Category: School News

A Celebration of Fashion and Memories

Cardinal Newman High School’s Class of 2026 was celebrated in style at the annual Senior Fashion Show & Luncheon, held on April 23, 2026. This cherished tradition brought together students, families, and friends for an afternoon filled with fashion, music, and lasting memories.

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Anup Sinha delighted guests with his own lively rendition of “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” setting a fun and energetic tone for the event. Guests also enjoyed musical performances from talented CNHS students. 

Approximately 50 seniors took to the runway, modeling a variety of looks generously provided by 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. Their confidence and personalities shined as they celebrated this special milestone together.

The event was made possible through the leadership and dedication of event chairs Hope D’Alessandro-Forte, Elizabeth Rahm, Susan Ricci, and Jonelle Wallmeyer, along with the many parents, students, faculty members, and sponsors who contributed their time and talents.

Special thanks to additional contributors, including Chick-fil-A Palm Beach Lakes for providing the model and volunteer lunch, DJ Dady Phatts, Meyer’s Turf & Nursery, and This Place Blows for their support.

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

The Senior Fashion Show & Luncheon continues to be a favorite tradition, celebrating style, school spirit, and the bright futures ahead for the Class of 2026.

At Cardinal Newman High School, creativity is an essential part of the student experience. Through a growing and dynamic Visual Arts Program, students are encouraged to explore their ideas, develop technical skills, and express their unique perspectives across a variety of mediums.

3D Art: Building, Sculpting, and Creating in a New Dimension

This year marks an exciting expansion of the Visual Arts Program with the introduction of the 3D art curriculum. Students are exploring form, structure, and material through hands-on projects that bring their ideas into physical space. From sculpture to ceramics, the program adds depth and dimension while opening new avenues for creativity.

2D Art: Exploring Creativity Through Drawing, Painting, and Design

In the 2D program, students engage in a wide range of artistic practices—from drawing and painting to mixed media and design—developing both foundational techniques and individual artistic voices. Their work reflects thoughtful observation, creativity, and a willingness to take artistic risks as they grow.

• Gia Johnson – 2nd Place, 2026 ArtiGras Youth Art Competition Under the Sea

Student Achievement in the Arts

Cardinal Newman students continue to earn recognition beyond the classroom. Several Crusaders were honored in the prestigious Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a highly competitive program that celebrates outstanding creative achievement among young artists.

• Salome Rojas – Gold Key Award and three Honorable Mentions (Gold Key piece advances to the national competition) 

• Kameira Charles – Silver Key Award and two Honorable Mentions 

• Parker Bruneau – Two Honorable Mentions

• Ella Strong – Honorable Mention 

These accomplishments reflect not only artistic talent, but also dedication, creativity, and a commitment to growth.

Faculty Spotlight: Mrs. Debora Kielty Haley

Behind a strong program are passionate educators who inspire both inside and outside the classroom. Mrs. Debora Kielty Haley, 2D Art Teacher, continues to gain recognition for her professional work in the arts.

She will participate in the annual exhibition of the National Association of Women Artists (NAWA) Florida Chapter at the Herrig Center for the Arts in Bradenton. Founded in 1889, NAWA is one of the oldest professional women’s art organizations in the United States, dedicated to supporting and promoting women in the fine arts.

In addition, Mrs. Haley has been juried into Nature’s Palette, a group exhibition at the Naples Botanical Garden. Her piece, Staycation, will be on view from April 18 through June 22, 2026. Mrs. Haley will also participate in an exhibition in New York City, at the Leonovich Gallery, from June 5- 27th, 2026.

Learn more about the Performing Arts Department:

A retreat experience that forms the whole person in spirit, mind, and body

On February 19–20, 2026, approximately 40 juniors participated in one of four retreat dates offered this year for the Class of 2027. While juniors are required to attend one overnight retreat during the year, each retreat provides the same opportunity to step away from daily routines and focus intentionally on faith and personal growth. 

The two-day experience, held at Amoris Christi Campus in Delray Beach, began with an icebreaker, orientation, and dinner before students gathered in small groups for discussion and reflection. The theme, Your Identity in Christ, encouraged students to consider who they are as children of God and to pause long enough to listen for His voice. Students prepared for Adoration by learning about Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and how to enter into meaningful prayer. During Adoration in the campus chapel, accompanied by guitar music and singing, students experienced intentional quiet time with Christ.

