Traditions
To uphold the legacy and proud tradition of our Academy.
From the time-honored events like the Freshman Run, Junior Tie Ceremony, and Senior Pipe Out, to newer traditions like Oath Day and Brotherhood Day, every student becomes part of something greater than themselves — a community built on faith, friendship, and shared experiences.
Check out our yearly traditions below.
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The Heath Freshman Run
Now named after CBA’s longtime cross country coach, Mr. Tom Heath ’65, the Freshman Run is a 1.3-mile trek around our 157-acre campus that every freshman has run or walked dating back to the school’s opening in 1959. The run was originally intended as a recruiting tool for the cross country team, but has become a staple tradition of the Academy.
A tradition that binds current students and alumni, the Freshman Run demonstrates many of the characteristics that will describe a class' four years at CBA: hard work, challenges, achievement, and most importantly, brotherhood.
Freshmen Oath Day
Honor. Integrity. Service. Knowledge. Tradition.
These five pillars of the Academy Oath reflect the Lasallian values that CBA students learn and strive to live each day. The Oath represents the Academy’s deep pride in its traditions and its commitment to timeless principles.
Each year, the freshmen class comes together to sign the Academy Oath — a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the CBA brotherhood.
Junior Tie Ceremony
Originated by then-Principal Brother James Butler, the Signum Fidei Ceremony bestows upon the new junior class their signature CBA 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.
Father-Son Communion Breakfast
The event is an iconic tradition that dates back to the opening school year of Christian Brothers Academy. The first edition was celebrated on April 10, 1960, when 142 fathers and sons joined together at St. Mary’s Church in New Monmouth. The first class of students and parents chose the Communion Breakfast as one of the first community events, which signifies its continued importance to the mission and tradition of CBA.
Today, the Fathers' Club regularly hosts upwards of 600 sons, fathers and grandfathers each spring. The Breakfast features a traditional Sunday Mass, a hot breakfast, and a guest keynote speaker.
Sophomore Brotherhood Day
Our sophomore class participates in Brotherhood Day, a program that is designed to help them better understand our Lasallian tradition, morals and values.
Brotherhood Day is a special event dedicated to fostering unity and camaraderie within the sophomore class. While the activities may vary from year to year, the purpose remains the same: to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood as students continue their journey at CBA.
Senior Pipe Out
The Senior Pipe Out concludes the final day of classes for the graduating class — a one-of-a-kind tradition at CBA. Led by the CBA Pipes & Drums Band, seniors process out of the building in celebration of their years at the Academy.
Started by then-President Brother Frank Byrne in 2010, it is a powerful and unforgettable moment, symbolizing both the ending of their CBA journey and the beginning of the next chapter. For each graduating class, the Pipe Out is a memory that lasts forever.
