Delbarton Fall-Winter 2025 Magazine

Delbarton Delbarton

Tewaaraton Award Winner

The Magazine of Delbar ton School and St. Mary’s Abbey

Delbarton

Dear Friends of Delbar ton,

In Chapter 72 of his Rule, St. Benedict writes that “no one is to pursue what he judges better for himself, but instead, what he judges better for someone else.” This spirit of mutual support and community, of prioritizing the well-being of others over our own, animates Delbarton’s life in profound and everyday ways. It gives the distinctly Benedictine character to Delbarton’s Brotherhood

This issue of Delbarton highlights three compelling stories of our community’s life Each is quite different, but together, they illustrate how our Benedictine culture deeply connects Delbarton’s past, present, and future

First, we profile CJ Kirst ’20, winner of the 2025 Tewaaraton Award, college lacrosse’s most prestigious individual honor. CJ Kirst’s path from Delbarton to Cornell has been defined by personal growth, relentless commitment to his craft, and the maturity to carry both success and setback with quiet confidence. While CJ Kirst’s college statistical achievements are remarkable, what stands out most is how naturally he has led by example. Those of us who watched him compete on Cocoziello Field recall not simply a talented athlete, but a young man grounded in character, humility, and a love for his teammates, who regularly “put the other guy first ” That foundation, built during his years at Delbarton, clearly endures in CJ Kirst’s life beyond Cornell and college lacrosse

We also mark a historic milestone this year: the 100th anniversary of the Benedictines of St Mary’s Abbey’s purchase of the Delbarton estate in 1925. A century ago, our monastic forebears made a strategic decision that would shape the next hundred years of Benedictine life and Catholic education in New Jersey. Having built a vibrant monastic community and school in Newark, the monks of the early 1920s recognized the need for a quieter, more spacious setting to train their young monks and expand their educational mission. The purchase of the former Kountze estate, with its rolling hills and commanding views

of the Washington Valley, provided not only a new home for student monks but also the soil from which Delbarton School would grow. That foresight continues to bless us, as we carry forward the mission first envisioned a century ago

Finally, we celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025 These young men have left a distinctive mark on our community. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the playing field, or in Christian service to others, they have led their classmates with enthusiasm, resilience, and a sense of purpose. This was a class that came of age during a time of growth and change at Delbarton, and their leadership helped shape our community in important ways. Their Commencement was both joyful and poignant, as always, and it reminded us that the conclusion of one chapter for our students also signals the beginning of

As ever, our work in our “school of the Lord’s service” continues. The legacy we inherit, from monks, teachers, staff, alumni, and students alike, is not one of passive tradition but of bold and thoughtful action in fidelity to our mission. That same spirit animates the pages of this magazine and, more importantly, continues to shape Delbarton today.

Yours in Christ and St Benedic t,

Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. Headmaster

Peter Wallburg Studios

graduation graduation

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On June 1, the Long Green Line welcomed 145 new members as the Class of 2025 graduated from Delbarton. Later, graduates and their families enjoyed a reception in the Senior Garden...

Our Commencement speaker was American Impressionist artist John Traynor ’79 who spoke about his education and career as an artist and dedicated this painting of the Formal Garden (created during Homecoming 2023) to the Class of 2025 After his speech, Traynor received the Delbarton Medal from Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O S B

Prior to Commencement, alumni fathers with Class of 2025 sons posed for our annual Legacy photo From left are Henry Zangaro ’86 and Ryan Zangaro ’25, Sean Badcock ’94 and Colin Badcock ’25, Bruce Sisler ’90 and Mitchel Sisler ’25, John Sartor ’88 and James Sartor ’25, Dominick Beck ’25, John Tonzola ’95 and Jack Tonzola ’25, Jim Petrucci ’82 and Lorenzo Petrucci ’25, Chuck Minervino ’95 and Charles Minervino ’25, Dennis Collins ’92 and Henry Collins’25, John Maguire ’90 and Finn Maguire ’25, Timothy Mahoney ’92 and Patrick Mahoney ’25, James Olsen ’89 and James Olsen ’25, Derrick Hadzima ’96 and James Hadzima ’25. (Missing: John Beck ’74)

“The seniors you see before you today have shown what it means to live our Delbar ton mission: fully, generously, and with hear t… What you should notice isn’t only what they achieved It is how they achieved it With that par ticularly Benedictine quality: humility With resilience. With a deep sense of responsibility for one another In a spirit of brotherhood ”

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. addressing the student body at the Senior Awards Ceremony on May 21, 2025

Peter Wallburg Studio

“Mistakes aren’t the end In fact, they’re essential to success. They teach us that failure is the way to grow I’ll remember the little moments It’s the ordinary days, joined together, that make Delbar ton extraordinary ”

Class of 2025 Salutatorian Alexander Meyer ’25 (Duke University)

Peter Wallburg Studios

Sean Dooley ’25 and family.

Arshdeep Chahal ’25 and family.

Andrew Johnson ’25 and family, including 2024-2025 DMG President Luz Johnson P’21,’22,’25 and Delbarton Regent Amon Johnson P’21,’22,’25

Peter Donini ’25 and family

Brock Dandridge ’25 and family.

“These small moments of responsibility allow us to truly grow and become citizens of the larger world. This is a par t of who I am. Never forget the par t of you that’s been transformed here ”

Class of 2025 Valedictorian Kevin Jin

’25 (Princeton University)

procession into the Abbey Church at Commencement 2025. From left are Dara Corr ’26, Sean Fialcowitz ’26 and Ben Migliaccio ’26.

The James E Nugent Award, established in memory of a graduate of the class of 1969, is awarded to the Delbarton senior who best exemplifies the spirit of giving himself to others. This young man has distinguished himself among his peers for his unquestioned integrity and for self-forgetful service to his classmates, school and community. The James E. Nugent Award was presented by Jim’s niece Catie Carter to Kelvin Pierre ’25 (Seton Hall University).

The Bryan Bennett ’94 Award was established to honor the memory of a member of the class of 1994 who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 This award is for the “Quiet Hero,” a student who, like Bryan Bennett, has distinguished himself for his day-to-day work ethic, his consistent nobility, and his unfailing kindness, all of which have made him a model of steadfastness to his classmates and teachers The recipient of this award is chosen by his classmates Bryan’s nephew Carlos O’Connor presented The Bryan Bennett Award to Andrew Covello ’25 (Washington University in St. Louis).

Peter Wallburg Studios

The Peter B. Haas Award, established in memory of a 25year-old Marine pilot killed in Korea, is awarded for distinguished leadership within the school. For his work in upholding the values of brotherhood and unity among his peers, and for his outstanding service in many areas of School life, the Peter B Haas Award was presented to 2024-2025 Student Body President Joseph Artiglere ’25 (Wake Forest University).

The Succisa Virescit Award is presented to a senior who has manifested love for life and for the school and has significantly grown through challenge as implied in the school’s motto, Succisa Virescit “cut down, he will grow up strong again.” The Succisa Virescit Award was presented to Jack Gerne ’25 (Hobart and William Smith College)

The Brian E. Fleury Award is awarded to an outstanding scholar-athlete who demonstrates the same passion for scholarship that he does for athletics This young man is the consummate team player, selfless in all his endeavors, and always putting the needs of others before his own. The Brian E Fleury Award was presented to Matias Deicas-Sykora (Cornell University).

The Paul Jermak Scholarship, established in memory of a graduate of the class of 2004, is awarded to a senior who best embodies Delbarton’s mission of educating the whole person in mind, body and spirit The Paul Jermak Scholarship was presented by Paul’s mother Mrs. Eileen Jermak P'04 to Colin Gomez ’25 (Fairfield University).

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) SCHOLARS WITH HONOR ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION STUDENT-ATHLETES RECRUITED TO DIVISION I, II, III AND IVY LEAGUE ATHLETICS PROGRAMS

LIFERS (SENIORS WHO ATTENDED DELBARTON SINCE 7TH GRADE)

ARMY/ NAVY RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS (ROTC) SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS APPOINTMENTS TO UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMIES (AIR FORCE, ARMY AND COAST GUARD

Mr. Greg Saxon, United States Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, presented his son Jonathan Saxon ’25 with his appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy

2025-2026 DMG President Dawn Rice Hall P’25, ’28 and her alumni sons Jude Hall ’25 and Ryan Hall ’25

Chase Quenault ’25 and his parents

Jack Migliaccio ’25 and family

Mr. Kent Manno, United States Military Academy Admissions Field Force representative for New Jersey Congressional District 11, presented Kyle Son ’25 with his appointment to the United States Military Academy

During Commencement, Admissions Liaison Officer Mr. Garrett Ogden from the United States Air Force Academy presented Joseph Cusimano ’25 with his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy

Delbarton Regents assemble prior to the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. with his advisee group In their freshman,

Class of 2025

Babson College - 2

Bard College - 1

Bates College - 1

Boston College - 13

Bowdoin College 2

Brown University - 1

Bucknell University - 2

Colby College - 2

College of the Holy Cross - 2

Columbia University - 1

Cornell University - 4

Dartmouth College -1

Duke University - 5

Emerson College - 1

Fairfield University - 2

Fordham University - 2

Franklin & Marshall College - 3

Georgetown University - 4

Georgia Institute of Technology - 1

Hamilton College - 3

Indiana University - 1

Ithaca College - 1

Johns Hopkins University - 1

Johnson & Wales University - 1

Lafayette College - 3

Lehigh University - 4

Loyola Marymount University - 1

Michigan State University - 1

Middlebury College - 1

New York University - 3

Northwestern University - 1

Oberlin College - 1

Penn State University - 3

Princeton University - 2

Providence College - 1

Purdue University - 2

Rice University - 1

Rochester Institute of Technology - 1

Rutgers University - 1

Seton Hall University - 1

Southern Methodist University - 2

St. Lawrence University - 1

Stanford University - 1

Texas Christian University - 1

The Catholic University of America - 2

Trinity College - 2

United States Air Force Academy - 1

United States Coast Guard Academy - 1

United States Military Academy - 1

University at Buffalo - 1

University of Colorado Boulder - 1

University of Denver - 1

University of Georgia - 1

University of Illinois - 1

University of Miami - 1

University of Michigan - 2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 1

University of Notre Dame - 5

University of Pennsylvania - 3

University of Richmond - 1

University of San Diego - 1

University of Southern California - 1

University of Virginia - 2

Villanova University - 3

Virginia Military Institute - 1

Virginia Tech - 2

Wake Forest University - 10

Washington College - 1

Washington University in St. Louis - 2

William & Mary - 1

Williams College - 3

homecoming Homecoming

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Homecoming Day arrived early this year on September 20, with beautiful weather bridging the gap between summer and fall. Students, alumni and families enjoyed a spectacular day on campus!

