Category: School News

CNHS Band Marches at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Cardinal Newman High School Band & Dance Team had the incredible opportunity to march down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Performing in front of thousands of visitors at one of the world’s most iconic destinations, our talented Crusaders showcased their musical skills and school pride in an unforgettable way.

The band’s performance route began near the former Splash Mountain, where they stepped off backstage before re-entering the park near the Haunted Mansion and Tom Sawyer Island. From there, they marched through Liberty Square, past Cinderella’s Castle, and down Main Street, U.S.A., where Disney made an exciting announcement over the loudspeaker:

“Please welcome the Cardinal Newman High School Marching Band from West Palm Beach, Florida!”

Playing “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” on repeat, the band filled the streets with energy and excitement, creating a magical memory for both performers and spectators. This experience not only highlighted their hard work and dedication but also gave them the unique honor of representing Cardinal Newman High School on such a grand stage.

CNHS Director of Bands, Mr. David Bayardelle expressed his pride in the students, recognizing their enthusiasm and effort leading up to this special event. Congratulations to the CNHS Band & Dance Team for this amazing achievement. Thank you for making Cardinal Newman proud!

Special thanks to Luca Melluzzi ’25 for his great photo in front of Magic Kingdom. 

CAMPUS MINISTRY HOSTS RETREAT FOR JUNIOR CLASS

On February 13, 2025, Cardinal Newman High School’s junior class participated in a transformative retreat centered on the theme: “Looking at Yourself Through the Eyes of God.” The event, organized by the Campus Ministry, aimed to foster personal growth, deepen faith, and strengthen peer connections.

The retreat began with an inspiring talk by Robert “Sully” Sullivan, Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry at St. Luke Catholic Church. He introduced the central theme, encouraging students to view themselves through a divine perspective.

Throughout the day, students engaged in various group activities. One notable exercise involved creating collaborative posters: students cut out images from magazines that symbolized their definitions of success. The students had a great time building the posters, and the activity facilitated meaningful discussions about individual goals and values.

Reflecting on the day’s impact, Director of Campus Ministry Janet Joyce-Cook remarked, “Students thanked me after the day—that’s the reaction we want. They had fun, gained valuable insights, and connected with their inner selves and faith while connecting with peers.”

The retreat is part of a broader initiative by the Campus Ministry, which organizes four annual retreats tailored to each grade level. Additionally, they host Emmaus Retreats at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach, offering students further opportunities for spiritual enrichment.

This junior retreat exemplifies Cardinal Newman High School’s commitment to nurturing the whole person—spirit, mind, and body—through immersive experiences that blend faith, personal development, and community.

Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) continued its series of events leading up to Newman Night 2025 with the Annual Ladies Luncheon on February 13, 2025, at Trevini Ristorante in Palm Beach.

Over fifty women gathered to enjoy fine Italian cuisine and fellowship, supporting the upcoming gala, themed “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

“Our community’s unwavering support is the cornerstone of Newman Night and the initiatives it funds,” said CNHS President Charles Stembler. “The Ladies Luncheon highlights the collective spirit and commitment to providing a Catholic college preparatory education that educates the whole person: spirit, mind, and body.”

As the excitement builds for Newman Night 2025, CNHS extends its gratitude to all who have contributed and welcomes further participation. For more information about the gala and ways to get involved, please visit cardinalnewman.com or contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280.

We were honored to host two distinguished guests on campus: Belle Avery, a renowned film producer and actress, and Eirinn Abu, an acclaimed saxophonist.

Belle Avery, known for producing films such as The Meg and Meg 2: The Trench, discussed her experiences in the film industry and her dedication to storytelling.

Eirinn Abu, a celebrated saxophone recording artist with eight solo albums, shared his musical journey and the significance of passion in one’s pursuits.

They shared their experiences in the film and music industries, engaged in a Q&A session with students, and emphasized the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s dreams. Their message was clear: “Nothing is impossible.” Their visit gave our students valuable perspectives on the dedication and resilience required to succeed in creative fields.

Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) expressed gratitude to the generous donors supporting its biggest annual fundraiser, Newman Night 2025, during the Underwriting Appreciation Reception held on January 16, 2025. The exclusive event, themed as a Tiki Party, took place at The Cove Club, a private beach club in West Palm Beach, offering guests an elegant evening in tropical style.

This reception is part of a series of events leading up to Newman Night 2025, themed “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” which will be held on March 8, 2025, at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The event is chaired by Tiffany Eitel, Michelle Gonzalez, and Wendy Tuma. This year’s honorees are Mary Jo Higgins and Virginia O’Hara, who were celebrated for their contributions to the Cardinal Newman community.

“Our donors are the backbone of the success of Newman Night and the many initiatives it supports,” said CNHS President Charles Stembler. “Their unwavering belief in the value of a Catholic education allows us to continue providing transformative experiences for our students.”

Guests enjoyed an evening of tropical elegance with Polynesian-inspired centerpieces, gourmet appetizers, and a captivating flame dancer performance on the beach. Set under a grand tiki hut overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, the event highlighted the spirit of gratitude and community that defines Cardinal Newman.

