Category: School News

School News

CNHS to Host Open House on Nov. 1

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
Share with:

Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) welcomes prospective students and their families to Open House on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The beautifully landscaped, 40-plus-acre campus is conveniently located at 512 Spencer Drive in West Palm Beach. Registration is required.

For more than 65 years, CNHS has provided students with a premier, college preparatory Catholic education. Guided by its mission to educate the whole person, spirit, mind, and body, the school strives to build life’s champions through faith, academics, servant leadership, and a strong family atmosphere.

Student-led tours will give families a firsthand look at the Cardinal Newman experience. Prospective students and their parents will visit classrooms, explore the campus, and meet teachers, academic department heads, counselors, and athletic coaches. Families will be greeted by the Cardinal Newman Band and cheerleaders, while the Crusader mascot will be available for photos. Light bites and refreshments will also be served.

“Open House gives families the opportunity to experience what makes Cardinal Newman such a special place,” said Cardinal Newman President Charles Stembler. “They can explore our campus, meet members of our community, and see how our faith-filled environment helps young people grow academically, spiritually, and personally. We look forward to welcoming prospective families to Crusader Nation.”

Cardinal Newman offers a rigorous, student-centered curriculum that includes 22 Advanced Placement courses, along with Honors, dual enrollment, and Learning Strategies courses. Students benefit from small classes, individualized attention, and a supportive family environment. With competitive tuition and an extensive range of academic, athletic, spiritual, and extracurricular opportunities, Cardinal Newman provides families with exceptional value in a private, college preparatory Catholic education.

Families can also learn about the new Cupertino Program, which complements the school’s college preparatory curriculum through a dedicated academic support class offering individualized literacy instruction for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.

Representatives from the school and college counseling departments will be available to discuss Cardinal Newman’s four-year approach to academic planning, personal development, and the college admissions process.

To learn more and register, visit cardinalnewman.com.

School News

Celebrating CNHS 2027 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Estimated Read Time: 1 minute
Share with:

Cardinal Newman High School is proud to celebrate Elias Azzi and John Azzi, who have been named Semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Established in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition that recognizes outstanding high school students and awards college undergraduate scholarships. Students enter the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which serves as the initial screening of more than 1.2 million students each year.

This prestigious recognition reflects Elias and John’s exceptional academic achievement and performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. As Semifinalists, they will have the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships.

Their achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence, as well as the support of their families, teachers, and the Cardinal Newman community.

Congratulations to Elias and John on this outstanding accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of them for exemplifying the spirit of Building Life’s Champions and wish them the very best as they continue in the National Merit Scholarship competition.

School News

5th Annual Crusader Classic Golf Tournament

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
Share with:

Cardinal Newman High School’s 5th Annual Crusader Classic Golf Tournament took place on September 11 at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. Before the day’s activities began, participants gathered for a moment of silence to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Following the tribute, guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast and plenty of excitement as golfers prepared for a fun day on the course.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. At 9:45 a.m., the lightning siren sounded after most golfers had completed only four holes. Everyone returned to the clubhouse, where the fun continued with auction bidding, laughter, and plenty of Crusader camaraderie as we watched the weather and hoped the skies would clear.

When it became apparent that the rain was not letting up, guests enjoyed an early lunch and continued the festivities indoors. By 1 p.m., the official call was made that golfers would not be returning to the course.

Although we did not get to complete all 18 holes, we certainly made the most of the day. We extend our sincere appreciation to our golfers, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and everyone who joined us. Your patience, flexibility, generosity, and great spirits transformed a rainy day into a memorable celebration of the Cardinal Newman community.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors:

Title Sponsor
Men’s Only, Dr. Alex Miquel

Awards Sponsor
Beebe Law

Hat Sponsor
The David A. Burke Foundation

Shirt Sponsor
ERS Landscape

Ball Sponsor
JDA Insurance

Tee Sponsors
Lighthouse Cleaners
Pressly, Pressly, Randolph & Pressly
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
Erin Armour, Keyes

We are deeply grateful for your continued support of Cardinal Newman High School and look forward to sunnier skies for next year’s Crusader Classic.