Delbarton School Trustee Dave Weinstein ’07 and Alumni Association Vice President Joe Colangelo ’03, P’29 met up by the food tents.

Fr. Michael enjoys catching up with returning members of the Covidimpacted Class of 2020, happy to be back on campus mask-free

Dean of Admissions Jake Ross was joined by his three young sons at Homecoming 2025

1985

The first event on Homecoming morning was the dedication of the Andrew Pearson ’09 Memorial Trail, a cross-country route in memory of the late Andrew Pearson ’09. Andrew’s mother Christine Pearson P’09,’11,’14,’14, assisted by son Trevor Pearson ’14, spoke eloquently about her oldest son at an event witnessed by friends, former Green Wave runners and the current Cross-Country team.

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B invited alumni and their families to attend Mass in Spada Commons before the official Homecoming festivities began

barton parents outdid mselves with impressively orated and well-stocked e level food tents, one of h included this popular y Dogs’ hotdog cart.

Kenneth Lopian ’05 nd his son were oined in the Garden y his parents Dianne nd Ken Lopian 05,’09.

Eight bagpipers le Plaza, past Old Main to Pizzo Family Field House wh gauntlet through which the football team entered the field.

The Green Wave faced a tough Hom opponent, St Peter’s Prep. Final score: 42-7 with St Peter’s Prep earning the win

The annual Alumni Soccer game took place on Ryan Family Field at the 40 Acres Complex As always, our alumni players had wheels!

While their so celebrated their ten reunion, Class of 20 parents enjoy reconnecting with frien in the Garde

Homecoming Golf Outing

On September 18, alumni enjoyed perfect weather for 18-holes on the course at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg, NJ.

John Manning ’79 won the green blazer as the top golfer of the day, presented Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris ’82. This was John’s third and second consecutive – Alumni Golf Outing win.

Delbarton Class of 1979 friends congratulated top golfer John Manning ’79. From left are Joe

and John Manning.

Puleo, Greg Bock, Jim Maguire, Larry Wilt

Delbarton Hall of Honor

top: Delbarton School Hall of Honor members welcomed three new members to the group

On September 19, 2025, the Delbarton Hall of Honor welcomed three new inductees, Ned Crotty ’05, former Delbarton faculty member Greg Devine and John Tonzola ’95. The men were celebrated at the Delbarton Alumni Homecoming Hall of Honor Reception in the Fine Arts Center. After an introduction by Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95, former Association President John Ferramosca ’05 introduced each Hall of Honor inductee.

Ned Crotty ’05, pictured here with his fiancée Kaitlyn Weeks, distinguished himself as an outstanding hockey and lacrosse player at Delbarton. As a freshman, he scored the winning and only goal to help Delbarton win its first Hockey State Championship in ten years. In sophomore year, Ned made the varsity lacrosse team and led the program to win three State Championships. He captained both the hockey and lacrosse teams and, in 2005, was named Player of The Year in both Hockey and Lacrosse, a first in New Jersey. Ned continued his lacrosse career at Duke University where he was a 2x Captain, a 3x All American at two positions (midfield and attack).

He was named 2009 Attackman of the Year, 2009 Tewaaraton Finalist and, in 2010, won the Tewaaraton Award recognizing him as the Nation’s best college lacrosse player. Next, Ned was selected the #1 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) draft pick and named the 2010 Rookie of the Year. Ned helped Team USA beat Canada in the 2010 World Games, scoring the game-tying, winning goal as the only college player on the team In 2021, Ned retired from pro lacrosse and transitioned to a career with Lockton Companies, working in commercial insurance focusing on Private Equity and M&A. Ned and Kaitlyn were wed in Spring Lake, NJ two weeks after his Hall of Honor induction.

1984

Jules G. Spada ’48†

1985

Frank D. Visceglia ’60†

1986

Lee S. Trumbull ’58

1987

Rev. Manus Duffy, O.S.B. ’60†

Joseph K Pagano ’63

W Norman Scott ’64

Ned Crotty’s parents

Jerry and Lucy Crotty, P’00,’05 with two of Ned’s former coaches

Matt Kovachik P'26 (lacrosse) and Bruce Shatel (hockey), and current Delbarton

Athletic Director Tony Negrin.

1988

Edward F. Broderick ’50†

D. Peter Keller ’65

1989

Edward J. Dwyer ’64

John F. Sanfacon ’57

Louis P Thebault†

1990

Daniel Foley ’50†

Carmine J Galdieri II ’57†

Robert C O’Mara ’60

1991

James M. Corroon ’57

Frank A. Delaney

Rev. Giles P. Hayes, O.S.B. ’56†

1992

Rev. Stephen W. Findlay, O.S.B.†

William F Sittmann ’67†

Joseph R McDonough ’68†

1993

Robert B Collins ’56

William O Regan†

1994

Brian T. Fitzgibbon ’74†

Rev. Kenneth H. Mayer, OSB†

William J. McFadden ’59

1995

Edward J. Butera ’56

Harvey C Jones, Jr ’70

Skip Livera ’63†

1996

Kary W Antholis ’80

Rev Adrian McLaughlin, O S B †

Crotty ’05 and family

Hall of Honor Members

Greg Devine, pictured here with his former faculty colleague Inma Serrano, majored in physics and music at Williams College, graduating in 1993, then began his first stint at Delbarton teaching physics, directing ensembles in the Music Department, initiating the engineering program and working on the Admission Committee

After three years at Delbarton, he entered Harvard’s Graduate School of Education to earn an Ed M in 1997

After a year teaching physics and music at another school, he returned to Delbarton to continue teaching He started the Jazz Ensemble in 1999 which he directed along with the Brass and Wind Ensembles until 2015 He served for many years on the Academic Council, taught AP Physics, oversaw the engineering program and led the North Caucus of the Admission Committee. Greg was honored to be receive the Princeton Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching in 2010 and the Northwestern Prize for Secondary Teaching in 2012 In addition, he was designated three times by student

recipients of the Star Ledger Scholar Award as their most influential teacher, and twice by Presidential Scholars from Delbarton, an exceptional vote of confidence from young men who were fortunate to have been taught by Greg Devine. In 2021, the Delbarton community saluted Greg as the recipient of the Distinguished Educator Award in recognition of his outstanding teaching and music career at Delbarton.

1997

Daniel T Scott ’62†

James E Nugent ’69†

W Michael Murphy, Jr ’67

1998

Kevin T. Kenny ’78

Robert E. Mulcahy III†

Boyd A. Sands ’55

1999

Elizabeth T. & John G Gilfillan III†

Anthony M Nugent ’74

Peter L O’Neill ’59†

2000

E Pat Brady ’70

David F McBride ’65

Rev. Peter J. Meaney, O.S.B.†

2001

C. Sean Closkey ’85

Donald L. Criqui

Robert L. Sheridan ’81

2002

Lawrence H McLernon ’57

J Craig Paris ’82

2003

John F Conner ’53†

Hilda Maloney†

Bill Smith ’63

2004

Abbot Brian H. Clarke, O.S.B.†

Eugene “Doc” Doherty ’54†

J Brian Thebault ’69

2005

Rt Reverend Thomas J Confroy, O S B †

Ronald P Mealey ’50

William J. Waldron III ’65

2006

Brian E. Fleury†

John P. “JP” Flynn ’86†

Richard L. Wade ’61

2007

Patrick Henry ’57

Greg Devine and family.

John Tonzola ’95 is pictured here on left with fellow former Alumni Association Presidents Tim Fitzsimmons ‘95 and Chris Bury ‘9 1 At Delbarton, John captained his Middle School and Freshman Soccer and Lacrosse teams and, in his senior year, captained the Varsity Soccer and Lacrosse teams. In Soccer, he was AllConference, All-County and All-State. John went on to Yale University where he majored in American Studies, played lacrosse and was a 4-year letterwinner After graduating in 1999, John began his finance career with KBC Financial Products. In 2004, John married Christina Blair Dughi whom he first met at a Kent Place dance in 1990, and they have three sons, Jac ’25, Alexander ’27 and Peter In 200 John was the first recipient of the Joseph R. McDonough ’68 Award fo distinguished alumni service and in 2010 John joined the Delbarton Alumni Board. He served as Board Vice President and Chairman of the

Alumni Campaign Committee from 2014-2016 and, as Alumni Association President from 2016-2018, he restructured the Board to facilitate inclusive sub-committees In 2017, John helped create an ex oficio Board of Trustees role and was the first Alumni Association President to serve in this capacity. As a Delbarton father, John served on the Fathers & Friends Board from 2021-2024 He is currently a Managing Director in wealth management at J.P. Morgan, has served on many boards and committees over the years and is currently a member of The Peck School Board of Trustees

John Tonzola ’95, P’25, ’27 and family

Richard W Herbst

George H Miller, Jr ’52†

2008

Michael A Ferguson ’88

John E. Luke, Jr. ’78

2009

James J. McGough ’49†

John C. Traynor ’79

Andrew W. Verhalen ’74

2010

James A Ferrante, Jr ’75

Keith D Kulper ’70

Rev Bruno A Ugliano, O S B †

2011

Kurt W Krauss ’81

Peter Pizzi ’71

Anthony Passarelli†

2012

Thomas A Caputo ’57

Thomas J Luby ’72

James G. Petrucci ’82

2013

Martin S. Flaherty ’77

Dr. Roy Horton† Jon Krawczyk ’88

2014

Fr Beatus Lucey, O S B †

Taylor Price ’04

Michael J Slattery ’59†

2015

Wayne Gardiner

Derek J Maguire ’90

Frank D. Visceglia ’85

2016

Stefan A. Howells ’86

James J. Maguire P’79, ’82, ’86†

Charles R. Ruebling ’79

2017

Rich Darché ’72

Brian Hanlon ’87

Rudy Marchesi ’67

2018

Andrew Anselmi ’83, P’16 Fr. Hilary O’Leary, O.S.B.

