225 New Hermits Welcomed at St. Augustine Prep’s Brotherhood Ceremony

225 young men. One Brotherhood.

St. Augustine Preparatory School formally welcomed 225 new students into the Hermit Brotherhood during the annual Rose Marie Davis H’17 Brotherhood Ceremony on September 9, 2026. The gathering brought together the freshman Class of 2030, the 8th grade Class of 2031, and new transfer students for one of the first and most meaningful traditions of the academic year.

More than a welcome event, the Brotherhood Ceremony marks the beginning of each student’s place within a community rooted in the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love.

A St. Augustine Prep Tradition That Begins the School Year

Held during the first week of school, the Brotherhood Ceremony formally introduces St. Augustine Prep’s newest students to the ideals and responsibilities of the Hermit Brotherhood.

For ninth-grade students, receiving the Prep's iconic navy blazer is a defining moment. Alumni fathers, brothers, and other family members are invited to help place the blazer on their student, connecting a new generation of Hermits to the graduates and families who came before them.

The blazer is more than part of the school uniform. It represents a shared purpose and a commitment to live the school's mission—in the classroom, on campus, in competition, and in service to others.

A Message of Faith, Purpose, and Brotherhood

This year’s alumni speaker, Dr. Garett Forosisky ’05, P’29, returned to his alma mater to share an inspiring message with the school’s newest Hermits. He encouraged the young men to embrace the opportunities ahead, live with purpose, and recognize the enduring importance of faith, family, friendship, service, and brotherhood.

His reflections reinforced a lesson at the heart of the St. Augustine Prep experience: Brotherhood is not simply something students join. It is something they build through their choices, relationships, and willingness to support one another.

That spirit reflects the 2026–27 school theme, “Restless Hearts, Rooted in God,” inspired by St. Augustine’s enduring reminder that the search for what is true, good, and lasting ultimately leads us toward God.

What the Hermit Brotherhood Means

At St. Augustine Prep, Brotherhood is a lifelong bond shaped by shared experiences and shared values. It begins when a student first arrives on campus, grows through academics, athletics, the arts, service, retreats, and school traditions, and continues long after graduation.

The Brotherhood Ceremony reminds every new Hermit that he is part of something larger than himself. He joins a community whose members are called to be present for one another, pursue excellence with humility, and become Christian Gentlemen who are called to lead and serve.

For these 225 young men, the ceremony represented both a welcome and a beginning. Their individual journeys at the Prep will be different, but they now move forward together as Hermit Brothers.

One Brotherhood. One shared journey rooted in the Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love.

Learn more about the Brotherhood Ceremony

What is the St. Augustine Prep Brotherhood Ceremony?

The Brotherhood Ceremony is an annual St. Augustine Prep tradition that formally welcomes eighth-grade, freshman, and new transfer students into the Hermit Brotherhood. The event takes place during the opening days of the school year and celebrates the school’s Catholic Augustinian identity, traditions, and shared values.

Who was welcomed at the 2026 Brotherhood Ceremony?

St. Augustine Prep welcomed 225 students from the Class of 2031, the freshman Class of 2030, and the school’s newest transfer students and their proud families. In addition, the Golden Hermits of the Class of 1977 were recognized as the event also kicked off the year long celebration of the 50th anniversary of their graduation from the Prep.

What happens during the Brotherhood Ceremony?

The ceremony includes messages from school and alumni leaders and the formal recognition of St. Augustine Prep’s newest students. Ninth graders receive their school blazers, which may be placed on them by alumni fathers, brothers, or other family members.

What values define the Hermit Brotherhood?

The Hermit Brotherhood is rooted in the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love. Students are encouraged to support one another, live with purpose, and carry the relationships and lessons formed at the Prep throughout their lives.

Where is St. Augustine Preparatory School?

St. Augustine Preparatory School is an independent, Catholic, Augustinian school for young men in grades 8–12. The campus is located in Richland, New Jersey.