Whether it is through innovation in the classroom or excellence in the performing arts, jumping into a new athletic venture or reaching a world robotics championship, members of this year’s graduating class at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill have been a part of some significant accomplishments – and firsts – for their beloved school community.
“Camden Catholic High School has always embraced innovation at the core of all things that we do,” said principal Heather Crisci. “We provide students with experiences that prepare them for life after CCHS.”
This year’s graduating class was the first to take the CCHS Design Thinking class during their freshman year. The required semester-long course teaches iterative design, project management and 21st-century problem solving through hands-on discovery. Students in the class visit innovators in the field, like Philadelphia’s NextFab Maker Studio, and build on their own STEM skills and practices.
The class also introduces students to tools like 3D printers and laser cutters to help turn their concepts – which they design and develop – into prototypes that they can pitch.
“The class of 2026 will be following in the steps of the many alumni before them,” said Crisci. “This class will be graduating from CCHS with the ability to think differently, to work collaboratively, to take on challenges that come before them successfully, and to be leaders in whatever they choose to do.”
Members of the class of 2026 were also the first to participate in teams to qualify to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship, both in 2025 and again in 2026. The success began when two of the school’s robotics teams competed in state championships at NJIT in March 2025, with one of the teams scoring in the top 1.5% of teams worldwide – some 20,000 in total – to qualify for the world championship that year in Texas.
And last month, a Camden Catholic robotics team once again reached the world championship competition, this time in St. Louis, Missouri. The team finished the season ranking number 21 in the world for the “Individual Robot Programming and Driving” event.
Some of this year’s graduates also had the chance to be trailblazers on the football field as members of the school’s new girls flag football team that first debuted in November 2024. The ‘Irish’ flag football team was created in partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles, and marked the offering of another athletic opportunity for girls through engaging in the fast-growing sport that builds teamwork, strategy and athleticism. Flag football is also on track to become a varsity sport in New Jersey for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The program received support from the Eagles through funding, equipment and coaching resources.
This year’s graduates have also been part of success on the stage, having been part of a performing arts program that earned statewide honors for this year’s spring production of The Addams Family.
The musical earned a Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award Nomination and Honorable Mention through the organization’s 31st annual Rising Star Awards. The program recognizes excellence in New Jersey high school musical theatre and is widely considered the state’s version of the Tony Awards.
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition. This production was truly the result of the endless dedication and talent of our entire cast, crew, band, and creative staff,” said Angela Leone, the school’s director of theatrical productions. “Every person involved in The Addams Family brought their passion, creativity, and commitment to the stage each day and we are deeply grateful to get to work alongside people who share our enthusiasm for good theatre and storytelling.”
Leone was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Direction, and both Leone and Noemi Merenyi received honorable mention for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design through this year’s program, which included 114 high schools from 19 counties and a team of 55 evaluators.
“Camden Catholic has a long tradition of excellence in theatre,” said Leone, “and we are so proud to be a part of a program that continues to inspire students to grow as performers, artists, and collaborators.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