2019

John J. McNamara ’59

Robert E Farrell ’64

Brian J Ferriso ’84

George J Parros ’98

2020

Michael Rosenhaus ’80

Fr Andrew Smith, O S B

2021

Terrance J Rouse ’86

2022

Michael J D’Agostino '72

Bernard G D’Andrea ’57† Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82

2023

Br Paul Diveny, O S B

Charles ‘Chuck’ Smith, Jr ’63

2024

Perry Beneduce ’74

Troy Murphy ’98

Dan Whalen

2025

Ned Crotty ’05

Greg Devine

John Tonzola ’95

Hall of Honor Members (Continued)

Relentless Spirit: Tewaaraton Award Winner CJ Kirst ’20

By Jared Lowy

W

C J K I R S T ’ 2 0 W A L K E D field at Lincoln Financial Field st May, as Cornell clinched the Division I national champihis journey had come full rom his earliest days on ello Field at Delbarton, to g the Tewaaraton Award as college lacrosse’s best player, Kirst has carried the same relentless drive with

him, built on brotherhood, resilience, an unwavering standard of excellence to honor his late father’s legacy

“It all started at Delbarton,” Kirst says “The culture there was the closest thing to a college program. It taught me how to compete with myself and my teammates, while always putting the group before individual goals.”

Cornell University Athletics

Planting Roots at Delbar ton

Kirst’s memories of his high school years are filled with wins and championships, and lessons in accountability and growth and the person who left the deepest mark on him: Green Wave Lacrosse Head Coach Matt Kovachik P’26.

“He taught me the importance of being the hardest worker in the

classroom and on the field,” Kirst says. “I’ll never forget my sophomore season when he yelled at me in front of everyone to get open and call for the ball. It was embarrassing, but it pushed me to respond on the next play and set a standard I never wanted to fall short of again.”

The Delbarton Lacrosse culture emphasizes collective sacrifice and daily competition Even in defeat, lessons were learned. Kirst recalls an April 21, 2018, regular-season 8-6 loss to Chatham as pivotal

“After the game, our seniors reminded us that nothing is given everything must be earned. Seeing how much they cared about one another and about winning pushed me to raise my own standard and demand more from my teammates as well.”

That message was heard loud and clear as the team rattled off 13 straight and took home a Tournament of Champions title. Practices often felt like games, with New Jersey talent among the best in the nation “At Delbarton, I was surrounded by top players every day. That constant competition prepared me for the college level.”

Coach Matt Kovachik knew early on, he had a leader in his locker room at Delbarton and says, “CJ understands the importance of being a great teammate who is supportive of his teammates. He always played for the team, and he played with a contagious enthusiasm and love of competition.”

The Cornell Years

The transition from Delbarton to Ivy League powerhouse Cornell was not without challenges. The pace and intensity of Division I lacrosse demand growth both on and off the field

“The biggest adjustment was realizing that the best players are the smartest players,” Kirst says. “My linemate John Piatelli showed me how slowing the game down and playing to everyone’s strengths can make all the difference.”

Kirst quickly developed a reputation for his relentless style of play, something he credits to growing up in a family of five boys and playing multiple sports. “Playing hard every second is what leads to success,” he explains. “In college, I realized the most important part of leadership is when you play relentlessly, others will follow.”

Off the field, Cornell strength coach Tom Howley helped shape Kirst into more than just an athlete. “He showed me what it meant to be a Cornell man a good friend, teammate, son, and brother, someone who shows up for the people he cares about ”

A Senior Year to Remember

If his Cornell career had already been remarkable, Kirst’s senior season in 2025 turned into a storybook ending though not without obstacles. Just three games into the year, he broke a bone in his right hand, leaving his season in doubt.

“I couldn’t even grip my stick in practice before our Ivy League opener against Princeton,” Kirst recalls. “That week was full of frustration and fear that all of my goals team and individual were slipping away.”

CJ Kirst ’20 and Mike Long ’19 were Delbarton and Cornell Lacrosse teammates. Here they celebrate winning the 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse title together

Refusing to give in, Kirst pushed through, running extra sprints and practicing one-handed to prove to his teammates he’d be ready The night before the Princeton game, he delivered an emotional senior speech to the team, focusing not on statistics or records but on gratitude.

“I told the guys how lucky I was to be part of this group, how much I loved my fifty best friends in the locker room Whatever happened the rest of the year, I wanted us to play for each other.”

Cornell responded by beating Princeton and then kept winning. Inspired by its massive senior class, the Big Red swept the Ivy League regular season, captured the Ivy Tournament, and stormed through the NCAA bracket for Cornell’s first national championship in 48 years. On the way, Kirst also set a new NCAA record with 247 career goals, tied the

single-season goals record with 82 and finished his college career with 345 points, 10th all time in NCAA Division I Lacrosse

The journey had an extra layer of inspiration thanks to a family conversation. “Over winter break, my brother Cole told me about Secretariat, the racehorse who won the Triple Crown,” Kirst says. “Before big games, he’d send me photos of Secretariat as a reminder of what was possible Before the National Championship, I told the team we had the chance to complete our own Triple Crown Ivy regular season, Ivy Tournament, and now a national title. And we did.”

Days later, Kirst was awarded the Tewaaraton Trophy, lacrosse’s highest individual honor, cementing his place as one of the top athletes in the sport’s history. With his Tewaaraton Award win, Kirst joins Delbarton alum Ned Crotty ’05, who won the award in

From left, Connor Kirst ’15, CJ Kirst '20, Michelle Kirst P’15,’20 and Colin Kirst.

Photos: Cornell University Athletics

“CJ understands the impor tance of being a great teammate who is suppor tive of his teammates He always played for the team, and he played with a contagious enthusiasm and love of competition.”

Delbarton Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Matt Kovachik P’26

n 2023, the New Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association (NJILCA) and the New Jersey Lacrosse Foundation ntroduced a replacement for the State urnament of Champions (TOC) in Boy’s osse which was discontinued after the 2021-2022 season, part of a statewide decision to eliminate TOCs.

The goal was to sustain the nearly 50-year NJ Lacrosse tradition of playing down to ‘One Champion on the Field’, and the event was named the KIRST CUP in memory of CJ’s father Kyle Kirst P’15,’20 Kyle played collegiately at Rutgers University and coached at youth and high school levels for over 30 years A loving family man with five sons Connor, Colin, Cole, CJ and Caden when he passed away suddenly at age 47 in 2015, Kyle was also remembered as an exceptional teacher and coach His memory lives on as each spring The Kirst Cup tournament, named in his memory, determines the New Jersey State Champion

2010 as a midfielder at Duke University, as one of just two Green Wave players to ever receive the honor.

“I am not sure anyone is surprised at the success CJ experienced at Cornell and now in the PLL”, says Coach Kovachik “He had a dream senior year, but the groundwork for this success and CJ’s character is a result of his parents and brothers, not to mention the countless hours CJ put into developing as a lacrosse player. He was an incredible pleasure to coach and be around. He was and remains such a good person with a very positive attitude ”

The Kirst family, from left, Cole, Colin, Michelle, Caden, Connor, CJ and Kyle

Beyond Cornell

His Legacy

Since that unforgettable spring, Kirst has transitioned seamlessly into the professional game He now suits up for the Philadelphia Waterdogs of the Premier Lacrosse League, where he was drafted as the #1 overall pick and was drafted #1 overall by the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League, a professional box lacrosse league

Off the field, he began his professional career as well, working in Directors and Officers insurance at Sompo in New York City.

Balancing pro lacrosse with a budding career has brought new challenges, but Kirst approaches them the same way he did at Delbarton and Cornell: with intensity, humility, and perspective

As his career continues to unfold, Kirst remains grounded by the values instilled at Delbarton and Cornell

“I hope people remember me as a great friend and fierce competitor who always did it with a smile on my face.”

For Delbarton alumni and families, CJ Kirst stands as a shining example of where discipline, culture, and brotherhood can lead. From the Tournament of Champions to the National Championship to the Tewaaraton Award, his journey reflects not just personal triumph but also the enduring spirit of Succisa Virescit

Delbarton Lacrosse alumni and administrators celebrated CJ’s extraordinary achievement with him, including Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, Delbarton Lacrosse Head Coach Matt Kovachik P’26, Connor Kirst ’15, Michael Long ’19, CJ Kirst '20, 2010 Tewaaraton Award winner Ned Crotty ’05, Tim Curry ’95, Tommy Jepson ’20, Cole Krauss ’20, and former Delbarton Lacrosse Head Coach Chuck Ruebling ’79, P’10

of Benedictine Life in Morris County

Celebrating the Centennial of the Monks of St. Mary’s Abbey at Delbar ton

By Fr Michael Tidd, O S B

Prefatory note: This author is greatly indebted to the pioneer and invaluable historical research of the late St. Mary’s Abbey Archivist, Father Benet Caffrey, O.S.B. (1931-2018), and for additional archival research contributed by Abbot Augustine Curley, O S B , the present Abbot of Newark Abbey 100 100 YEARS YEARS

Ithe Benedictine monks of St. bbey and their brothers at Abbey (St. Mary’s Abbey’s home in central Newark, New celebrate the centennial of sence in Morris County One hundred years ago, they took a bold and providential step, building on their urban foundations in Newark to

establish a new monastic and educational center in the hills of Morris Township. This centennial offers us a moment to look back on the remarkable origins of this community, and the series of events, spanning decades and states, that made the Delbarton of today possible

Foundations in Newark and the Nor thern Mission

The story begins in Newark, where St. Mary’s Abbey had grown rapidly through the 19th century from its humble beginnings in 1857 at St. Mary’s Church on High Street (now Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard) By the mid-1880s, the monks had created a thriving independent priory, becoming an Abbey in 1884 and had ministered in Catholic secondary education at St. Benedict’s College (later St Benedict’s Preparatory School) since 1868. Near the 30th year of their presence in Newark, the monks’ reputation for their monastic fervor and educational excellence had spread far and wide.

In 1886, Bishop Dennis Bradley of Manchester, New Hampshire, invited the Newark monks to establish a college (in the sense that we would understand it today as a postsecondary institution) in his diocese Although initially declined due to Abbot James Zilliox’s poor health, the invitation was reconsidered under Abbot Hilary Pfrängle in 1887, after Abbot James resigned the abbacy. Despite having a limited staff and an uncertain path forward, the Newark monks seized the opportunity to found a daughter house and college

By 1890, the pioneer Manchester monks sent from Newark had incorporated the Order of St. Benedict of New Hampshire and acquired land outside Manchester A college building was constructed but tragically was destroyed by fire in early 1892. With characteristic resolve, however, the monks rebuilt, and St Anselm College

“ ”

Today [December 1, 1925] we took full possession of the Kountze Estate in Morristown.

-St. Mary’s Abbey Chapter Minutes

St. Mary’s Abbey had grown rapidly through the 19th century from its humble beginnings in 1857 at St

Mary’s Church on High Street, now Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard.

