Honor. Integrity. Service. Knowledge. Tradition.

The pillars of the Academy Oath are an expression of the Lasallian values that students learn and strive to live out at Christian Brothers Academy. It represents the school’s pride in its tradition and commitment to its principles. Each year, the student body reaffirms their commitment to being a student at the Academy by pledging to the Academy Oath.

The Class of 2025 was able to learn about the Oath and what it stands for during the annual Oath Day on October 13. The youngest Colts heard from multiple speakers and participated in breakout sessions with senior leaders throughout the day.

Neil Begley ’96 served as the keynote speaker to kick off the morning for the freshmen. Begley is currently the principal of St. Leo The Great School in Lincroft, but previously worked as a science teacher at CBA. Even more impressively, Begley served in the U.S. Military prior to entering education.

“Welcome to the next phase in your life, an incredible lies before you here at CBA,” Begley told the freshmen. “Your presence here at CBA will enable you, if you choose, to become a man of faith, character and honor.”

Prior to the breakout sessions that dove into the pillars of the Oath, four seniors spoke to the class about the true meaning of the Academy Oath.

“Trust me, gentlemen, your CBA experience matters,” said Ryan Ragan ’22. “As you sign our school’s illustrious Oath, I call on you to acknowledge and embrace the tradition that surrounds you here at the Academy.”

The freshmen class was broken up into smaller groups to official sign the Academy Oath. Once signed, the Oath is framed and hung in the school lobby for the duration of the Class of 2025’s time at CBA.

A dozen seniors led breakout sessions throughout the day. The topics of discussion included Lasallian virtues, progressing through four years at the Academy, and encouraging them to get involved in anything and everything as the years go on.

“Character, which includes honor, integrity, and wisdom, is hard to build and takes a long time,” remarked Principal Ross Fales. “As you continue to move through CBA, I hope you continue to reflect on these powerful words [in the Oath].”