For more information about Newman Night 2025, visit cardinalnewman.com or contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280.

This holiday season, the Cardinal Newman Chorus spread the joy of Christmas, delighting audiences with their musical talents and embodying the true spirit of giving and community. Through a week-long tour, they shared the gift of music at various events. 

Bringing Joy to Senior Communities

On December 6, the Chorus kicked off their tour with visits to two senior living facilities. Their first stop was Lourdes Noreen McKeen Residence, a faith-based senior living community in downtown West Palm Beach. The students performed a mix of concert pieces and Christmas carols, inviting the residents to sing along and participate. Smiles lit up the faces of residents as they sang along to familiar carols. 

Afterward, they traveled to Arden Courts, a memory care facility, where they continued their mission of spreading holiday cheer. 

“These performances were especially meaningful because they allowed our students to bring joy to those who may not have visitors. Music can be very therapeutic and can help stimulate the elderly who may not be in the best of health at the residential homes,” said CNHS Choral/Music Director Ms. Roberta Rehner.

Performing for the Diocese of Palm Beach

On December 7, the Chorus participated in the Diocese’s “Take a Sister to Lunch” event at Mary Immaculate Church. Traditionally a cabaret-style Christmas concert led by Ms. Rehner, this year’s event featured the Cardinal Newman Chorus as carolers, adding a special touch to the celebration. 

“It was a honor to bring holiday cheer to the Sisters and guests as the chorus’ voices created a magical and uplifting atmosphere, ” said Ms Rehner. 

A Season of Concerts and Celebrations

The Chorus continued their holiday tour with several key performances. On December 9, they sang during the school-wide Immaculate Conception Mass, enhancing the liturgy with their choral piece Mary Did You Know?

The following evening, December 10, the Chorus performed alongside the CNHS Band in the Fine Arts Department’s annual Christmas concert. This festive program showcased the students’ talents and included recognition awards for seniors, Chorus I and Honors Chorus as well as vocal solos. 

Next, on December 11, the Chorus performed at the Saint Edward Women’s Guild Christmas Gala “The Wonder of Christmas” benefiting Catholic education, held at The Breakers. They concluded their tour as guest performers at St. Juliana’s Church Christmas concert, bringing their holiday repertoire to another appreciative audience.

A Celebration of Music and Mission

The Cardinal Newman Chorus’ holiday tour was about more than just performing—it was about sharing the joy of Christmas, connecting with the community, and using their talents to make a difference. 

“This tour allowed our students to bring joy to others while embracing the true meaning of Christmas,” said Ms. Rehner. “The students’ dedication to music and stewardship exemplified Cardinal Newman’s mission of educating the whole person: spirit, mind, and body. Their performances uplifted audiences at every stop, leaving a lasting impression of joy and connection.”

Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) celebrated the opening of the Rendina Family Chapel with a blessing ceremony on November 7, 2024. Located within the newly completed Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building, the chapel was named in honor of the Rendina family’s generous contribution to the Shaping the Future campaign. The Most Reverend Bishop Gerald Barbarito presided over the blessing, joined by clergy, donors, and members of the CNHS community.

“We are deeply grateful to the Rendina family for their generosity and unwavering support of Cardinal Newman,” said CNHS President Charles Stembler. “The Rendina Family Chapel represents their commitment to fostering spiritual growth and their belief in the importance of a Catholic education.”

The chapel is a significant addition to Cardinal Newman’s mission of educating the whole person: spirit, mind, and body. It provides students, faculty, and families with a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth, underscoring the school’s dedication to a Christ-centered education.

The Rendina family has deep roots in the Cardinal Newman community with Bruce and Marji Rendina the proud parents of CNHS alumni Richard ’98, Michael ’01, and David ’06. Their son Richard Rendina played a key leadership role in the Shaping the Future campaign, serving as an Appeal Leadership Co-Chair alongside Nicholas Coniglio ’97.

“We are very thankful for Bishop Barbarito’s blessing of the Rendina Family Chapel and the ongoing support of the Diocese in strengthening Catholic education in Palm Beach County,” said Richard Rendina. “Faith and love are at the foundation of the Cardinal Newman community. We feel blessed to contribute to a community that has given so much to me, my family, and countless others.”

For more information about the Shaping the Future campaign or to support future initiatives, contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280.

Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) proudly hosted a ribbon-cutting reception for the new Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building on November 7. Over 100 contributing donors who helped bring this vision to life attended, alongside The Most Reverend Bishop Gerald Barbarito, clergy, and leaders from the Diocese of Palm Beach, gathered to celebrate the state-of-the-art building at the college preparatory Catholic high school. 

The evening opened with a warm welcome from CNHS President Charles Stembler, who introduced Bishop Barbarito for a prayer and blessing of the building. Following the blessing, Sophia Perez, Class of 2025, delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem. Rocco A. Marcello then shared personal reflections on the profound impact of his Catholic education. He announced an additional $250,000 gift to enhance the south academic building, furthering his commitment to the school’s mission.   