In 1886, Bishop Dennis Bradley of Manchester, New Hampshire, invited the Newark monks to establish a college in his diocese. By 1890, pioneer monks from Newark had incorporated the Order of St. Benedict of New Hampshire, acquired land outside Manchester and constructed a college building

With characteristic resolve, the monks rebuilt, and St. Anselm College opened in September 1893 with 24 students taught by a faculty of Benedictines from Newark.

Tragically, that first building was destroyed by fire in early 1892.

In the early 1920s, the St. Mary’s Abbey community considered other locations for a house of Benedictine religious studies. Two sites were considered including the Darlington estate in Mahwah, New Jersey, pictured here, later acquired by the Archdiocese of Newark for its seminary.

opened in September 1893 with 24 students and a faculty of Benedictines drawn from Newark. Both the monastery (a dependent priory) and the college were part of St Mary’s Abbey, and were owned and operated by the entire community of monks, now based in Newark and Manchester

The college became a center of learning and religious formation Over time, St. Anselm’s growth fostered a distinct identity in the New Hampshire monastery Increasingly, it attracted New Englanders without ties to Newark. The Benedictine tradition encourages such autonomy, where houses founded by one monastery (as St. Mary’s Abbey was founded from St.

Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA) eventually grow and become independent communities separate from their ”motherhouse.” In 1927, the Chapter of St Mary’s petitioned the Holy See in Rome to create an independent abbey in Manchester. Thirty Newark monks transferred their stability to the new St. Anselm Abbey, and on October 4, 1927, Fr. Bertrand Dolan was elected its first abbot

A New Oppor tunity in Morristown: The Delbar ton Estate

In the years between the founding of St. Anselm and its independence in 1927, and as the College developed

Abbot Ernest Helmstetter led the Newark community to consider a nearly 400-acre portion of the Delbarton estate, the summer retreat of the late financier Luther Kountze that included a stone mansion, extensive outbuildings and an Italian garden On August 18, 1925, the Chapter of St. Mary’s voted to authorize Abbot Ernest to purchase Delbarton for $155,000, about $2,800,000 in 2025 dollars

into a four-year postsecondary school, the young monks of both houses received increasing amounts of undergraduate training at St. Anselm College In the early 1920s, as the likelihood increased of St. Anselm’s separation from the Newark community, the St Mary’s community considered its options for another location for a house of studies where its young men could be formed in Benedictine religious life and educated in preparation for ordination as priests and ministry at St Benedict’s Prep or in one of the community’s many parishes in northern New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware

While a search for a new house of studies was being seriously considered, the Newark monks also conceived that such a property could also be the home for a residential and day school that could complement their apostolate in central Newark at St Benedict’s Prep Each of these goals would play a role in the eventual

purchase of the Delbarton estate, although the house of formation would be established well before Delbarton School was founded.

Abbot Ernest Helmstetter, abbot from 19 10 to 1937, led the Newark community to consider a suitable location for a new house of studies and a “boarding school where young men may be prepared for college,” as the Madison Eagle reported on August 25, 1925. Two sites were considered, the Darlington estate in Mahwah, New Jersey (later acquired by the Archdiocese of Newark to house its seminary) and the Delbarton estate in Morris Township.

Delbarton was created in the late 1870s and early 1880s by Martin Luther Kountze (1841-19 18), a prominent and wealthy New York banker, who was only one of many Gilded Age New Yorkers developing country estates in norther New Jersey in these years. Acquiring several

YEARS YEARS

In summer 1926, a small band of monks established a community at Delbarton: Father Edward Bill, superior, and the aging Father Ambrose Huebner Father Ambrose broke his hip requiring a fourth pioneer, Brother Aloysius Hutten, a registered nurse, pictured here on right with Brother Damian. Aloysius also contributed his skills as a master cabinet maker and carpenter.

Morris Township farms at first, Kountze began to develop the northeast corner of his holdings as a summer residence and, after moving the home of one of the farmers one hundred yards to the east, (It later served as the core of the building known by the Benedictines as the Brothers House), he built the large stone mansion in its place that we now call Old Main, with its grand vista of the Washington Valley.

Kountze also established a working farm on the estate with numerous outbuildings such as barns, stables, residences for employees, a creamery (still extant as an employee house, adjacent to the South Gate entrance), and a large carriage house (which burned down in 1947). The latter would eventually serve as Delbarton School’s first gymnasium as well as a dormitory for residents To provide the estate with fresh water, Kountze built a water tower on the hilltop two hundred yards south of the mansion, and, in the valley to the west, a pump house to keep it filled from local springs

The mansion was completed in 1883, and the Italian Garden to the west of the main house was created shortly after the turn of the 20th century. In it may be seen the fruits of Kountze’s artistic connoisseurship, with numerous sculptures culled from Italian villas along with architectural elements salvaged from several nineteenth-century New York mansions ingeniously integrated into the garden, pergola, and revised west porch of the mansion to create a harmonious whole He also employed a professional horticulturist who

endowed the estate with avenues of trees and the fine collection of rare trees and shrubs, many of which continue to beautify the campus.

Luther Kountze had four children: William DeLancey, Barclay Ward, Helen Livingston and Annie Ward The estate was evidently named Del-bar-ton by borrowing a syllable from each of the first three children’s names

Following Luther Kountze’s death from Spanish influenza on April 17, 19 18, as the Madison Eagle reported on August 25, 1925, Kountze’s son and executor, DeLancey, made an attempt to sell part of the Delbarton estate to a pair of sisters in 1920, but was unsuccessful The Bernardsville News of February 7, 1924 later reported a second attempt at a sale (on March 1, 1924) of the central portion of the estate to a New York developer, for use as the “Mt. Rose Health Farm.” That attempted sale also came to naught amid legal wrangling, and DeLancey Kountze bought the property back in the spring of 1925 at a sheriff’s sale for $10,000

While Luther Kountze’s heirs were repeatedly trying (and failing) to sell his estate, the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey, then located in central Newark, New Jersey, were about to make their decision about which country property they wanted to buy to make their vision a reality

On August 18, 1925, the Chapter of St Mary’s Abbey (all of the monks with the right to vote in community decisions by virtue of solemn profession of vows) voted to authorize Abbot Ernest to purchase part of Delbarton. On August 21, 1925, the

The third member of the original monastic pioneers was Father Norbert Hink, a professional artist who adorned the first floor with paintings one of which is still seen in the Headmaster’s Gallery in Old Main. The Kountze family dining room was converted into the monks’ dining room

Atlantic City Press reported that “St Benedict’s College” (confusing St. Mary’s Abbey’s school for the monastic community itself) had acquired approximately four hundred acres of the original estate, including the mansion, farmland and all the outbuildings. The purchase price was $155,000 (about $2.8 million in 2025 dollars)

The Madison Eagle reported on August 25, 1925, that the monks would take possession of their portion of the estate on September 3, 1925, although the actual deed transfer would occur on September 22, 1925. As it happened, only ten percent of the purchase price was paid immediately, but the deed was nonetheless transferred from DeLancey Kountze to St Mary’s Abbey on September 22, 1925. The balance of the purchase price owed to DeLancey Kountze was paid on December 1, 1925 The Chapter minutes of that day announced triumphantly, “Today [December 1, 1925] we took full possession of the Kountze Estate in Morristown.”

One hundred years ago, the monks of St Mary’s Abbey made themselves at home at Delbarton, working the land and educating a new generation of young Benedictine monks.

Creating a Benedictine Community in Morris Township: The Pioneer Years

Now that Delbarton was in the monks’ hands, they took stock of their new property Little had been done to modernize the buildings since the turn of the century, many visitors (authorized and not) had damaged buildings, and the farm fields had lain fallow since Luther Kountze’s death in 19 18 Much work had to be done to prepare the main house, outbuildings and farm to function as a monastery and house of studies for a dozen or so monks. For example, despite abundant fireplaces, the mansion had been planned as a summer home for the Kountze family. So, the Chapter voted to install central heating in the main house during the summer of 1926

During that same summer of 1926, a small band of monks was sent to establish a community at Delbarton: Father Edward Bill, superior, and the aging Father Ambrose Huebner The third of the pioneers was Father Norbert Hink, a professional artist

who adorned the first floor with paintings, one of which is still seen in the Headmaster’s Gallery in Old Main. Shortly after arriving, Father Ambrose fell and broke his hip requiring Abbot Ernest to send a fourth pioneer, Brother Aloysius Hutten, a registered nurse, for his care. Brother Aloysius also contributed his considerable skills as a master cabinet maker and carpenter to help refurbish the buildings. The Kountzes’ caretaker, Wes McGowan, and later Alphonse Helmer, a skilled mason, joined the monks in readying the house and grounds

On September 14, 1927, the monastery and house of studies at Delbarton were formally inaugurated by Abbot Ernest Father Henry Becker was appointed prior and would serve until 1931. The resident community numbered between fifteen and twenty, increasing during the summer when recently professed novices, clerics and students returned from their respective schools. During the early thirties, scholastics took their first two years of college at Delbarton

In the main house, the music/drawing room and the formal dining room became the chapel and monastic refectory. All lived, prayed, studied, and ate in the one building, the former Kountze mansion, united by Benedictine common life, shared inconveniences and a pioneering spirit.

During the following summers, scholastics and clerics, college and theology students, resided at Delbarton and helped maintain the lawns and the farm. Brother Isidore Stumpf, farm boss, assisted by Brothers Peter Olheiser, and later, Albert Becker (brother of Father Henry Becker) organized vegetable gardens, planted a fruit orchard and vineyard, and cared for the chickens, cows, pigs, and horses. Grain, hay, and alfalfa crops were harvested

Proximity allowed the young to be inspired by the mature and tried, especially by brothers like the legendary Brother Isadore Stumpf. Monks of the decades of the thirties and forties never forgot the sweaty, dirty late summer days of the annual

Above are photos of the foyer and dining room from a 1925 real estate brochure advertising the sale of the Delbarton estate

harvest of corn at Forty Acres to feed the dairy herd. It was the last major effort of the summer and the occasion for a final community celebration before returning to classes.

The late 1920s also saw the arrival at Delbarton of three Benedictine sisters from their motherhouse, The Plains, in Ridgley, Maryland. They were later joined by three more and all made their home in what had been the gardener’s cottage to the southwest of the mansion, now a Delbarton School employee family residence The sisters prepared the meals and did the laundry for the monks, and later for Delbarton School students until their return to Ridgley in 1958. Like the sisters who taught in St. Mary’s School in Newark and worked in the monastery kitchen and laundry, they were silent paragons of the Benedictine culture of Ora et Labora that the young monks were in the process of assimilating.

