Most young men who walk through the doors at CBA find new passions, develop unique skills and create lasting friendships during their time as students.

When senior Eros Bottino arrived at the Academy in the fall of 2016, he could have never imagined the opportunities that CBA would soon give him.

Bottino hails from West Long Branch and comes from a proud immigrant family. His mother came to the United States at age 15 from Guatemala, while his father arrived from Italy at age 19.

“For as long as I can remember, my parents have made sacrifices for my sister and me to make our lives easier,” Bottino said. “They pushed me to be my best, and they were quite literally my backbone and fuel for my dreams.”

He attended St. James Grammar School in Red Bank and is quick to point out how much his parents valued their faith and Catholic education.

As high school approached, Bottino knew that there was only one school he wanted to attend. Thanks to the Attardi Family Memorial Scholarship, his dream of being a CBA student became a reality.

“I knew that if I could attend CBA, I would be able to fully reach both my academic and athletic potential,” Bottino said. “I knew CBA would also allow me to develop as a student with the tradition of faith, brotherhood and excellence.”

The Academy certainly has helped Bottino grow as a young man during his nearly four years in Lincroft.

As a proud member of the St. La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society, he is a well-rounded student both inside and outside the classroom. He earned his Spanish Seal of Biliteracy, as well as induction into the World Language Honor Society.

Bottino has been involved in activities such as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Student Council, Spanish Culture Club and the Project Grove environmental club. Even more impressively, he has accumulated nearly 200 service hours in his CBA career.

He also became a standout athlete on the track & field team as a thrower, recently being named to the Asbury Park Press All-Decade second team for throwers and earning the Shore Conference thrower of the year in 2019. Bottino has been instrumental in multiple track & field championships, including both the indoor and outdoor state titles last year.

Being involved in so many activities, Bottino quickly realized there was one main reason he was truly enjoying the CBA experience.

“The people,” Bottino said. “Whether it is having a great relationship with a teacher or grabbing a bite to eat with friends, the people I have met at CBA have truly made my high school career special.”

His outstanding resume at the Academy helped earn him the Dolly Sullivan Memorial Scholarship during his junior year.

“I am so grateful for the donors that give to CBA, since they have helped make all of my success possible,” he said. “I hope to be lucky enough to be in their shoes someday, so I can give students the same opportunity that was afforded to me.”

Bottino celebrates his commitment to Harvard with his family and coaches Andrew Cusick and Karl Torchia.

While he has some big plans for his spring semester at CBA, including winning a few more state championships and celebrating his graduation, Bottino has his next opportunity on deck. He was recently accepted to Harvard University to study mechanical engineering and continue his athletic career on the Crimson track & field team.

“I knew my goal was always to go to the country’s best universities, although it may have sounded crazy at first,” Bottino said. “I am so proud to celebrate the blessing of my commitment to Harvard with all of my family, friends and coaches.”

His excitement for his next chapter is obvious, but Bottino knows that CBA played a tremendous role in reaching this lofty goal.

“The Academy opened doors for me that I never thought were possible,” he said. “CBA helped shape a future for myself and my family. I reached my potential as a student, as an athlete and as a friend. I could even say that I surpassed my potential. CBA made me the man I am today.”