The transition from eighth grade to high school can be daunting—both for students, and their parents.

That’s part of the reason behind Christian Brothers Academy’s “Freshmen Welcome Night,” a special ceremony held Wednesday night for CBA’s Class of 2021 to join together, meet each other, and be formally welcomed to a tradition nearly 60 years in the making.

“You’re not just joining a high school,” remarked CBA principal R. Ross Fales said during the event. “This is a brotherhood.” Fales highlighted the myriad of activities available to students from day one —over 35 clubs and programs—in addition to over 23 Advanced Placement courses, top-rate facilities, and a discipline component designed to help students meet their potential.

An opening prayer and address was given by CBA president Brother Frank Byrne, FSC ’75 and Director of Admissions Kevin Donahue ‘97 was the evening’s master of ceremonies. Donahue, who this year is celebrating his 20^th year reunion, challenged the newly-admitted freshmen class to earn the honor of being next year’s Freshman Welcome Night speaker. 

Held in CBA’s McKay gym, the ceremony is meant to serve as the precursor to the camaraderie soon-to-be freshmen can expect at the Academy. The incoming class will join together again at spring events like the annual CBA BBQ in June, followed by the school’s freshmen orientations in August and capped with the historic “Heath Freshman Run,” a traditional 1.3-mile race across the school’s 157-acre campus.

Current freshman Aedan Moran was this year’s speaker, addressing the over 700 attendees on what an incoming freshman can expect. “I was at first uncomfortable in the new high school environment, and you may be too. This is normal,” said Moran. “However, from the very first day, my new fellow brothers immediately welcomed me and all the freshmen in the CBA community.”

The Welcome Night event concluded with a short video presentation created by the newly-launched CBA Digital Network, the school’s in-house media and broadcast production organization.

Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) is a private, Catholic, academic preparatory school for boys located in Lincroft, New Jersey. Founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition, CBA is dedicated to helping students become intellectually mature and morally responsible leaders for society. Through the combined efforts of the Office of Advancement and friends of the Academy, CBA awards over $1.3 million in scholarships and financial aid to current students. Experience the Academy at www.CBALincroftNJ.org.