Bibliography

A Legacy Rooted in Vision and Faith

The centennial of the monks’ acquisition of Delbarton 1925 is a celebration of courage, sacrifice, and fidelity to a vision. From the bold venture of founding St. Anselm College to the transformative acquisition and renewal of Delbarton, the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey have consistently embraced God’s call with resolve and grace.

Today, as the monastery’s bells ring over the hills of Morris County, we remember those pioneer Benedictines who laid the foundations of Benedictine monastic life at Delbarton. Their faith, labor, and prayer continue to shape the lives of students, monks, and all who walk the paths they once carved and lovingly maintained

The centennial of the

–Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. “ ”

monks’ acquisition of Delbarton 1925 is a celebration of courage, sacrifice, and fidelity to a vision.

Anonymous. Saint Mary’s Abbey – Delbarton / Newark Abbey, 1884–1984: Centennial Booklet. 1984. Hayes, Giles “Fifty Years in Morristown: History of St Mary’s Abbey ” Delbarton 1, no 2; 1, no 3; 1, no 4; 2, no 2; 2, no 3 (Unsigned but authored by Father Giles Hayes Valuable for its use of interviews with Father Stephen Findlay, Delbarton School Headmaster, 1942–1967 )

“Saint Mary’s Abbey, Balleis to Zilliox: 1838-1886 ” Scriptorium, September 1961, pp 122-184

Untitled Essay 1976

. Unto Another Generation: St. Mary’s Abbey/Delbarton, 1836–1990, a History. Newark, 2006.

“400 Acre Estate for St Benedict’s College ” Press of Atlantic City (Atlantic City, New Jersey), August 22, 1925, 4 https://www newspapers com/image/918783256/

“Kountze Estate Sold to St. Benedict’s College.” The Madison Eagle (Madison, New Jersey), August 28, 1925, 3. https://www newspapers com/image/244355314/

“Kountze Property Again Sold ” Bernardsville News (Bernardsville, New Jersey), July 2, 1925, 4 https://www newspapers com/image/95688536/

McPadden, Malachy, ed The Benedictines of Newark, 1842–1992 Newark: Newark Abbey Press, 1992

Oetgen, Jerome. An American Abbot: Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., 1809–1887. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 1997

Stein von Hohenstein, Ernst, OSB “Anfänge der Sankt Marien Abtei, Newark, N J ” St Mary’s Bulletin, 1902 (Available only in German ) “To Develop Mt. Rose Health Farm.” Bernardsville News (Bernardsville, New Jersey), February 7, 1924, 2. https://www newspapers com/image/95742480/

St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton School Enact Corporate Reorganization

This summer, Abbot Jonathan Licari O.S.B. and Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. shared corporate reorganization news that Delbarton School is now a separate New Jersey civil corporation, a move that safeguards and strengthens the Benedictine Catholic mission and provides clear, durable governance structure for the school moving forward. On August 13, 2025, in an email to the St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbarton School community, Abbot Jonathan and Fr Michael wrote:

In September 1925, the Benedictine monks of St. Mary’s Abbey in Newark purchased 400 acres of financier Luther Kountze’s (1841-19 18) Morris County estate known as Delbarton. Initially, the monks lived a Benedictine monastic life on the estate and established a house of formation and education for young monks. From the start, the monks’ vision for Delbarton included the creation of a boarding and day college preparatory school for young men. In September 1939, that vision became a reality when Delbarton School opened with a dozen seventh and eighth-grade students.

Since that humble beginning, the Benedictines of St. Mary’s Abbey have been the animators and guarantors of Delbarton’s identity, mission, and school culture. Their educational apostolate has increasingly been in close collaboration with lay men and women who are similarly committed to teaching and learning in a Benedictine Catholic school. Together, the monks and lay staff make Delbarton a ’school of the Lord’s service’ renowned across the United States as a dynamic leader in Catholic secondary education.

This history grounds us as we embark this year on this new organizational chapter. As of July 1, 2025, Delbarton School exists as a New Jersey nonprofit corporation (Delbarton School Corporation), separate from The Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey, Inc (or OSBNJ), the civil corporation of St. Mary’s Abbey. From 1939 until today, Delbarton School has been an unincorporated operating entity of OSBNJ The Board of Regents was an advisory body to the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey, who both owned and operated

Delbarton School and made all final governance decisions OSBNJ and Delbarton School are now separate civil corporations, each with its own governance structure.

This reorganization will preserve the Benedictine character and purpose of Delbarton School while establishing a distinct civil corporation structure that will facilitate governance, accountability, and sustainability St Mary’s Abbey remains the spiritual and communal home of the school, and the partnership between the Benedictine monastic community and Delbarton School will endure. Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., in his role as Headmaster,

will continue to lead the School in close collaboration with the newly constituted fiduciary Board of Trustees, preserving the distinctive Benedictine Catholic character and high standards of Delbarton.

We undertake this step to:

n Provide greater governance clarity and financial stewardship, enhancing transparency and longterm sustainability.

n Preserve the School’s mission and Benedictine identity within a clear legal framework.

n Ensure continuity for students, families, alumni, and the Delbarton community through a stable corporate structure

Meanwhile, daily life at Delbarton School the academic program, pastoral care, and cherished traditions –will continue, with strengthened governance supporting our shared mission.

Scan here for a detailed Q&A on the corporate reorganization of St. Mary’s Abbey and Delbar ton School.

Wilfred Ahoua ’12

By Danielle Piazza, Director of Major Gifts

From Newark to Delbarton, West Point to Wharton MBA Candidate, retired Army Captain Will Ahoua ’12 talks about what motivates him to create an endowed scholarship fund at Delbarton.

When Will Ahoua ’12’s mother chose Delbarton for her son, she was looking for a school whose values aligned with what she taught at home. As a non-English speaking immigrant family from the Ivory Coast, finding the right educational foundation was crucial for their son. Thirteen years after his Delbarton graduation, in May 2025 Will returned to give back to a school that transformed his life. By establishing an endowed scholarship fund, he is helping current and future students overcome the barriers to college that he once faced

Commuting from Newark

Will rode the bus from Newark daily and often was first on and last off. The Delbarton bus became a safe space for deep conversations with his Newark peers about academic and home struggles, and he still maintains close friendships with those classmates

Delbarton football changed Will’s life. "One of the coaches saw me working out, preparing for basketball, and it was like, hey, you need to come back and play football ” He competed successfully as a running back for three years and, last summer, reconnected with quarterback John Schaffer ’12 Will’s coach’s encouragement ultimately led him to a Division III scholarship and eventual admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point. After graduating from West Point as a commissioned second

lieutenant and five years of service in the United States Army, today Will is a Wharton School MBA candidate

Why support Delbarton?

Back in 2011, Will’s family faced hidden college costs like testing and application fees, and the expense of college visits. Today, he is motivated to remove financial and informational barriers for his younger brothers. "There are a lot of hidden costs that my family didn’t necessarily know about, didn’t understand, and couldn’t afford,” he says. The Ahoua Scholarship of Excellence scholarship is the first step towards his vision of creating an ’Ahoua Scholars’ program to create a positive cycle of mentorship and financial support, where recipients themselves become mentors.

Delbarton continues to impact his life.

The move from Delbarton to West Point felt natural to Will, and he credits his Delbarton experience for that seamless adjustment. "The transition from Delbarton to West Point wasn’t that big of a shift for me,” he says “At West Point, it’s all about selfless service, discipline, gratitude. Those are things that I learned at Delbarton "

Will credits Delbarton with teaching him that "leadership begins with service" along with discipline, integrity, and gratitude, and he has found the perfect way to give back

Humans of Delbar ton: Learning Specialist Rob Flynn

By Meghan Podimsky

Growing up in Fairfield, CT and Mountain Lakes, NJ, Rob Flynn explored many interests from a young age. “I was a little late to the lacrosse game at Mountain Lakes but had a great experience playing football and participating in the drama and musical productions, both onstage and behindthe-scenes ” Key mentors helped shape his path to teaching, including legendary football coach Doug Wilkins and his high school English teacher Jerome Leonardi, who brought a coach’s energy to the theater.

At Trinity College, American Studies professor Louis Masur left a lasting impact with his accessible, idea-driven teaching. Reading Moby-Dick sparked Flynn’s fascination with the novel and led to a senior thesis on Ahab and disruption in antebellum America. Flynn ultimately earned a B.A. in American Studies and an M A in Computing in Education from Trinity College. While applying to doctoral

programs, he began searching for a temporary teaching role that led him to Delbarton

Delbarton sought an American Literature teacher, a football coach, and someone to help with the winter musical all roles that aligned perfectly with Flynn’s skills and interests “Even now, I find the challenge of delivering high-level teaching to such capable students and coaching football in such a challenging schedule to be an amazing combination of experiences,” he says “I don’t know any school where the standard is so high in both areas, and where you have such amazing teachers to learn from, along with hall-of-fame coaches ”

As he begins his fifth year as Delbarton’s Learning Specialist, Flynn wears many hats. “On the one hand, it’s an academic support position, but it’s also working to make sure our academic program is accessible to all of our students, despite any

disabilities or learning impairments they may have,” he says.

Every Delbarton freshman takes Mr. Flynn’s Study Skills course to learn methods and executive management skills that set them up for academic success. He also serves as the school’s Services for Students with Disabilities Coordinator. “I get to work with these kids for over four years, and we really develop a close relationship,” he says. “I learn so much from the kids, and it’s awesome to have that final meeting where we talk about transitioning them to whatever college they’ve chosen.”

Between coaching football and lacrosse, and working on the winter musicals, Flynn interacts with students in all areas of school life. “When I started at Delbarton, I was taught that the teacher/coach model allowed you to have these multifaceted relationships with the students that build on each other, and I truly believe that ” he says Each year, Flynn follows a seasonal cycle of extracurricular activities: Assistant Varsity Football Coach in the fall, Assistant Theater Technical Director for the winter musical, and Middle School Lacrosse Head Coach each spring

Working on the Fine Arts Center stage is a highlight and some of his favorite

shows include the Abbey Players’ 2014 production of West Side Story, Big Fish in 2018, and Something Rotten in 2022.

Every Monday, Flynn shares teaching tips and best practices with Delbarton faculty with his Monday Morsel email that includes insights and strategies to spark creative problem-solving. “The Monday Morsel is a big undertaking that has allowed me to be aware of what is going on in the building,” he says. “What needs should I address? What was happening to our kids in the classroom? What problems were teachers having? Many of my emails are just sharing what some teachers already do, so it keeps my ear to the ground.”

