Category: School News

On May 2, 2025, Cardinal Newman’s Fine Arts Department presented Journey the Night Away at the Duncan Theatre at Palm Beach State College, showcasing the exceptional talent of over 100 students in grades 9–12. The concert featured performances by the Beginning Concert Percussion Ensemble, Chorus I, Women’s Chorus, Honors Chorus, Vocal Soloists, and the Concert Wind Ensemble.

The evening served not only as a performance but also as a celebration of student achievement, musical growth, and community. Special senior ceremonies honored the graduating Class of 2025, and the concert highlighted both group and individual accomplishments from throughout the year.

Concert Highlights

Ensemble performances under the direction of Chorus/Music Director Roberta Rehner included Carry the Light, For Good from Wicked, and Another Day of Sun.

Stunning vocal solos were performed by Gabriella Salandy, Charlie Gusmano, Sophia Perez, Lily Monteiro, and a duet by Elias and John Azzi.

The Concert Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Band Director David Bayardelle and Percussion Director Michael Rivero, performed selections including Pirates of the Caribbean, El Camino Real, You’ll Never Walk Alone from Carousel, and The Fairest of the Fair.

Other News

Several band students earned Superior ratings at District Solo Evaluations and State competitions:

Snare Drum: James Wandtke – Superior (District), Excellent (State)

Alto Sax: Agatha Isaac, Isabella Anderson, Luke Dabu, Emma Pientka, Sophia Correa

Trombone: Luis Sardina, Isabelle Beausejour

Clarinet: Olivia Nocera

Flute: Cybella Mir

Tenor Sax: Nicholas Ramos

Percussion: Matthew Dabu, David Morales-Morales

Beyond the Stage

This year, the Fine Arts Department created unforgettable experiences for students:

In February, the Band, Chorus, Art Departments, and Spirit Dance Team participated in Disney Imagination Campus at Walt Disney World. Chorus students recorded a soundtrack to Disney’s Frozen, while band members and dancers marched down Main Street, USA.

Art Club students, led by Mrs. Haley, also joined in this immersive arts education experience.

Grease, Halftime Shows, and More

Congratulations to following Choral students who starred in the musical theater production of GREASE in April: Charlie Gusmano (Danny), Sophia Perez (Sandy), Lily Monteiro (Jan), Riley Gorman (Frenchy), Tessa O’Sullivan (Rizzo), Elizabeth Allaga (Mrs. Lynch), Elias Azzi (Johnny Casino), Ella Goodrich (Sonny), Victoria Miquel (Eugene), Valentina Sharoubim (Cha-Cha), Lyla Perry and Gabi Salandy (ensemble). Thank you to Ms. Rehner who served as the Vocal Director/Rehearsal Pianist for the production.

The CN Band performed at the Miami Heat Halftime Show, home basketball games, and lacrosse games.

Other Performances

The Chorus/Mass Ensemble, directed by Ms. Rehner, perform at the Baccalaureate Mass on May 9 at Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola.

The CN Band directed by Mr Bayardelle, along with senior vocalists Sophia Perez, Lily Monteiro, and Charlie Gusmano (coached by Ms. Rehner) will perform the National Anthem at Graduation on May 12 at the Kravis Center.

Underclassmen chorus members will sing at the May Crowning Mass on May 15.

Performances at Rosarian Academy’s Pep Rally and Freshman Orientation.

From classroom to concert hall, Disney to Main Street, and stage to stadium, the Cardinal Newman Fine Arts Department continues to inspire students to grow as performers, musicians, and leaders.

Bravo to all our talented Crusaders—what a year!

Photo Credit: Jodi Mennes

At Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS), our mission goes beyond preparing students for graduation—we prepare them for life. This spring, we proudly celebrate the Class of 2025 as they take bold steps toward their futures, earning acceptances to an extraordinary range of institutions across the country and around the world.

“We are committed to providing individual college direction so every student finds their ‘best fit, ‘” said CNHS President Charles Stembler. At Cardinal Newman, we provide an academic experience that prepares students to attend the top universities in the country. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!”

“I am incredibly proud of each and every student,” said CNHS College Counselor Candace Caterina. “For some, this moment marks the continuation of a family tradition. For others, it’s the first time anyone in their family has gone to college. Every path is different, and every acceptance is a milestone worth celebrating. The ultimate goal is to learn the skills to make the world a better place. We are so very proud of our Class of 2025 and cannot wait to see how they make a positive impact.”

A Diverse and Impressive List of Acceptances

The Class of 2025 earned spots at an inspiring range of colleges and universities—from Ivy League institutions such as Harvard University, to U.S. Military Academies including the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and West Point. Students also received acceptances to highly selective schools like Boston College, Northeastern University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame, Villanova University, and Wake Forest University, showcasing their academic strength and leadership.

Others were accepted to top-performing SEC schools like the Auburn University, University of Georgia, and Louisiana State University, while may pursue their passions at nationally recognized arts institutions, including the Ringling College of Art and Design, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Closer to home, Crusaders were admitted to Florida’s leading public and private universities—including the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Miami, and University of Central Florida.

Every member of the Class of 2025 was accepted to college, continuing Cardinal Newman’s proud tradition of 100% college acceptance.

Personalized Guidance for Every Path

At Cardinal Newman, the journey to college is a guided and intentional one. Through one-on-one counseling, college workshops, financial aid planning, and on-campus college fairs and visits from more than 100 institutions, students receive the support and confidence they need to find the right fit.

Whether pursuing STEM, the arts, military service, or pre-professional programs, our students are encouraged to embrace their individual paths—and to dream big.

At Cardinal Newman, we are honored to be “Building Life’s Champions”—and this class is proof of that mission in action.

Cardinal Newman High School
Class of 2025 College Acceptances

On April 24, the Cardinal Newman community came together to celebrate the Class of 2025 at the 12th Annual Senior Fashion Show & Luncheon—a cherished tradition blending entertainment, fashion, and a luncheon served by underclassmen volunteers.

Dr. Sinha served as Master of Ceremonies, opening the celebration with a show-stopping, chemistry-themed rendition of “New York, New York,” that had the entire room smiling.

Guests enjoyed live performances from talented students, including Lucas Hernandez-Trujillo on piano, and vocal performances by Charlie Gusmano, Lily Monteiro, and Sophia Perez, who energized the crowd leading into the fashion show. A lively skit performed by a group of senior boys added extra fun to the afternoon.

The highlight of the day was the runway, where more than eighty seniors modeled looks provided by generous local fashion partners, including Abby’s on the Island, C. Orrico, Coton Frais, David’s Bridal, Men’s Wearhouse Legacy Place, Palm Beach Boys Club, and Tommy Bahama.

We are especially grateful to our event chairs: Hope D’Alessandro-Forte, Elizabeth Rahm, Susan Ricci, and Jonelle Wallmeyer, and to the many parents, students, faculty members, and sponsors whose efforts made the event possible. Special thanks to our additional contributors: Chick-Fil-A Palm Beach Lakes, DJ Dady Phatts, Meyer’s Turf & Nursery, Nancy Cookie Creations, and This Place Blows.

In addition to being a beloved celebration of senior year, the Senior Fashion Show & Luncheon also supports Cardinal Newman’s largest fundraiser of the year—Newman Night Gala—with all proceeds directly benefiting the event.

The Senior Fashion Show & Luncheon continues to be a beloved CNHS tradition, celebrating style, school spirit, and the bright futures that lie ahead for our graduates.