“Before [CBA], I never really had a defined schedule that I could go do and be comfortable with,” he noted. “Through my time at CBA, I have really found that schedule and it has prepared me really well for the next steps.”

Puma quickly found his groove at the Academy and credits the CBA faculty for helping him succeed. In his underclassmen years, it was world history with Mrs. Meehan and theology with Mr. Thawley that he remembers enjoying the most. More recently, he has pinpointed both Mr. Middler’s junior year physics class and his senior economics class with Mr. Santos as favorites.

“Something I like about CBA is that it offers a wide-variety of classes to take, especially as a senior,” he said. “When I walked into economics this year, I kind of knew that was what I wanted to do [in college].”

Coming into this year, Puma was still very undecided about where he wanted to spend his next four years, which was something CBA’s School & College Counseling Office was quick to remind him was not all that uncommon.

With the help of his counselor Ms. Morrello, he found his best-fit college at Fordham University. He was quick to note that he saw a lot of similarities between CBA and Fordham, something that only affirmed his decision.

Just as he had to prepare for CBA’s academic workload, he understands that Fordham’s reputation is one of high standards as well. His confidence in himself is high because of how he was pushed at the Academy.

“Sometimes those difficult classes [at CBA] had the teachers who impacted me the most,” he recalled. “[CBA] is not an easy school, but I think it will prepare me really well for college.”

For his efforts in the classroom, Puma has earned first honor roll, the Seal of Biliteracy and induction into the Spanish National Honor Society. He has also taken part in CBA’s Scholars Program.

He was just as motivated outside of the classroom during his four years at CBA. His well-rounded resume included Varsity Golf, Student Council, Ambassadors Program, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Flag Football. Of course, Puma has committed himself to participating in robust service projects, such as tutoring at the Red Bank Charter School.

“Working with [RBCS] students, it has reminded me how well CBA has brought me up, especially in the sense of passing my knowledge onto others and helping them be successful.”

As with any senior that can see the finish line of his high school career, Puma thought about what he will miss the most next year about the Academy.

“Something that I am really going to miss about CBA is the warmth that the school brings you,” he said. “I am not sure what college is going to be like, but CBA really makes you feel at home when you are here. Every time you walk into the classroom, the teacher always greets you with a smile. CBA uses the word the word brotherhood and I am really going to miss that brotherhood.”