One student shared, “I will carry with me the meaning of going to a retreat so that I can every so often block out the noise of everyday life and really listen to what God is telling me.” That reflection captures the heart of the retreat experience.

The evening also included games and shared activities that strengthened friendships and built community. “Our goal is to create an atmosphere where students have time to self-reflect on what their true values are and who they are in Christ as children of God,” said Carlos Poveda from Campus Ministry. Students of all faith backgrounds were welcomed and encouraged to participate.

The second day included Mass celebrated by Father Carr at Emmanuel Catholic Church and small group discussions on Jesus in the Eucharist and how to pray. Through prayer, conversation, and fellowship, students gained a deeper understanding of the Eucharist and how God remains present in their lives today.

Experiences like the junior retreat are what make Cardinal Newman distinct. They reflect the school’s mission to educate the whole person in spirit, mind, and body and to help students develop their God given talents according to the Gospel values of Jesus Christ. 

On February 4, 2025, Charles Stembler, President of Cardinal Newman High School, served as Moderator for the Invest Palm Beach Leadership Summit, presented by Capital Analytics Associates. Now in its sixth year, the summit was held at the Amrit Ocean Resort and brought together business, civic, and education leaders from across the region.

The event featured forward-thinking conversations centered on three key themes: Intelligent Growth, The Skills Economy, and The Future of Healthcare—topics shaping Palm Beach County’s economic and workforce landscape.

Mr. Stembler moderated The Skills Economy panel, guiding an insightful discussion on how education systems can better align with workforce demands and prepare students for meaningful careers. Panelists explored the importance of adaptability, collaboration between schools and industry, and developing skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“Preparing students for the future requires strong partnerships between educators, employers, and community leaders,” said Stembler. “Conversations like these help ensure we’re equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”

Ahead of the summit, Mr. Stembler shared his perspective on education and workforce readiness in an interview with Capital Analytics Associates, which can be read here: https://capitalanalyticsassociates.com/charles-stembler-president-cardinal-newman-high-school/

The summit reinforced the critical role education plays in regional growth and highlighted the value of collaboration in shaping the next generation of leaders.

Cardinal Newman High School is proud to recognize the continued generosity of the Basilica of St. Edward and the St. Edward’s Guild.

Through their financial support and ongoing partnership, St. Edward and the St. Edward’s Guild are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Their commitment extends beyond financial aid, reflecting a shared dedication to Catholic education and the formation of young men and women grounded in faith, character, and service.

We are especially grateful to Rev. Archimandrite Glen J. Pothier for his leadership and steadfast support to the CNHS community.

“St. Edward and the St. Edward’s Guild continue to demonstrate what it means to invest in the future of Catholic education,” said Charles Stembler, President of Cardinal Newman High School. “Their generosity directly impacts our students and strengthens our mission to educate the whole person in spirit, mind, and body. We are truly grateful for this partnership.”

Support like this reminds us that Catholic education thrives when parishes, schools, and families work together with a shared purpose. We thank the Basilica of St. Edward and the St. Edward’s Guild for standing with us and for their continued belief in our students.

As part of Catholic Schools Week, Cardinal Newman was honored to welcome a very special group to campus for our 1st Annual Grandparents’ Day, a morning dedicated to faith, family, and the generations who helped shape our Crusaders.

More than 140 grandparents filled the Newman Café for a joyful breakfast celebration featuring bingo, laughter, and live piano music by our own Crusader musician. The room buzzed with conversation, smiles, and the unmistakable pride that only grandparents can bring as they gathered to celebrate the students they love so dearly.

After breakfast, grandparents had the opportunity to step into their grandchildren’s daily lives by visiting classes and/or touring the Cardinal Newman campus together. These moments, walking the halls, sitting in classrooms, and sharing stories, beautifully reflected the strong connection between family and education that is at the heart of our Catholic mission.

The morning concluded with a truly special keepsake as Big Blue captured photographs of our Crusaders alongside their grandparents, preserving memories that will be cherished for years to come. These images serve as a reminder of the love, guidance, and prayers grandparents so generously give, and the role they play in nurturing faith, character, and tradition.