“The dedication and encouragement I experienced in Catholic school propelled me to excel, and I hope it does the same for future generations of Crusaders….our work has just begun in making CNHS the preeminent high school in Palm Beach County, “said Rocco Marcello. 

“We are blessed to have many donors who wanted to see this building become a reality. Rocco’s signature gift enabled us to move this building to completion. His additional gift is a testament to his generosity and commitment to education. He, along with our other donors, helps transform Newman students’ lives,” said President Charles Stembler.

This renovation, made possible through the $10 million Shaping the Future capital campaign, includes innovative, student-centered classrooms, a chapel and campus ministry center, a welcome center, admissions and college advising offices, state-of-the-art science labs, an innovation center, and mathematics classrooms. The Appeal Leadership Team included Co-Chairs Nick Coniglio ’97 and Richard Rendina ’98, Major Gifts Co-Chairs Ellen Acosta and Jim Arrigo, Honorary Co-Chairs Sally Gibson and Charlie and Karmita Gusmano. 

For more information about the Shaping the Future campaign, contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280.

From October 28-30, twenty-five juniors and seniors participated in Emmaus #78, a meaningful retreat held at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. This bi-annual retreat, rooted in the Gospel story of Emmaus, invites students to journey inward, exploring their relationship with God and reflecting on His presence in their lives. Led by Janet Joyce-Cook and Karen Lower from CNHS Campus Ministry, the retreat offered students time for prayer, personal reflection, and connection with peers, all designed to encourage self-discovery and spiritual growth.

The story behind “Emmaus” comes from the Gospel, where two of Jesus’ disciples recognize His presence while walking along the road to the town of Emmaus. This retreat mirrors that journey of discovery, giving students the space to see how God is at work in their own lives. 

“Emmaus allowed students to reflect on who they are becoming, their relationships, and God’s role in their lives,” said Janet Joyce-Cook. “It was a time of prayer, conversation, and discovery among peers.”

Students participated in activities designed to nurture personal reflection and fellowship throughout the retreat. Conversations, shared meals, and prayer allowed them to explore their own spiritual paths, engage with each other’s faith journeys, and gain fresh perspectives on their own lives.

The retreat concluded at Cardinal Newman with a Mass led by Rev. Michael Cairnes, where students shared testimonials about their learning. Parents and other supporters were invited to join this special celebration, witnessing the retreat’s impact on their children. Following the Mass, students and their guests enjoyed lunch together in Skaff Hall at Mary Immaculate, joined by President Chuck Stembler and Principal Ed Curtin.

Emmaus #78 is part of Cardinal Newman High School’s mission to educate the whole person—spirit, mind, and body. Through Christ-centered education, CNHS strives to guide students in developing and living out their faith through retreats, community service, school-wide liturgies, or spiritual activities. This retreat is just one of many transformative experiences that contribute to the strong faith community at Cardinal Newman High School.

Cardinal Newman High School recently kicked off the Newman Night 2025 Gala with a special trolley shopping event on October 1, 2024. Embracing the gala theme of “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” the day offered a fun-filled shopping experience titled “Shop it like it’s Hot.”

The festivities began at 8 AM as participants boarded two Molly’s Trolleys for a unique adventure. Starting with a stop at C. Orrico in Palm Beach, where Mayor Danielle H. Moore made a special appearance, the day’s itinerary then featured visits to various shops in Delray Beach, followed by a Polynesian lunch at Hawkers and concluded with coffee back at Cardinal Newman High School.

President Chuck Stembler expressed his appreciation for the Cardinal Newman community, stating, “Events like this truly highlight what makes Cardinal Newman a special place. It’s wonderful to see parents and friends come together for a day of bonding and shopping to support the school. This strong family atmosphere is what sets Cardinal Newman apart.”

“C. Orrico was proud to host the Shop and Share Breakfast with Cardinal Newman High School,” said Colleen Orrico, co-owner of C. Orrico. “As my son’s alma mater, this school holds a special place in our hearts, and we are committed to supporting our local schools and community. We love our entire extended Crusader family!”

Newman Night 2025, themed “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise,” is Cardinal Newman’s largest annual fundraiser. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable night in paradise with dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and entertainment. This exciting event scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the Cohen Pavilion at the Raymond F. Kravis Center is chaired by Tiffany Eitel, Michelle Gonzalez, and Wendy Tuma, with honorary chairpersons Mary Jo Higgins and Virginia O’Hara.

Cardinal Newman has provided a premier college preparatory Catholic education for over sixty years. This academic year, the school proudly opened the newly renovated Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building, featuring innovative, student-centered collaborative classrooms that foster creativity and academic achievement. The renovation includes a new chapel and campus ministry center, a welcome center with offices for admissions, college advising, student services, state-of-the-art science facilities, an innovation center, and mathematics classrooms.

For more information about Newman Night 2025 and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280.