Cardinal Newman High School recently hosted a ribbon-cutting reception for the new Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building. More than 100 contributing donors who helped bring this vision to life attended, alongside 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 Barbarito for a prayer and blessing of the building. Following the blessing, Sophia Perez of the Class of 2025 delivered a moving rendition of the national anthem.
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,” Marcello said. “Our work has just begun in making CNHS the preeminent high school in Palm Beach County.
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 and Richard Rendina, major gifts co-chairs Ellen Acosta and Jim Arrigo, and honorary co-chairs Sally Gibson and Charlie and Karmita Gusmano.
“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,” Stembler said.
For more information about the Shaping the Future campaign, contact Mary Martens at mary.martens@cardinalnewman.com or (561) 619-7280.