In the meantime, we hope to see you at the First Annual Crusader Dad’s Club Poker Tournament on October 24. Register at https://cardinalnewman.com/event/crusader-classic-poker-tournament/.

5th Annual Crusader Golf Tournament

Flickr Album Gallery Pro Powered By: WP Frank
School News

Club and Service Fair Connects Students with Opportunities to Lead and Serve

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
Share with:

Cardinal Newman held its annual Club and Service Fair on September 2 in the CNHS Gymnasium. Students explored thirty-five student-led clubs and met representatives from twenty nonprofit organizations offering volunteer and service opportunities throughout the community.

Club participation and servant leadership are central to the Cardinal Newman experience. During the fair, student leaders represented their clubs and spoke with prospective members about each club’s purpose, activities, membership requirements, and expectations. The wide variety of clubs gives students opportunities to explore their interests, connect with classmates, and develop valuable teamwork and leadership skills.

“Walt Disney once said, ‘Courage is the main quality of leadership, in my opinion, no matter where it is exercised. Usually it implies some risk — especially in new undertakings.”’ At Cardinal Newman, joining an organization, becoming an officer, or creating a new organization gives students a safe place to demonstrate courage, try new things, take on challenges, and learn with support from a faculty mentor and me. In addition to our robust list of returning student organizations, students have taken the leap to create 15 new organizations since July 1. Educating the whole person is fundamental to who we are and occurs both inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Cari Murphy, Director of Student Affairs.

This year’s fair also expanded students’ exposure to service opportunities by welcoming twenty nonprofit organizations. The participating organizations represented a broad range of community needs, including services for veterans, senior citizens, individuals with special needs, and other populations in need of additional support.

By speaking directly with nonprofit representatives, students learned more about the challenges facing their community, the work being done to address those needs, and the many ways they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

All Cardinal Newman students are required to complete 25 hours of community service each year to fulfill the school’s graduation requirements. Beginning this year, six of those 25 hours must be dedicated to serving marginalized populations or individuals. Qualifying service may include assisting veterans, spending time with senior citizens in nursing homes, supporting individuals with special needs, or tutoring children attending Title I schools.

The new requirement encourages students to engage directly with individuals and communities whose experiences and circumstances may be different from their own. Students who complete 100 or more service hours during a school year will also receive special recognition for their commitment to serving others.

Club Day

Flickr Album Gallery Pro Powered By: WP Frank
School News

Newman Night 2027 Gala Committee Kicks Off the American Dream

Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Share with:

On Wednesday, August 26, the Cardinal Newman community gathered in the Mary Immaculate Reception Hall for the first Gala Committee Meeting of Newman Night 2027. Guests enjoyed a festive breakfast featuring America Through the Ages inspired bites, reconnected with old friends, met new committee members, and participated in a Statue of Liberty icebreaker and Stars, Stripes & Surprises: Luck of the Draw.

The morning also introduced this year’s theme, The American Dream, Guided by God’s Grace. President Charles Stembler opened the gathering in prayer before Gala Co Chairs Kelly Algonas, Hope D’Alessandro Forte, and Jackie Marvin welcomed committee members and shared a calendar of Gala festivities. Tables decorated in red, white, and blue helped set the stage for a year filled with patriotic celebrations.

Erin and Dennis Shea will be honored at Newman Night 2027 for their commitment to Cardinal Newman High School and its mission. Under the leadership of the Gala Co Chairs, committee members will work together to make Cardinal Newman’s largest annual fundraising event a memorable celebration.

Newman Night 2027 will commemorate two significant milestones: our nation’s 250th anniversary and Cardinal Newman’s 65th anniversary. The festivities will culminate with Newman Night 2027: The American Dream Gala on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at the Kravis Center. Proceeds will advance Cardinal Newman’s mission of providing students with a premier, college preparatory Catholic education rooted in faith, scholarship, and service.

