Hughes Readies for Notre Dame with CBA’s Faith and Community in Tow
April 11, 2025
Throughout Brian Hughes’ scholastic career, he has attended strong Catholic schools.
After graduating from St. Leo the Great School in Lincroft, he traveled just a few minutes down the road to Christian Brothers Academy. When it came time to choose a collegiate institution, there was one Catholic university to rise to the top of his list.
“I am involved in my church, I am altar serving, and I am a eucharist minister, so faith plays a big part,” Hughes said. “I knew that Notre Dame had the best of both worlds. Here [at CBA], the best thing that I like is the brotherhood. The community is tremendous. When I toured Notre Dame for the first time, I felt the same way.”
Hughes has been an impressive student in the classroom during his time at the Academy.
His academic accolades include induction into the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, as well as earning the Seal of Biliteracy and first honors every semester. This past fall, he was named a National Merit Commended Student by the College Board.
Outside of the classroom, Hughes has a wide range of interests. He has been a member of the tennis program, the pipes & drums band, Student Council, and Ambassadors since freshman year. His connection to his faith continues with his participation in Campus Ministry, and this year, as a Senior GURU.
“The biggest thing for me is my involvement in the pipes & drums band,” he said. “Right now, I am actually the pipe major with my friend Cormac [Whalen]. It is something so special and unique. You get to Brother Frank, who is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. The band is tightly knit like a family to me.”
However, the community aspect of the Academy extends far past the band for Hughes. When his younger brother Brandon was getting ready to start at CBA, his positive reinforcement included looking forward to the brotherhood.
“You never know who is going to be your best friend,” he told his brother. “Freshman, sophomore, junior and sneior, I’ve met new people that I didn’t know before and made new friends. It gets you to really feel the sense of community that is always being talked about here. When you’re involved, you realize that this is a place ‘brothers forever’ is not a lie, the community is real.
Listen to the full video above for more with Brian!