The Academy Oath is 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. At the beginning of every school year, the student body reaffirms their commitment to being a student at the Academy by pledging to the Academy Oath.

On Wednesday, the Class of 2023 took part in Oath Day, where they learned about what it takes to be an Academy man before committing to the explained values by signing the Academy Oath.

The day began with the freshmen listening to four seniors talk about each of the four pillars of the Oath. Each senior put their own personal spin on the pillars, as they have seen these traits in action over their three-plus years at CBA. Excerpts from each of the seniors’ speeches can be found below.

The freshmen then took part in breakout sessions where they further discussed what the Academy Oath stands for: honor, integrity, service and knowledge.

To culminate the Oath Day program, the Class of 2023 joined together in the varsity gym to sign their Academy Oath, which will be displayed in the main lobby alongside the senior, junior and sophomore class oaths.

For the first time as a class, the freshmen recited the Academy Oath as whole at the end of the ceremony.

The Academy Oath

We the men of Christian Brothers Academy,

Do solemnly promise before God,

To live always with honor and integrity,

To serve and stand for those in need,

To strive for wisdom in the pursuit of knowledge,

To uphold the legacy and proud tradition of our Academy.

St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

Oliver Pangilinan ’20 – To live always with honor and integrity

“That word: always. It isn’t just about doing your best for seven hours a day and then going home to give up. Living with honor and integrity is just as important outside of school as it is during school. Most of us in here have friends and family who aren’t familiar with how high of a standard we hold ourselves to. We want to show the rest of the world that CBA is a school that builds men of great character. And in being the best version of yourself, both insides and outside of CBA, we continue to build the reputation of CBA that we can all be proud of.”

Cameron Acken ’20 – To serve and stand for those in need

“As students of CBA, you have many talents, and you should use these God-given gifts to better your community and the world. Service is not just for the chosen few who are able to participate in organized activities, such as Lasallian Youth or service trips, but for everyone at CBA. Whether it is helping a fellow brother with academic struggles or a difficult personal situation, such service is a responsibility that all CBA students are expected to uphold at all times.”

Drew Valsamedis ’20 – To strive for wisdom in the pursuit of knowledge

“Learning is so much more than memorizing terms and regurgitating information. What makes CBA unique is that this school will make you think. You will be pushed to apply yourself and work harder than ever before, and when you get through it, you will come out a stronger intellectual. Not only are you being taught to be a skilled thinker at CBA, but you are also taught to be an upstanding citizen and Christian.”

Luke Pascarella ’20 – To uphold the legacy and proud tradition of our Academy

“At CBA, we are called to maximize the gifts that God gave us. We are called to be the best versions of ourselves in all that we do. This applies to service, academics and athletics. So, don’t just say the Oath just to say it. Really look into it and apply it to your life. Use the Oath to guide you in how you treat others and how you develop yourself.”

Aedan Moran ’20 – Keynote Speaker

“The Academy Oath has provided you with a solid foundation that will ground you during your high school development into dedicated students, servant leaders, and passionate contributors in your extracurricular pursuits. Know that you have an amazing network of people to turn to, whether it be your classmates, teachers, or especially your parents. Class of 2023, you have all the support you need, along with the Academy Oath to guide you, and we are all excited to see what you will accomplish in the next four years and beyond as proud Academy men.”