The students in the 61st graduating class of Christian Brothers Academy officially joined an illustrious group of alumni on May 19.

The members of the Class of 2023 are commended for their outstanding academic, athletic, service, and extracurricular achievements throughout their time at CBA. Most importantly, these graduates have learned how to be determined, confident, and strong individuals, weathering multiple years of pandemic-related changes to their school life.

“I am honored to stand before you this evening,” Principal Neil Begley ’96 said to the students. “You will occupy a special place in my heart as you are my first graduating class as principal. During your time at CBA, you have discovered and learned skills, while also identifying and developing many talents. The foundation you have been given is a strong and lasting one, build on it wisely.”

The 208 Academy graduates gathered for the 61st commencement exercises at Brookdale’s Collins Arena, receiving the CBA diploma that they have been working towards over the past four years.

“You are a part of a brotherhood that will last far beyond your past four years at the Academy,” President Ross Fales told the graduates after they received their diplomas. “Graduation is not an end, but a new beginning. It is our hope that you will go forth from the hallowed halls of CBA to be the leaders of tomorrow. Your time at CBA, in addition to your academic studies, has been about spiritual and moral growth and about learning and reinforcing the values of becoming good men. That is what CBA has always stood for.”

The 208 graduates received over $29.629 million in merit-based scholarships to colleges and universities across the country.

72 seniors graduated with distinction (seven-semester GPA of 91.5 or higher).

The Class completed 21,008 hours of community service, which is an average of 101 hours per student when only 50 hours are required.

36 seniors were members of CBA’s Saint de La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society.

22 graduates were Brother Michael Dwyer Scholars.

 17 individuals were National Commended Scholars with 2 students being national semifinalists.

56 senior student-athletes were scholar athletes (varsity athletes with seven-semester GPA of 91.5 or higher).

4 seniors were named scholar thespians through Pegasus Production Company.

In April, CBA gave out the annual graduation awards to those seniors who have excelled in different subjects at the Academy. You can view the full list of CBA graduation awards here.

This senior class has been accepted to 207 colleges and universities with students attending 106 different schools across the country and internationally. You can check out what school each graduate is attending here. Many of the graduates reported an impressive array of college scholarships that had been offered to them. Those scholarships are listed in the Commencement program here.

A recording of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony can be found below.