Flynn is an avid reader, something as an English teacher he tries to instill in his students He reads 70+ books a year across a variety of genres including fiction, memoirs, fantasy and education He has read 55 of Stephen King’s 65 books and believes King is an underappreciated master. “I think later generations of scholars are going to consider him as a kind of combination between Faulkner and Dickens,” says Flynn “But that’s just my opinion as my students know, everyone is entitled to have their own tastes!”

Beyond reading, Flynn enjoys life in Morristown with his family, working in his yard, making homemade pizza once a week, and cheering on his two young sons at swim meets and baseball games.

We salute Rob Flynn for contributing so much to the Delbarton community in the classroom, on the field, on the FAC stage and beyond

faculty update

Math teacher Chris Costa is currently pursuing a master’s in education (Ed M ) at Rutgers University with a concentration in Mathematics Education.

Delbarton art teacher Yaiza Dominguez’s original pastel Winter Blues was selected for an art show at The Center for Contemporary Art this summer. The juried exhibition took place in Bedminster from June 13 to September 14.

The Marketing & Communications department hosted an Admissions & Marketing Workshop on October 22. Director of Sports Information/Webmaster Jared Lowy helped organize the event sponsored by Finalsite, the website/communications platform for 7,000 schools including Delbarton in 119 countries around the world.

Delbarton Archivist Kent Manno has been elected ViceCommander of Flotilla 15-02 of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. His duties include marine safety and environmental protection and maritime domain awareness.

Latin teacher Theresa O’Byrne was in Dublin on October 22 presenting Doorways into the Past: Two Cook Street Properties of the Guild of St.

(continued on page 48)

The Ahoua Scholarship of Excellence

Introduced in 2025, The Ahoua Scholarship of Excellence is presented to a rising senior and provides monetary support for the college application and transition process The award recognizes a student who has displayed grit and mental toughness while excelling as a future leader in the Delbarton community. Wilfred Ahoua ’12 presented the first Ahoua Scholarship of Excellence to Andre Clovis ’26 who is pictured below with his father Chenier Clovis P’26,’27 on left, and Wilfred Ahoua on right.

Jake Williams ’97 Visits Delbarton Leadership Class

At Delbarton, Leadership is a History Department semesterlong class offered to juniors and seniors taught by teacher and coach Brian Bowers who examines the nature and traits that make an effective leader. Students also hear life experiences from Delbarton alumni like the April 28 guest speaker, Jake Williams ’97 (pictured here on left with Brian Bowers) who is now a senior consultant with Kearney and Company after a successful 22 year career in the US Navy as a pilot and executive officer.

Middle School Morning of Recollection

On October 8, Assistant Director of Mission & Ministry Mike Fitzgerald led the annual Middle School Morning of Recollection for Delbarton 7th and 8th graders where our youngest students learned about the life of a Benedictine monk, the Hallmarks of a Benedictine education, and the beliefs and habits inspired by The Rule of St. Benedict that form the cultural core of their Delbarton Experiences.

(continued from page 47)

Anne at the Royal Irish Academy’s event celebrating the online release of around 900 deeds from Dublin’s Guild of St Anne on the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland’s website. The deeds date from 1275-1798 and are a treasure trove of information about the history and growth of western Dublin. For the past two years, O’Byrne has worked on this project in her free time as the lead researcher, helping produce a searchable English-language catalog of the (mostly) Latin deeds. The VRTI will host high-

resolution images of each deed, plus an English description of the contents. A “ teaser” visual essay on women’s marks and seals can be found here: https://www.virtualtreasury.ie/image-galleries/women -in-the-guild-of-st-anne

She also recently published an article on the virtual treasury website on Anglo-Irish notaries working for the Archbishops of Armagh in the 15th century

O’Byrne says, “I’m taking a victory lap right now with the Guild documents, and I’m not sure what my next project will be, but I am

continuing to work on a database of Anglo-Irish notaries active between ca. 1200-1650.”

Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications Meghan Podimsky is working on a master’s degree in strategic communications and media at Montclair State University

Varsity tennis Head Coach John Thompson will be inducted into the New Jersey Coaches Hall of Fame in January.

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Genocide Sur vivor Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess Speaks at Delbar ton

On May 15, Dr. Amra Sabic-ElRayess, the Executive Director of Columbia University’s International Interfaith Research Lab, addressed Delbarton students about her experiences as a Muslim teen struggling to survive the Bosnian genocide Sabic-El-Rayess said, “I am a Bosnian Muslim, an ethnic group, and there were people who believed I didn’t deserve to be alive.” The author of two memoirs, Sabic-El-Yaress has a BA in Economics from Brown University, and two master’s degrees from Columbia and a Ph.D. in Comparative and International Education with a specialization in Economics She is well-equipped to instruct about genocide while educating people on social justice and the danger of race and religionbased extremism.

“Their insight, curiosity, depth, thoughtfulness, and empathy left a lasting impression on me They give my hope for a better future because they are in it ”

Dr

Amra Sabic-El-Rayess

Later, Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess posted on her LinkedIn profile, “Today was an extraordinary day at Delbarton School, an all-male Catholic college preparatory school in Morristown, NJ, serving approximately 650 students and supported by 100+ dedicated educators We held a series of powerful sessions with faculty members, high school students, middle school students, and student leaders, engaging in meaningful dialogue about how educational displacement manifests in schools and how we can actively work to reduce it in order to prevent hate and foster

a deeper sense of belonging.

Having traveled the world and worked with many educators and students, I was especially moved by the young men of Delbarton Their insight, curiosity, depth, thoughtfulness, and empathy left a lasting impression on me They give my hope for a better future because they are in it.

Deep gratitude to the entire Delbarton community, including the parents, administrators, and educators who are nurturing this generation of thoughtful, courageous, and compassionate leaders.”

John Thompson is 2025 Delbarton Distinguished Educator

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Tidings

Assistant Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid and faculty member Alma Lopez-Holder and her husband Kyle welcomed their second child, Jordan Michael Holder, on September 14, 2025 Jordan joined his older sister Noelly.

Faculty member Neil Murphy and his wife Kaitlin welcomed their first child, son Brendan Tadgh Murphy, on October 7, 2025.

Faculty Member Philip Schochet and his wife Mia welcomed their son Levi Francis Schochet on March 6, 2025 Levi was greeted by two very excited older sisters, Vera (9) and Julia (7)

Director of Mission and Ministry

Matt White and his wife Sarah greeted their second son, Luke Augustine White, on September 29, 2025 Luke joined two-yearold big brother Bohde in the White family. n

Each year, Delbarton designates a Distinguished Educator who manifests qualities of personal and professional excellence that impact young people In presenting its annual Distinguished Educator Award, the School honors a worthy individual and shines a light on the dignity and value of the teaching profession. Since its inception in 1975, forty-nine educators have received this distinction and were acknowledged as models of ability and devotion in educating the young people of New Jersey. On May 28, 2025, at the final Faculty Meeting of the 20242025 school year, Delbarton faculty member John ‘JT’ Thompson, pictured here with Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. and 2024-25 Dean of Admissions Dr. David Donovan, was the fiftieth

Over the past thirty-six years, Thompson has impacted the lives of several generations of Delbarton

students and alumni in the classroom and athletics, particularly on the tennis court. He previously received a Presidential Scholars Award, Cornell Teachers Award, Delbarton Board of Trustees Teacher Award, Who’s Who in Teaching, Morris County Tennis Coach of the Year, Conference Coach of the Year, Star-Ledger Tennis Coach of the Year, and NJSIAA Tennis Coach Hall of Fame

Most recently, in spring 2024 Thompson earned his 700th win as a tennis coach The Delbarton community salutes John Thompson on this well-deserved honor.

In January 2026, Thompson will be inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches (NJSCA) Hall of Fame

Underclassmen Earn Awards

On May 28, 2025, awards earned by Delbarton underclassmen in Academics, Activities and Campus Ministry were presented during the Underclassmen Awards Convocation in the Fine Arts Center theater. Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB distributed the awards at an event attended by Delbarton underclassmen and faculty. Pictured above, from left, are Class of 2026 College Book Awardwinners Michael Xu, Evan Saik, Trevor Wyso, Raymond Xu, James Ward, Aidan Ponzio, Sam Rotolo,

Middle School Speakers Series

father’s visit with middle schoolers and was one of three 2024-2025 Delbarton Alumni Teaching Fellows who assisted with teaching and coaching last year.

Welcome, New Students

On August 27, during our annual New Student Orientation Day we welcomed 34 seventh graders, 149 9th graders, and 3 transfer students to Delbarton, bringing this year’s total enrollment to 645 students.

Brian Theroux and Matt Beneszewski

Receive Trustee Awards

On August 28, Delbarton Trustee Awards were presented at the Faculty, Staff and Trustee Welcome Back Dinner to Brian Theroux and Matt Beneszewski. Pictured above, from left, are Delbarton Trustee Frank Fehrenbach P’24, Abbot Jonathan Licari, O.S.B , Trustee Tim Coughlin ’99,

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., Matt Beneszewski, Brian Theroux, Corporate Board

Member Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B , Trustee John Dziadzio P’24,’30, Board Chairman Andrew Anselmi ’83, P’16,’16 and Prior Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82

Admissions Open House 2025

warm October 5, Delbarton welcomed young men milies to our annual Admissions Open House The ted over one thousand guests to campus. Five rticipated in a panel, answering questions texted nding-room-only audience which spilled over into mons and the Student Commons where g was available. The panel included Sthir ’26, Jake Caravello ’27, Andre Roberson aughton ’29 and John Kinney ’30. Responding to n, a panelist said, “Around here, brotherhood isn’t a ’s real ”

Delbar ton STEM Intelligence Repor t Michael Xu ’26 Sets Guinness Book World Record for Drone Flight

On September 13, 2025, senior Michael Xu ’26 set the world record for drone flight when his homemade drone stayed aloft for 2 hours, 22 minutes and 13 seconds. His Delbarton STEM mentor, Science Department

Chair Brian Theroux, pictured here with Michael and his drone, was there to help witness the flight and validate the experience for the Guinness Book world record documentation for the longest duration flight of an electrically powered UAV rotorcraft.

Michael entered Delbarton in 7th grade and soon connected with other like-minded students actively involved in STEM and robotics at Delbarton. In spring 2024, as a sophomore, Michael received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Young Engineer Award for his work in designing and building an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capable of autonomous perpetual solar-powered flight. Michael also received the Naval Science Award from the Department of the Navy

for constructing a solar powered plane that offered the potential for perpetual flight In February 2025 Michael won recognition from the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics for his research paper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Perpetual Solar Flight to Cheaply Position Radio Antennas submitted to the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Rutgers University At last spring’s Underclassmen Awards ceremony he also received the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award.