Grandparents hold a unique and treasured place in our community. They are storytellers, role models, prayer warriors, and lifelong cheerleaders, quietly supporting, encouraging, and inspiring our students every step of the way. We are deeply grateful for the wisdom, love, and legacy they bring to Cardinal Newman.

Thank you to all who joined us for this meaningful celebration. We look forward to making Grandparents Day a cherished Cardinal Newman tradition for years to come.

The Class of 2026 came together on January 22 for a cherished Cardinal Newman tradition: the Senior Retreat. This all-day experience, titled “Becoming Who You Are: Embracing Your Faith and Future,” invited students to reflect and connect as they continued their journey toward graduation and beyond.

The day began with Mass at Mary Immaculate Church, presided over by Father Marc Gustinelli. Following Mass, students returned to campus to enjoy breakfast together in the cafeteria before transitioning into the retreat programming.

Throughout the day, seniors were divided into small groups and rotated through a series of guided sessions focused on self-reflection, personal growth, and strengthening relationships with classmates. These experiences encouraged students to reflect on who they are, where they have been, and who they are becoming as individuals, members of the Cardinal Newman community, and society.

“The goal of the retreat is to give our seniors a meaningful experience as a class,” shared Campus Ministry Director Janet Joyce-Cook. “It’s a chance for them to appreciate one another, form new friendships, and enjoy this time together as they move through their final months at Newman. It was especially rewarding to see the students interact so naturally, laugh together, and support one another. Those moments of joy and connection are what make the retreat so special.”

The retreat also featured inspirational talks from Dr. Novak and Pierre Azzi, who offered students encouragement and perspective as they continue their senior year and look ahead to what lies beyond high school.

The day concluded with fun outdoor games and a relaxed barbecue, bringing the class together in celebration and fellowship. President Charles Stembler and Principal Ed Curtin took to the grill, serving burgers and hot dogs and ending the retreat on a warm, community-centered note.

Rooted in faith, reflection, and connection, the Senior Retreat is an important milestone in the Cardinal Newman experience. For the Class of 2026, it offered meaningful time to slow down, strengthen relationships, and reflect on who they are becoming as they continue their senior year and prepare for the months ahead.

On January 20, the City of West Palm Beach officially recognized a historic achievement for Cardinal Newman High School as Mayor Keith James proclaimed February 2026 as Cardinal Newman High School Varsity Football Team Month. The proclamation honors the Crusaders’ extraordinary season and their first-ever state football championship, while recognizing athletics as a vital part of student development, promoting leadership, discipline, teamwork, and character.

The proclamation was accepted by school and team representatives, including Charles Stembler, President; Ed Curtin, Principal; Ryan Partridge, Athletic Director and Football Coach; Jack Daniels, Head Football Coach; team captain Ignacio “Iggy” Zulaica; players James Krawiec and Cruz Caldwell; and coaches and Brad Caldwell, Bill Krawiec, and Mark Leone.  

City leaders also acknowledged the student-athletes’ ability to balance the demands of championship-level competition with strong academic standards, reflecting Cardinal Newman’s commitment to excellence on and off the field.

The recognition follows the Crusaders’ thrilling 17–14 victory on December 11, 2025, over four-time reigning champion Chaminade-Madonna in the FHSAA Class 1A State Championship. Played at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, the game marked the first state football title in school history. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jack Daniels, the team posted a 12–3 record and advanced through District and Regional competition to reach the state’s biggest stage.

Backed by the Crusader Cheer squad and four buses of Cardinal Newman supporters, the team delivered a performance to remember. Quarterback Jyron Hughley accounted for two touchdowns, Nathaniel Parks added a pivotal 36-yard field goal, and a dramatic late onside kick recovery sealed the historic win.

Adding to the milestone season, three Crusaders signed to play college football during the early signing period: Adam Balogoun-Ali (Auburn), Brayden Charney (Syracuse), and Jyron Hughley (West Virginia).

The City’s proclamation celebrates not only a championship season, but a moment of pride for Cardinal Newman students, families, alumni, and the greater West Palm Beach community.