Clark with his upperclassmen guidance counselor, Mr. Pat Leonardo.

Christian Brothers Academy senior Brendan Clark has received one of Villanova University’s most prestigious awards: the Presidential Scholarship.

The Villanova Presidential Scholarship is a renewable, merit-based award covering full tuition, room, board, general fee and the cost of textbooks for eight semesters.

“Representing diverse intellectual, social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, Presidential Scholars are transformational leaders both on and off campus who have demonstrated a love of learning and a commitment to enhancing both their local and broader civic communities,” reads Villanova’s website.

Out of approximately 1,700 freshman students, only 24 Presidential Scholarships are awarded.

“I congratulate Brendan on this tremendous accomplishment; he is one of very few CBA students to ever be awarded this prestigious scholarship,” Principal Ross Fales said. “Many of the values that embody the Villanova Presidential Scholarship are similar to the mission of CBA and have therefore been nurtured throughout Brendan’s time at the Academy. Earning this honor is a true reflection of his commitment to faith, service to others and building of his character, as well as his studies.”

Clark has been an excellent student in the classroom at the Academy. He will have completed 11 Advanced Placement courses by his graduation, as well as 14 honors classes.

He was inducted into the St. La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society during his junior year, receiving first honors in every semester at CBA. He is also a member of the Spanish Honor Society and has received the merit-based Founders Scholarship from CBA.

During his Academy career, Clark has been active in extracurriculars as well. He is the captain of the Academic Team, a student ambassador, and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Math Team, and Spanish Club.

He has faithfully executed the duties of an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and a Minister of Hospitality during school masses.

On the service side, Clark is a member of CBA’s Lasallian Youth group, completed his Eagle Scout rank, and has volunteered at his church, St. Benedict in Holmdel.

As he looks forward to starting at Villanova in the fall, Clark will be enrolling in the business school to pursue a degree in finance and economics.