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Gala will take guests on a journey through the eras that have shaped our nation, from the elegance of the Gatsby years and the timeless grace of the Jackie Kennedy era to the traditions, dreams, and milestones that define the American experience.

Save the Dates: Gala Festivities

September 30 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Palm Beach Yacht Club
Committee Member Cocktail Party: White Nights/American Dreams
Invitation only for committee members

October 8 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Boutiques & Bubbles Shopping and Lunch on Dixie Highway
Third Annual Shop It Like It’s Hot Trolley Day, featuring visits to area boutiques and lunch at Table 26

October 29 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Cove Club
Dine & Donate Party

November 4 | 6 to 8 p.m.
The Colony Hotel
Underwriting Appreciation Party Honoring Our Dream Makers

December 3 | 5 to 7 p.m.
Tide & Table
Christmas Sip & Shop

January 12 | 11 a.m.
Par 3
American Dream Ladies Luncheon

February 18 | 5 to 7 p.m.
Amici Market Palm Beach
Wine & Cheese Tasting

March 13 | 6 p.m.
Kravis Center
Newman Night 2027: The American Dream Gala

Everyone is invited to join the celebration. Whether attending, volunteering, serving on the committee, or becoming a sponsor, there are many ways to be part of The American Dream journey.

For more information, email Mary.Martens@cardinalnewman.com.

1st Newman Night 2027 Gala Meeting

Flickr Album Gallery Pro Powered By: WP Frank
School News

Eagle Scout Project Brings Prayer Labyrinth To Cardinal Newman

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
Share with:

James Wandtke ’26 creates a lasting campus space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal

Cardinal Newman High School student James Wandtke ’26 has made a lasting contribution to his school by creating an outdoor prayer labyrinth as his Eagle Scout project.

Completed over the summer, the labyrinth was dedicated and blessed by the Rev. Marc Gustinelli on August 11, following the first full day of the 2026–2027 school year. Located outside the Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building, across from the Rosary Garden, provides students, faculty, and staff with a peaceful place for prayer, reflection, and connection with God.

Wandtke chose a project that would not only fulfill the rigorous requirements for earning the rank of Eagle Scout but also enrich the spiritual life of his school for years to come. Through leadership, initiative, and service, he created a meaningful space where members of the Cardinal Newman community can step away from the demands of the day and find peace and perspective.

“James’s project is a wonderful example of how our students are encouraged to grow in faith, discover and develop their talents, and use those gifts in service to others,” said Cardinal Newman President Charles Stembler. “His leadership and generosity have created a meaningful place of prayer that will benefit our school community for generations.”

Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has one continuous path leading to the center, with no wrong turns or dead ends. The labyrinth may be used for individual prayer and meditation, as well as for theology classes, retreats, and Campus Ministry activities.

“The prayer labyrinth is a place where you can walk slowly toward the center while reflecting on the stress, struggles, and heaviness you may be carrying,” Wandtke explained. “Once you reach the center, you can sit or stand, let everything go, say a prayer to God, and leave it there with Him. Then you walk out the same way you came, free from the heaviness of life.”

Cardinal Newman’s mission is “to educate the whole person: spirit, mind, and body.” By nurturing faith, intellectual growth, leadership, and service, the school helps students become the best versions of themselves.

For more information about Cardinal Newman High School, visit cardinalnewman.com.

Flickr Album Gallery Pro Powered By: WP Frank
School News

Cardinal Newman High School Launches Cupertino Program

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
Share with:

New program provides specialized academic support for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia

Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) is launching the Cupertino Program, a specialized academic support initiative for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other language-based learning differences.

“As awareness and diagnosis of language-based learning differences continue to grow, the Cupertino Program reflects Cardinal Newman’s commitment to supporting every learner while maintaining our high academic standards,” said CNHS President Charles Stembler. 

