Fuerbacher ’25 Leads by Example, Earns Zapcic Award
May 21, 2025
Before deciding to attend Christian Brothers Academy, Justin Fuerbacher ’25 was only really sure of one thing: he wanted to play multiple sports in high school.
After his travel baseball team received a personal campus tour from then-President Brother Frank Byrne, Fuerbacher set his sights on playing for the Colts.
The Red Bank native quickly found his home at the Academy, becoming a dedicated member of both the basketball and baseball programs. Next year, Fuerbacher has committed to play basketball at Middlebury College, a school in which he found many of the values that he learned to appreciate at the Academy.
“The team does community service together… they want to keep everyone involved and everyone happy,” he said. “I am very excited to keep playing basketball. On my visit, I met the guys and they were very similar to the team we have [at CBA]. It is more than just playing basketball, it’s who you are playing with.”
Fuerbacher is finishing his tenure as the 2025 student body president, a position that he did not hold lightly. He could regularly be seen at almost every CBA student event, as he championed the idea of community to both his classmates and his younger CBA brothers.
“I represent the Class of 2025, along with the other grades as well. To be the one voice that speaks for everybody, it is a big responsibility. In some ways, I was just a middle man for people to come to me with their ideas that I would further support.”
At the Lasalle Academic Awards in late April, Fuerbacher was honored with the 2025 Doctor William J. Zapcic, AFSC Award, which recognizes a senior who has strengthened their organization, ensuring its growth and success for future generations. In addition, the winner shows a commitment to excellence and service, reflecting the core values of the Lasallian tradition and inspiring students long after their graduation.
Whether it was on the basketball court or during a Student Council event, Fuerbacher was undoubtedly committed to the success of his fellow CBA students and teammates.
“To receive an award for my character, that really stands out to me,” he said. “My character has been affected by family, friends, faculty and students. I feel like winning an award for myself was really also winning it for everyone who has helped me get this far. It’s almost the opposite of individual.”
While each graduating senior would be able to provide sage advice to incoming students, Fuerbacher has had a unique perspective of the Academy over his four years. Always the supporter of new ideas and personal goals, he strongly encourages those following in his footsteps to take every opportunity provided.
“So much more goes on here than from 8:10 to 2:34, so realizing that you can do really anything you want to. If you have a passion for something, if you really like something and you want to work that into your life here at CBA, you absolutely can.”
Listen to the full video above for more with Justin!