Category: School News

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.

A Crusader Community Theater Production of Grease Delivers Energy, Talent, and Nostalgia

From April 11–13, 2025, Cardinal Newman High School’s Fine Arts Department transported audiences back to 1959 with its high-energy production of Grease. Presented by the Crusader Community Theater and directed by Mr. Andrew Williams, the show transformed the CNHS gym into Rydell High, complete with leather jackets, poodle skirts, and all the classic songs that have made Grease a fan favorite for generations.

Students brought iconic characters like Danny and Sandy to life with humor, heart, and incredible talent. The production highlighted the strength of Cardinal Newman’s performing arts program, showcasing the students’ hard work on stage and the collaborative efforts behind the scenes in set design, lighting, sound, and costume.

The performances were met with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations from audiences. Below are images captured by Luca Melluzzi ’25, who beautifully documented the weekend’s performances.

Cardinal Newman High School is proud of the students, staff, and volunteers who made this production a success and grateful to all who came out to support the arts.

The Class of 2025 came together for a special Senior Retreat on April 9th, 2025, themed “Becoming Who You Are: Embracing Your Faith and Future.” This memorable day began with a Mass at Mary Immaculate, where Father Serge Dubé delivered a homily about the importance of being true to oneself. His message resonated deeply with the seniors as they reflected on their faith and their journey ahead.

After Mass, the students gathered in the cafeteria for breakfast and enjoyed a slideshow that highlighted each senior with a class photo from their freshman and then senior year. The retreat then moved into engaging breakout activities designed to help students connect with their faith and one another. In the Chapel, Ally Allianic shared a powerful talk, and students wrote reflection letters to guide their personal growth. They also participated in a reflective meditation led by Father Serge and expressed their thoughts creatively through a chalk exercise outside.

The retreat concluded with an old-fashioned BBQ hosted by Mr. Stembler and Mr. Curtin, who fired up the grill and served a delicious meal to the students. In addition to the tasty food, the seniors enjoyed games on the lawn, including corn hole, baseball, and spike ball, creating lasting memories of fun and camaraderie. The Class of 2025 left the retreat feeling inspired, renewed in their faith, and excited for the future. We sincerely appreciate the parent volunteers, faculty, and campus ministry for organizing this unforgettable day that allowed our seniors to reflect, grow, and strengthen their bonds with each other.

At Cardinal Newman High School, the arts are an integral part of developing well-rounded individuals, encouraging personal growth and creative exploration. Our students are involved in a wide range of fine arts programs, from Visual Arts, Chorus and Choir to Instrumental Music, and Performing Arts,  all designed to help them express themselves and explore their passions.

On World Art Day, we take a moment to highlight the exceptional talent and dedication of our visual arts students. Celebrated every year on April 15th in honor of Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday, World Art Day serves as a reminder of the power of art to shape our world and bring people together. 

We are incredibly proud of our students who continue to excel in the world of fine arts. Salome Rojas ‘28 and Jaiden Wandke placed in the Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Salome earned a Gold Medal and Jaiden received two honorable mentions. These accolades reflect their hard work, creativity, and passion for visual arts.

We’re also excited to announce that Teresa Daniel ‘25 and Jaiden Wandke were selected as finalists for the prestigious Florida High School Art Awards and Metaverse Exhibition. Winners will be announced soon.

“These selected art pieces have received Regional Scholastic Art and Writing Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention awards or have been included in an AP Art Portfolio,” said CNHS Art Teacher Ms. Debora Haley. 

A group of CNHS students, led by theology teachers Susie Gibney and Joseph Zarcone, went to Tallahassee for Catholic Days at the Capitol on March 18 – 19. The journey began with a bus ride where students prayed the rosary, reflecting on the importance of life and dignity. Upon arriving at the State Capitol, they had the opportunity to meet with several influential leaders, including Governor DeSantis, Representatives Edmond, Tedrich, and Gerwig, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Their time in Tallahassee was educational and inspiring as they learned firsthand about the political process and how they can advocate for the issues that matter to them.

“I really enjoyed meeting the legislators with my students and colleague and discussing real-life issues that are going on in our state,” said theology teacher Susie Gibney.

One of the trip’s highlights was attending the 50th Annual Red Mass at St. Thomas More. The Red Mass is a time for reflection on how faith and government intersect, and Cardinal Newman students were honored to be part of this special event. The Mass is associated with the beginning of the legal year and is held in honor of St. Thomas More, a patron saint of lawyers and politicians, who was executed for his faith. Before leaving, the group visited the Florida State University campus.

The Cardinal Newman High School Forensic Team showcased their talent at the Palm Beach Catholic Forensics League Grand Finals Tournament on March 8, 2025, at Olympic Heights High School. Competing against top student debaters and speakers from across the region, our five Crusader competitors delivered outstanding performances, with all of them advancing to the final round.

A special congratulations to the following students who qualified to represent the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League at the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) National Tournament over Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago:

Leah Rossi & Rose O’Hara – Public Forum Debate

Gianna Tognoni – Dramatic Interpretation

Their success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in speech and debate. Qualifying for NCFL Nationals is a prestigious honor, and we are incredibly proud of them for earning the opportunity to compete on a national stage.

On March 13, 2025, Cardinal Newman High School had the honor of welcoming Dr. Steven Cheeseman, President and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), and Maria del Amo, NCEA Director of Hispanic and Latino Engagement, to our campus as part of the NCEA Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour.

The Bright Lights of Catholic Education Tour is an initiative launched by Dr. Cheeseman to celebrate and spotlight the remarkable work happening in Catholic schools across the country. This nationwide journey showcases the transformative impact of Catholic education and highlights schools that exemplify faith-based academic excellence.

During their visit to Cardinal Newman High School, Dr. Cheeseman and Ms. Del Amo had the opportunity to experience firsthand the vibrant faith, academic rigor, and strong sense of community that define our school. They enjoyed lunch on campus, engaged with students and faculty, and learned more about the exciting initiatives and achievements in our classrooms and beyond.

We were thrilled to share our commitment to Catholic education and highlight how our students are growing in faith, academics, and service. Their visit was an affirmation of the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and the entire school community.

The spirit of generosity and community was alive at Cardinal Newman High School’s Newman Night 2025, where over 350 guests gathered on March 8 at The Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion for “An Evening of Polynesian Paradise.” The school’s largest annual fundraiser was a resounding success, uniting supporters for a night of tropical elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy.

Chaired by Tiffany Eitel, Michelle Gonzalez, and Wendy Tuma, the event honored Mary Jo Higgins and Virginia O’Hara for their remarkable contributions to Cardinal Newman High School. Their unwavering support and dedication have played a vital role in advancing the school’s mission and enriching student experiences.

“The generosity of our supporters ensures that we can continue providing an exceptional Catholic education, fostering faith, leadership, and academic excellence in our students,” said Charles Stembler, President of Cardinal Newman High School. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this evening so special.”

From the moment guests arrived, they were transported to a Polynesian paradise. Traditional Polynesian dancers welcomed attendees, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Inside the beautifully adorned ballroom, guests were captivated by a powerful haka performance, a traditional Polynesian war dance featuring rhythmic foot-stamping and dynamic chants. The decor, inspired by the lush landscapes of the South Pacific, showcased cascading orchids atop sleek plexiglass risers, creating a tropical ambiance. The energy of the evening continued as guests hit the dance floor to the electrifying sounds of The Social. 

Newman Night 2025 provided an extraordinary evening for attendees and reinforced Cardinal Newman’s commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and student success.

For more information about Newman Night and how to support Cardinal Newman High School, visit cardinalnewman.com or contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or 561-619-7280.

Capehart Photography