.”