CBA Spirit Returns with Opening of New Academic Year

With Academy men arriving back on the 157-acre campus, it is safe to say that the spirit has returned to CBA.

As in past years, time-honored traditions were featured prominently during the first few days of school. 

The academic year started with Oath Day for the Class of 2030 on September 2, giving the youngest students a chance to learn about the pillars that the Academy stands on.

An expression of the Lasallian values that students strive to live out at CBA, the Oath represents the school’s pride in tradition and commitment to core principles.

It was an appropriate and meaningful way to kick off these young men's four years at the Academy, one that included gathering as a class for their first Mass, writing letters to their future selves, sessions with upperclassmen mentors, and of course, penning their name on the Class of 2030 Oath.

The Class of 2030 Oath will now hang in the main lobby for the next four years.

On the same day, the sophomore class took the lessons learned from the Oath to the next level, taking part in the Sophomore Brotherhood Day. 

Aimed to help them better understand our Lasallian tradition, they listened to speakers on the idea of brotherhood, before taking part in a series of team-building activities.

Just shy of 950 young men experienced CBA’s Welcome Day on September 3, bringing every student together for special events. The morning kicked off with the annual school photo on the Keane Field turf, united as one community around the center circle.

Of course, there may not be a high school tradition in the nation better than the Heath Freshman Run, which kicked off the Freshman Welcome Day activities.

Since CBA's very first class, each freshman has journeyed around the 1.3-mile cross country course, bringing together new classmates for a common purpose. Nearly 250 young men raced through campus, setting the stage for a CBA career that will be legendary - just like the Heath Freshman Run.

It is truly one of the most unique high school traditions around and was a perfect way to wrap up an exciting first week for our freshmen. Finn Smith etched his name in the history books by becoming the 67th champion.

On September 8, the Class of 2028 gathered in the Cox Gymnasium for the annual Signum Fidei Ceremony, which marked the start of a true leadership role at CBA and the presentation of their customized necktie.

Latin for “Sign of Faith,” Signum Fidei is a phrase that has long been part of both the De La Salle Brothers’ congregation seal, as well as the CBA school crest. The necktie serves as the juniors’ “sign of faith” that they will finish their final two years at the Academy strong. It is a ceremony that symbolizes a transition for these Academy men to both upperclassmen and role models for the younger students.

These 200+ students, who entered as freshmen boys in the fall of 2024, have demonstrated the desire to graduate as Academy men in the spring of 2028.