Christian Brothers Academy (New Jersey) - History

History

Christian Brothers Academy was founded in 1958, when a group of devoted laymen, including Doctor George A. Sheehan, realized the need for another Catholic high school in Monmouth County. With the approval of the Bishop, they initiated a drive to raise funds for the purchase of a piece of property. The Brothers of the Christian Schools, under the leadership of their Provincial, Brother Anthony John Halpin, agreed to staff the school and finance its construction.

The former Whitney Greentree Stables, a 157-acre (0.64 km2) farm, was purchased and one building was converted into what is now Henderson Hall. With six Brothers and 150 students, the school was opened in September, 1959; two years later the new school building was finished and ready for occupancy. The school has had seven principals since then, with its eighth to start in the summer of 2012:

1. Brother Bernard McKenna, FSC (1959–1965);
2. Brother Stephen McCabe, FSC (1965–1972);
3. Brother Peter Mannion, FSC (1972–1979);
4. Brother Andrew O'Gara, FSC (1979–1991), who left the office of Principal of CBA to become its first President; He died in office November 7, 2008 to be succeeded by Brother Frank Byrne, FSC '75 in July 2009.
5. Brother Ralph Montedoro, FSC (1991–2005)
6. Brother Stephen Olert, FSC (2005–2008)
7. Brother James Butler, FSC (2008–2012), who left the school after being named President Designate of La Salle College High School in Philadelphia on February 8, 2012.
8. Peter Santanello (2012–present) was appointed the first lay principal of CBA by Brother President Frank Byrne, FSC, on March 4, 2012.

Over the years, the school has undergone many additions and renovations, including the building of the Henderson Theater, three science labs, two large gyms, and extra classrooms. The school's Christian emphasis is noted by a sign in the lobby which reads: "Jesus is the reason for this school, the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes, the model of the faculty and the inspiration of its students." Before school begins and at the start of every class, prayers are offered in the Lasallian manner, beginning "Let us remember we are in the Holy Presence of God" and ending with the invocations, "St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us." "Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever!"