Administered by Orton-Gillingham Certified Educator Amy McGuigan, the Cupertino Program will welcome its inaugural class for the 2026–27 school year, initially serving ninth and tenth-grade students diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia through a psychoeducational evaluation.

Named after St. Joseph of Cupertino, the patron saint of students and exam takers, the program reflects his perseverance in overcoming academic challenges and the belief that every student can succeed with the right support. 

The Cupertino Program complements Cardinal Newman’s college-preparatory curriculum through a dedicated academic support class focused on individualized literacy instruction. Using evidence-based teaching strategies, students receive targeted instruction in reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and morphology to strengthen literacy skills, build confidence, and develop greater academic independence.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is the most common language-based learning disability, affecting an estimated 15% to 20% of the population and serving as a leading cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties.

“The Cupertino Program helps us live out our mission of educating the whole person—spirit, mind, and body,” said McGuigan. “My hope is that this program helps students build confidence, develop the skills they need to succeed, and recognize that dyslexia is not something to be ashamed of.”

Prior to the start of the school year, Cardinal Newman faculty will participate in “A Day in the Life with Dyslexia,” a professional development workshop that equips teachers with practical strategies to better recognize, understand, and support students with dyslexia in the classroom.

Among the few programs of its kind within a college-preparatory high school in Palm Beach County, the Cupertino Program reflects Cardinal Newman’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and ensuring that students with language-based learning differences have every opportunity to succeed.

For more information, visit https://cardinalnewman.com/academics/the-cupertino-program/.

School News

Newman Night 2027 Celebrates The American Dream…Guided By God’s Grace

Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes
Share with:

Grazie mille to everyone who joined us, supported us, and helped make Newman Night 2026 so special. Your kindness and support mean the world to our students and our community.

Please take a moment to relive the magic of the night:

As we celebrate the memories of last year’s Gala, we are already looking ahead to another unforgettable evening. Save the Date for Newman Night Celebrates the American Dream… Guided by God’s Grace on March 13, 2027.

In honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, this year’s Gala will take us on a journey through the eras that have shaped our nation…from the elegance of the Gatsby years and the timeless grace of the Jackie Kennedy era to the traditions, dreams, and milestones that define the American experience.

Over the coming months, we’ll bring the theme to life through a series of exciting pre-Gala events inspired by these iconic eras. We invite you to join us as we celebrate our shared history, our Cardinal Newman community, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Stay tuned for Save the Dates, event announcements, and opportunities to be part of another spectacular Gala season. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Newman Night 2027
Athletic News, School News

CNHS Athletics: Spring Sports Recap 2026

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Share with:

This spring was an outstanding season for Cardinal Newman Athletics and a great way to close out the school year. Across our spring sports programs, our student-athletes and coaches achieved several historic firsts and continued to raise the standard for Crusader Athletics.

Our beach volleyball team had a remarkable season, finishing with a 14-2 record, winning the district championship for the first time in school history, and advancing all the way to the regional final — also a first for the program. Coach Joy was named Coach of the Year, while Ava Castro and Lyla Buser earned Player of the Year honors.

Our boys lacrosse team also made history by winning the district championship for the first time ever and earning a regional playoff victory. Girls flag football advanced to regionals for the first time in school history, continuing the theme of historic accomplishments throughout the spring.

Girls track and field won the district championship for the first time in 25 years, while several track and field athletes advanced to the state meet. Boys weightlifting was also represented at the state level, with Zach Tuma advancing all the way to the state meet.

Softball had an incredible turnaround season, defeating the No. 1 seed and advancing to the second round of regionals for the first time in many years. Baseball, girls lacrosse, and tennis also had extremely competitive seasons.

In addition to the success on the field, our baseball bleacher project has officially been completed and looks outstanding. Final details are also continuing to be worked on for our new indoor-outdoor sports facility, with more updates expected as we move into next school year.

Overall, it was an absolutely outstanding spring season filled with growth, success, and many historic firsts for Cardinal Newman Athletics.

