By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
Christian Brothers Academy unveiled new improvements to the front of the school with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 23.
The opening of CBA’s remodeled front entrance, renovated dining center, spirit store, student commons and alumni hall marks the completion of the first phase of the private school’s capital campaign launched in 2017.
The school, located at 6245 Randall Road in DeWitt, broke ground on the renovations in June.
“The space will be tremendous for students and staff,” Brother Joseph Jozwiak, the school’s president, said. “Close to 800 students and adults will be using it every day.”
Jozwiak said the dining center will be used for communion breakfasts and fundraising events, while the commons area will be a place for people to gather before and after school hours.
The alumni hall presents profiles of prominent CBA alumni, and the spirit store features clothing items and cups with the school’s name.
During the Wednesday morning ceremony, Jozwiak pointed to the “unprecedented” financial backing and “tireless” efforts that sustained the $12 million initiative christened with the title “Our Mission, Their Future.”
In his speech, Jozwiak thanked the crowd of parents, students, alumni and friends of the school gathered at the ceremony for their support.
“This is a very significant moment in time,” Jozwiak said. “We have done extremely well. From my heart, thank you so much for all that you have done. You have touched my heart. You have touched the heart of CBA, and you have left an indelible mark on our wonderful institution.”
The school plans to hold another ceremony next year, once the building project for the new library, research center and classroom space in the back of the school reaches its completion around the end of this calendar year.
Jozwiak said the school will continue raising money in the coming months for the next phase of the project.
The school’s campaign also includes investments in the performing arts and the school’s endowment fund for financial aid.
A reception in the newly constructed and opened space took place immediately following last week’s ceremony.
John O’Connor, a Manlius resident and alumnus of CBA, said the additions make a “statement” to people who enter the school.
“It’s amazing how different the school looks,” O’Connor, who graduated in 1985, said. “It’s a better school today than it was when I was there.”
Blue Ribbon
Christian Brothers Academy has been named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence-one of 50 private schools nationally, and the only private school in New York State to receive this award.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. The National Blue Ribbon Schools flag gracing a school’s building is a widely recognized symbol of exemplary teaching and learning. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools still striving for excellence.
Now in its 37th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools. On Nov. 14 and 15, the Secretary and the Department of Education will celebrate with 312 public and 50 non-public school honorees at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized the 362 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019.
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” said DeVos in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”
Principal Matt Keough announced the news to the faculty, staff and student body at a Homecoming Pep Assembly in late September. The entire CBA family also gathered for a school-wide celebration the following week.
The Department of Education recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates:
Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
CBA was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School.
“The designation of Christian Brothers Academy as a ‘National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence’ is a testimony to the faculty, staff and administration who provide our students with a superior experience of academic excellence among other life learning skills,” President Brother Joseph Jozwiak said. “CBA takes pride in this award and is committed to furthering our mission of Catholic education in the Lasallian tradition as we move into the future.