Michael hopes to study Aerospace Engineering in college and has high aspirations for his electrically-powered drone “I’m hoping to turn this into a tree-planting drone by designing a seed-dispensing system to put on the bottom of the aircraft,” says Michael. “Many forests are lost each year to forest fires and it’s currently highly expensive to replant them. I’m hoping my ultra longrange drone can plant thousands of trees an hour.”

Delbar ton Students Win International Rocketr y Challenge

On May 19, two Delbarton students, Makayo ‘Mak’ Cheung ’28 and Chase Eagan ’26, were part of a three-man Montville, NJ Boy Scout team that won the National Champion at the 23rd American Rocketry Challenge National Finals held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. Their third Troop 74 teammate was Thomas Jenkins.

All three young men are Montville residents and members of Boy Scout Troop 74 Their team, The Troop 74 Rocketeers, outperformed 1,001 teams.

To make the cut for the finals, each team designed, constructed and launched a model rocket that safely carried two eggs to an altitude of 790 feet, stayed airborne for between 41 and 44 seconds, and returned to the ground safely For their achievement, the teammates shared a $20,000 prize and represented the United States at the Paris Air Show’s International Rocketry Challenge. The biannual Paris Air Show at ParisLeBourget Airport in France is the world’s largest air show and aerospace industry exhibition event and a premier platform for showcasing the latest innovations in aviation.

On June 20, the Troop 74 Rockateers earned first place in the International Rocketry Challenge representing the United States at the International Paris Air Show after competing against top student rocketeers from across the globe. The UK team placed second, France took third, and Japan came in fourth Ultimately, the American team’s precision in design, building, and launching its

model rocket was unmatched by any other team in the world. From left above are Mak Cheung ’28, Thomas Fenton and Chase Eagan ’26.

van Petrov ’30 Places Third in RoboCup Junior Competition

In May, Ivan Petrov ’30 le his team to a third-place finish at the 2025 RoboCu Junior USA competition A team captain, Ivan guided his peers through the Rescue Line challenge, a demanding event that test programming, sensor design, and autonomous navigation skills The team competition showcased creativity, perseverance, and collaboration RoboCup Junior introduces students to robotics and AI through hands-on learning and friendly competition exactly the kind of immersive, challenging opportunity we love to see our students embrace

DelEX Celebrates Ten Years of Excellence

This June and July, one hundred and five seniors participated in the Delbarton Externship Program, DelEX, during fifty-eight DelEX sessions offered by alumni and parent hosts. Thirty-four externships took place at the host companies’ offices, with sixteen in New York City Nineteen students were on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to

meet the NYSE head economist. Fourteen externships were on campus, including the FBI and US Secret Service Ten externships were virtual using the Zoom platform. We salute these companies and organizations that are partnered with us on DelEX 2025

One DelEX alumnus wrote, “DelEX is like nothing I have seen before It was a great environment with great people who genuinely want to help you learn about these possible career paths. They are great mentors who came from the same place we did which allows us to connect with them more. I learned a tremendous of priceless information and advice I will never forget, and I strongly suggest any rising senior takes full advantage of it in the future ”

DelEX is a bridge between academic learning and the professional world. "It showed me an insight to the real world, something that most high school students will never experience till after college," wrote another DelEX participant. A roster of alumni, current parents and parents of alumni welcomed these eager learners. Whether through in-person visits or virtual sessions, the interactions gave students with an authentic glimpse into the workings of different industries.

”Tom Brady started DelEX in 2016 and it has become an invaluable program for our students, a marquee program, and a differentiator for Delbarton,” says Jim Gallombardo '81 who assumed responsibility for the DelEX program after Brady retired. ”Most students have told us they confirmed what they want to do as a career due to DelEX, but some come to the realization that what they thought they wanted to do is not quite right for them ”

“Our hosts are equally enthusiastic about hosting our students,” says Gallombardo. Survey feedback from hosts includes statements like ‘DelEX is the highlight of my year’ and ‘my colleagues thought the students were college business school students with how quickly they grasped the information and the questions they were asking’. In true Delbarton fashion, DelEX

organizers, including John Ahsler P’15, Mike Darche ’10, Neil Murphy ’07 and Junior Guidance Counselor Kelly Gleason, strive for excellence and continual improvement and deliver an outstanding program. DelEX gets better, year after year.

Gallombardo says, “The willingness of alumni and parents of students and alumni to give of their time, talents and experience to benefit our students is awe-inspiring and humbling. Among twenty-one new hosts this year there were externships hosted by Goldman Sachs, the NYSE, and a parent taught students about hedge fund trading in fixed income, foreign exchange/currencies and stocks as well as the Bloomberg terminals.”

Onward and upward as we embark on our 11th Annual Delbarton externship program this June when we launch DelEX 2026.

Delbarton Turns Off (Some) Tech

Steve Jobs and Apple released the first iPhones on June 29, 2007 By 2023, 50% of teens were receiving 237 cellphone notifications daily (Common Sense Media 2023), and 37% spent 5 or more hours each day on social media (American Psychological Association).

Eighteen years after the first smartphone appeared, we have learned some important lessons.

Data and anecdotal evidence demonstrate a marked rise in reports of cognitive challenges in people of all ages Students find it progressively harder to do the deep, focused work that leads to transformative intellectual progress. Social interactions are impacted when people stop talking with each other, and there has been a steep increase in teen anxiety and depression that partially can be traced to an overreliance on technology.

Research shows that removing access to phones improves attention and, while others characterize this as the ‘Anxious Generation’, Delbarton strives to be an intellectual and social sanctuary where young people can grow, mature and evolve to be the best versions of themselves. We can model good behavior, encourage new habits, and teach our students that life should be bigger, richer, bolder than fleeting memes, emojis and likes.

Last fall, Delbarton instituted a new smartphone policy. Students could use laptops and tablets, but cell phones were banned from Delbarton

classrooms. That experience demonstrated the benefit of limiting phone use during class time, and last spring, Delbarton introduced an even broader Tech Pilot Program that eliminated cell phones, earbuds, air pods, headphones and devices from school life. All personal devices other than laptops and tablets remained turned off in backpacks each school day

After a two-week trial period, survey results affirmed that students benefited from limiting the use of personal devices during the school day. For the 2025-2026 school year, a modified program was adopted that permits the use of headphones and earbuds in private study areas, like the library.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the strategic use of devices at Delbarton.

FALL Concer t

On October 16, Delbarton music and vocal groups hosted a concert in the FAC theater…

ART PREVIEW FALL

Works created by ar tists in grades 8 to 12 were on display in the FAC this fall...

8th Grade Ar tists Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

In their Studio Art class with teacher Yaiza Dominguez, eighth graders made colorful flowers to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and decorate our Hispanic cultural event on October 2 The tissue paper marigolds represent marigolds the traditional flower for Dia de Muertos.

Save these dates for Delbar ton Ar ts Events

n December 1 – January 16

Visiting Ar tist Exhibit: Woodie Webber FAC Lobby, open during school hours

n December 17

Christmas Concer t and Alumni Caroling 7:00pm – 8: 30pm

FAC Theater - Open to all, free tickets available at Delbarton.org/tickets

n February 6, 7, 8

Winter Musical: How to Succeed in Business Friday, February 6 at 7:00pm Saturday, February 7 at 7:00pm Sunday, February 8 at 2:00pm

FAC Theater - Tickets available on Delbarton.org/tickets

n February 20

2026 AP Studio Ar t Exhibit Reception 4:00-5:00pm FAC Lobby - Open to all, no charge

n March 4

Winter Concer t 7:00pm – 8:00 pm FAC Theater- Open to all – no charge

n April 13 – May 15

Spring Student Ar t Exhibit FAC Lobby

Costa Rica

GLOBAL

D E L B A R T O N

Global Delbarton is a signature program that promotes travel, language and service, with the ambitious goal for every student to experience at least one program by the time he graduates. This summer, students explored the world through these Delbartonsponsored cultural trips, missions and exchanges.

El Salvador

Building Homes with FIAT

France

FRENCH EXCHANGE

GLENSTAL EXCHANGE

(intensive Italian classes in Rome) Japan

ITALIAN STUDIES

Bethlehem Farms in West Virginia

around delbarton

Delbarton Parent Events

Delbarton parents are active on campus since school reopened in late August. Below is the list of events hosted this season by Delbarton Mothers Guild (DMG), Fathers and Friends (F&F), Parents Council on Diversity and Inclusion (PCDI), Delbarton Parents of Graduates (DPGA), Arts Boosters, Athletic Boosters and Delbarton Fund Parent Committee.

August

• New Parent Mass & Picnic

• Kickoff to the Arts Parent Event

September

• DAP & PCDI Welcome Back BBQ

• Senior Parents Social

• Coffee for Mothers of Seniors

• Coffee for Mothers of Juniors and Sophomores

• Coffee for Mothers of Freshmen and Middle Schoolers

• Body & Soul

• Fathers & Friends Welcome Back Social

• Homecoming Day

• DMG Book Club

• DMG ‘Sip for Scholarship’ Wine Tasting (Gala Kickoff)

October

• DAP & PCDI Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

• Body & Soul

• DMG Women Retreat

• DMG Meeting & Mass

• Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day

• DAP & PCDI Diwali Celebration

• Parent Social Grades 7, 9 and Transfer Students

• Fathers and Friends Scotch and Cigar Night

November

• Delbarton Fund Current Parent Committee Meeting

• Mom’s Spa Night Out

• Body & Soul

• DMG ‘Shop ’till You Drop’ Opening Cocktail Party

• DMG ‘Shop ’till You Drop’ Boutique

• Athletic Booster Committee Meeting

• Body & Soul

• DMG Meeting

• DMG Book Club

• Fathers and Friends Night of Dialogue

• Christmas Decoration Set-Up

December

• Parent to Parent Christmas Event

• DMG Book Club Luncheon

• Body & Soul

• DMG Advent Morning of Reflection

• Parent Christmas Social

• DPGA Christmas Party

• DAP Parents of Young Leaders Social

• Toy Drive Distribution

sport shorts

By Jared Lowy

Baseball

Delbarton Baseball, led by Head Coach Bruce Shatel, continued its tradition of excellence with a 24-5 record and its sixth straight Morris County Tournament title, defeating West Morris 5-1 on May 16. Despite a relatively young roster, the Green Wave thrived against arguably the toughest schedule in the state, with ten opponents reaching a state final.

