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150 years in, CBA still promotes brotherhood

Traffic stopped on Washington Avenue in Albany as hundreds of uniform-clad high school students marched to the Armory. The brass buttons lining their dress blues were polished, their shoes spit-shined.

This was a weekly drill for Christian Brothers Academy boys in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps throughout the 20th century until the school moved to its current location in Colonie, where students march weekly around campus.

This year, CBA is marking its 150th anniversary. In the minds of many alumni, the military emphasis at the all-boys school still stands out.

"It impressed on us the importance of discipline," said Rey-nold Smith, class of 1932.

Before retiring, he sold hotel and restaurant equipment for a living and his peers were doctors and lawyers. "I was always proud of the fact that I went there," he said of CBA.

The school was on Lodge Street in his high-school years, but moved to New Scotland Avenue before heading out to Colonie about 10 years ago.

As a March 6 anniversary gala approaches, memories abound. Alumni say the junior high and high school is unique not only for its structure, but also because of its LaSallian tradition, academic excellence, lasting friendships and tendency to turn out community leaders.

Influential alumni
The class of 1961 is especially proud of itself. Graduates include two state assemblymen, a county executive, a town judge, lawyers, doctors, priests, brothers, nonprofit leaders and the rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.

"I think you wanted to do something with your life" when attending CBA, said Jack McEneny, a New York State assemblyman. "You didn't graduate thinking you had to have a job. You had to have a vocation."

His class was given a book about changing the world at graduation, said Mr. McEneny, whose oldest son graduated from CBA in 1988.

Mr. McEneny also appreciated the school's military program because it gave freshmen a chance to interact with seniors and forge friendships. Also, he added, uniforms made social class distinctions a moot point.

CBA's structure helped solve fellow 1961 alumnus Edward Kampf's discipline problem, though he often received demerits and graduated as a private. His two sons graduated as majors years later.

Dr. Kampf, a dentist, remembers being inspected daily for hair length, facial hair and brass belt buckle shine.

The Christian Brothers who led the school left an impression on the class, too. "You were inspired by people giving up their entire life to their faith and their fellow man," Mr. McEneny said.

Ron Canestrari, New York State assembly majority leader, agreed. His history teacher, Brother Gregory O'Rourke, FSC, cultivated his interest in politics.

His class debated over issues during the 1960 presidential race in which Catholic John F. Kennedy was campaigning. Mr. Canestrari and Mr. McEneny talked politics even then.

Both assemblymen say it's a shame that fewer brothers teach at the school today. The LaSallian Christian Brothers founded CBA in 1859 as a way to support the orphanage they had started in Albany.

When Brother Casimir Gundlach, FSC, graduated from CBA in 1948, the staff was comprised of 20 brothers and two laypeople. Today, that percentage has flipped. Brother Casimir attributes this to the overall decline in religious orders that began after the Second Vatican Council was held in the 1960s.

Legacy of faith
Dr. Kampf will never forget the prayer that began and ended classes: "St. John Baptist de la Salle," the teacher would say. "Pray for us," students responded. "Live Jesus in our hearts," said the teacher. "Forever."

"Every time I hear it, I'm just back there," Dr. Kampf said. Having previously attended public schools, he was glad he had to learn the Rosary for his turn to recite it.

One legacy CBA left for Dr. Kampf was lifelong friendships. He has a few friends from college and professional school, but his closest friends - his sons' godfathers - are from high school.

"The feeling stays true to the name," said Matt Agan of the brotherhood. Mr. Agan graduated from CBA in 2005 as a cadet major responsible for the school band; he now teaches sixth-grade history and Spanish at the school. His grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle attended CBA, too.

Students still say they're satisfied with their experience at the school, despite decreased enrollment. Andrew Blood, a senior from South Glens Falls, will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point in the fall.

A cadet lieutenant colonel in the JROTC program, Andrew says sometimes it's hard to punish his peers, but he has learned how to maintain friendships while being a leader.

The camaraderie and support are pluses for him. When his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, faculty helped him through it. The kindness at CBA is normal to Andrew: "It kind of falls hand in hand with Catholic faith."

(02/18/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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