SUN SENTINEL

First Team: Liam Magun (Baseball), Ella Strong (Lacrosse), William Stumm (Lacrosse), Reese Khanna (Softball), Sydney Mahoney (Softball), Elle Perrotto (Softball), Tessa Brown (Track), Girls 4×800 Relay (Jada Alexander, Trae’Anah Boyd-Lucas, Isabel Dawkins, Lily Wesley), Joe Licata, Zamarii Sanders, Zion Brown, Boys 4×100 Relay (Cyrus Gantt, Ethan Holland, Leslie Mosley, Zamarii Sanders) Boys 4×400 Relay (Kahlil Gabaud, Joe Licata, Zamarii Sanders, Tristan Stephenson), Boys 4×800 Relay (Liam Alexander, Joe Licata, Tristan Stephenson, Kenneth Wagner)

Second Team: Anabella Peralta (Flag Football), Grace Molina (Lacrosse), Gavin Chandler (Lacrosse), Maddie Horner (Softball), Trae’Anah Boyd-Lucas (Track), Lucy Burkly (Track), Isabel Dawkins (Track), Imani Taylor (Track), Lily Wesley (Track), Girls 4×100 Relay (Heidi Alcime, Jada Alexander, Isabel Dawkins, Trae’Anah Boyd-Lucas), Tristan Stephenson (Track), Akim Thelemaque (Track)

Honorable Mention: Brady Heminger (Baseball), Gianluca Luciano (Baseball), Cameron Portilla (Baseball), David Zitnik (Baseball), Sophia Correa (Flag Football), Jalyn Escobar (Flag Football), Stacy Jean Claude (Flag Football), Parker Bruneau (Lacrosse), Chloe Castro (Lacrosse), Nick Coniglio (Lacrosse), Kevin Kasnic (Lacrosse), Micahel Lenz (Lacrosse, Cady Levy (Lacrosse), Chase Lufurno (Lacrosse), Michael Polgar (Lacrosse), Izza Luna (Softball), Juan Hernandez (Tennis), Morgan McBay (Tennis), Vicky Burkly (Track), William Hart (Track), Chris Labode (Track), Michael Louidort (Track), Carter Newby (Track), Zachary Tuma (Weightlifting)

PALM BEACH POST

First Team: Ava Castro (Beach Volleyball), Lyla Buser (Beach Volleyball), Dayana Acevedo (Beach Volleyball), Coach of the Year Joy VanDyke (Beach Volleyball), Ella Strong (Lacrosse), Chase Lofurno (Lacrosse), William Stumm (Lacrosse), Reese Khanna (Softball), Sydney Mahoney (Softball), Isabel Dawkins (Track), Joe Licata (Track), Zamarii Sanders (Track)

Second Team: Gianluca Luciano (Baseball), Liam Magun (Baseball), David Zitnick (Baseball), Anabella Peralta (Flag Football), Parker Bruneau (Lacrosse), Gavin Chandler (Lacrosse), Michael Lenz (Lacrosse), Elle Perrotto (Lacrosse), Tristan Stephenson (Track)

Honorable Mention: Dallas Reddoch (Baseball), Kevin Kasnic (Lacrosse), Michael Polgar (Lacrosse), Judson Redback (Lacrosse), Maddie Horner (Softball), Juan Hernandez (Tennis), Morgan McBay (Tennis), Jada Alexander (Track), Trae’Anah Boyd (Track), Tessa Brown (Track), Imani Taylor (Track), Lily Wesley (Track), Zachary Tuma (Weightlifting)

Congratulations to our Crusaders who earned awards at the Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards last week! The top athletes in Palm Beach County were celebrated at the SoFi on Thursday, May 28th…

Team of the year: Cardinal Newman Football

Football Offensive Player of the Year: Jyron Hughley

Football Defensive Player of the Year: Adam Balogoun-Ali

Beach Volleyball Players of the Year: Lyla Buser & Ava Castro