Signature wins over Iona Prep, Poly Prep, Pascack Valley, Mainland Regional, and Don Bosco showcased the Green Wave’s resilience and depth. In the NJSIAA Non-Public quarterfinals, Delbarton staged a thrilling comeback, erasing a 4-2 deficit in the fifth to top Bergen Catholic 7-4. Their season concluded in a hardfought 8-6 semifinal loss to No. 1 seed Don Bosco.

Ryan Holman '25 (Lehigh), Finn O'Loughlin '27 and Cur t Friedrich '27 led a talented pitching staff anchored by a strong bullpen featuring Steven Pannullo '27 (who started the season on JV)

Sal Garcia ’26 was a standout at shortstop, anchoring the infield while delivering a stellar season at the plate, hitting .541 with 39 RBIs earning NJ.com Baseball Player of the Year Recognition Offensively, Matt Tafuri ’26, Miles Handy ’25, and Lorenzo Maselli ’26 also made major impacts.

With a strong foundation in place and a wave of young talent rising, Delbarton baseball is poised for another big year in 2026.

Lacrosse

p p y g

toughest schedules in New Jersey. The Green Wave faced national powerhouses including St Anthony’s, Chaminade, Haverford, Malvern Prep, and Brunswick, along with elite in-state programs like Seton Hall Prep, St. Augustine, Summit, and Mountain Lakes

One of the season’s signature moments came in a thrilling home victory over St Anthony’s, where Delbarton rallied to tie the game late before senior Alex Schobel ’25 (Babson) scored the game-winner in double overtime for a dramatic 12-11 win.

Delbarton captured the Morris County Tournament title with a hard-fought 13-12 win over Chatham in one of the year’s most exciting matchups The Green Wave’s postseason run ended in the Non-Public semifinal with a 10-7 loss to Don Bosco.

The senior class led by Will Pedicano ’25 (Duke), Gavin Romweber ’25 (Middlebury), Peter Falk ’25 (Trinity), Bo Popham ’25 (Notre Dame), Andrew Johnson ’25 (Williams), Tanner Shimko ’25 (Johns Hopkins) and Jared Baudin ’25 (Lafayette), provided leadership and stability throughout the season A talented young core, including Chase Houser ’26, Jack Sheridan ’26, Pierce Bolger ’26, Brandon Fodor ’27, and faceoff specialists Christian Troczynski ’26 and Kane Quenault ’27, sets Delbarton up for continued success in 2026

Golf

The Delbarton Golf team, led by Head Coach Sean Flanagan, enjoyed another outstanding season marked by consistency and leadership from a solid core of Senior golfers The Green Wave posted a perfect 13-0 head-to-head record and captured the Morris County Tournament championship

Delbarton notched statement victories over programs including Blair, Seton Hall Prep, Chatham, and Don Bosco, showcasing the team’s depth and poise throughout the spring The Green Wave also turned in strong performances on the biggest stages, finishing second in the NJAC Championship, State Sectionals and the Tournament of Champions.

Senior captains Jake Kur tzman ’25 (Franklin & Marshall) and Will Kramer ’25 (Williams College Football) provided invaluable leadership and consistent play throughout the year, with Kurtzman earning third team, all-state honors. Seniors Matthew Lu ’25 and Dominick Beck ’25 (Brown) made major contributions all season long, while junior Grady Gore ’26 emerged as a key player in the Green Wave lineup

With a perfect dual meet season and a county title, Delbarton Golf continued its proud tradition of excellence in 2025.

Track AND FIELD

Delbarton Track and Field, coached by Andrew Sherwood, enjoyed a strong and memorable season, despite a rainy, cold spring, capturing the NJAC United Division title with a 4-1 dual meet record and turning in standout performances across multiple championship meets

Led by senior Peter Donini ’25 (Michigan), Trevor Wyso ’26 and Antonio Conte ’25, Delbarton won the shot-put relay at the Morris County relays. In the discus relay, Donini and Wyso were joined by Zachary Chipperson ’25 to take second place overall while breaking a 20+ year-old school record with a combined distance of 390’10”.

The 4x1600 relay team of Sean Dooley ’25, Will Van Etten ’28, Joe Sheaffer ’25 and John Cuzzocrea

’25 (NYU) placed second in an impressive 18:11 one of the fastest times in school history!

At the Morris County Championships, Delbarton placed fourth overall, battling to the end of the twoday event At the Meet of Champions, Mar tin Hindelong ’26 represented the Green Wave in the high jump and gained valuable experience. Donini capped his season with silver medals in both the shot put (62’11.25) and discus (184’6 PB), establishing himself among New Jersey’s elite.

Senior Sean Dooley was honored as Delbarton’s 2025 Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the NJSIAA, a fitting recognition of his excellence on the track and in the classroom, while Donini earned second team, allstate honors in the shot put.

Dave Hernandez NJ Advanced Media

Tennis

p Thompson, delivered a strong 22-5 season capped by another Morris County Tournament championship and a run to the state semifinals

One of the season’s defining moments came on April 14, when freshman Brayden Bonetti ’28 clinched a thrilling super tiebreaker win at first singles to help Delbarton upset thenNo. 5 Ridge. That victory highlighted a season full of marquee wins over top programs including Dwight-Englewood, MKA, Chaminade, and Episcopal Academy.

Bonetti starred at first singles all season, while his brother, senior Hudson Bonetti ’25, anchored the lineup at second singles. Hugh Weldon ’26 was a steady force at third singles, delivering several key victories, including the county tournament clinching victory. The reliable first doubles team of Connor Per tusi ’26 and Chase Eagan ’26 also played a vital role in Delbarton’s success.

The team placed second at the highly competitive Newark Academy Tournament and advanced to the state semifinals before falling to Pingry, 4-1. With a deep roster and a talented young core returning, the future is bright for Delbarton Tennis.

Peter Wallburg Studio

Rugby

The Delbarton Rugby team, under Head Coach John Majano-Lopez, closed out a competitive season with a 5-4 record, showing steady improvement and a fighting spirit through a very challenging spring schedule.

The highlight of the season came in a dramatic 26-24 win over CBA. Trailing late, Patrick Goetz ’25 made a game-changing play, reading the CBA attack and intercepting a lineout before sprinting 78 meters for the goahead try, sealing one of the most exciting victories of the year

The Green Wave also recorded strong wins over Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, Morris Rugby Club, and St. Joe’s by the Sea. Key contributions came from Goetz, Antonio Conte ’25, James Freshwater ’25, John Maguire ’25 and August Goyal ’25, all of whom played vital roles on both sides of the ball.

With a core of experienced returners and a season full of growth, Delbarton Rugby has plenty to build on heading into 2026.

Class of 2025 Celebrates Recruited Athletes

45

Delbarton celebrated 45 members of the Class of 2025 who continue their athletic careers at universities and colleges around the country this fall.

Lacrosse

Jared Baudin - Lafayette

Bobby Cusimano - Air Force Academy

Peter Falk - Trinity

Andrew Johnson - Williams

Finn McGuire - Catholic University

Will Pedicano - Duke

Bo Popham - Notre Dame

Kip Rand - Hamilton College

David Rodriguez - Oberlin

Gavin Romweber - Middlebury

Alex Schobel - Babson

Tanner Shimko - Johns Hopkins

Asher Testa - Colgate

Philip Minardo - Rochester Institute of Technology

Golf

Jake Kur tzman - Franklin and Marshall

Dominick Beck - Brown

Baseball

Ryan Holman - Lehigh

Anthony Palumbo - Hamilton

MJ Wright - Lafayette

Ryan Lora - Bard

Logan Bourdoin - Ithaca

Sailing

Jack Tonzola - Washington College

Cross Country

John Cuzzocrea - NYU

Track and Field

Peter Donini - Michigan

Wrestling

Alessio Perentin - Cornell (not pictured)

Chase Quenault - Lehigh

Elbrus Majagah - NYU

Football

Will Kramer - Williams

Phil Folmar - Buffalo

Andy Covello - Washington University

Lorenzo Petrucci - Bowdoin

Lucas Cardinale - Williams

Aidan Barber - Colby

Brock Dandridge - Johns Hopkins

Luca Lopez - UPenn

Tyler Jackson - Bucknell

Jadon Prinzivalli - VMI

Will Trafford - Colby

Joseph Tulli - Franklin & Marshall

Troy Bailey - Holy Cross

Kyle Checchio - Franklin & Marshall

Basketball

Luke Azzinaro - Lafayette

Patrick Mahoney - Trinity

Soccer

Liam McElderry - Fairfield

University

Brady Hyland - Hamilton College

On April 25, Delbarton welcomed thirty 3rd and 4th graders from Oasis a nonprofit in Paterson, NJ with a mission to break the poverty cycle through compassionate, holistic support The outing was organized by Ajay Tolia ’28, whose vision to bridge

communities through sports was facilitated by Delbarton Athletic Director Dr. Tony Negrin. Together, they hosted an experience for the youngsters that extended far beyond baseball

Jayden James ’26 Earns Gold in Athens U17 World Championships

On August 3, 2025, Penn State commit Jayden James ’26 captured the gold medal in men’s freestyle 71 kg at the 2025 U17 World Wrestling Championships in Athens, delivering a brilliant performance on the world stage In five consecutive bouts, he defeated the world’s best young wrestlers from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Iran to reach the top of the podium and help Team USA secure a team comeback and freestyle team championship. Delbarton Wrestling Coach Bryan Stoll says, “Words cannot describe how proud we are of Jayden on this tremendous accomplishment. He’s done it all with a unique blend of confidence, humility and faith, three characteristics at the core of Delbarton’s mission I couldn’t think of a better representative of our school on a global stage.”

Sean Dooley ’25 is Delbarton 2025 NJSIAA Scholar - Athlete of the Year

At the 32nd annual Scholar-Athlete Luncheon on May 18, Delbarton senior standout runner Sean Dooley ’25, pictured here with his parents Brett and Elizabeth Dooley P’23,’25,’27, was named Delbarton 2025 ScholarAthlete of the Year by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Sean’s achievements on the track were matched by his dedication in the classroom and his character as a peer leader and role model

Lacrosse Head Coach Matt Kovachik P’26 Earns 100th Career Win

After a definitive April 3 13-4 win over Caldwell, Varsity Lacrosse celebrated Head Coach Matt Kovachik P’26’s 100th career head coaching victory. Since taking over the program in 2018, Coach Kovachik’s record is 100-32, including three State Championships He is pictured here with his wife Liz and son Tommy Kovachik ’26.

Emily Leamy P'23

abbey notes

By Br. William McMillan, O.S.B. and Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B.

St. Mar y’s Abbey Hosts Monastic Retreat

For the second year in a row, the monks of St Mary’s Abbey and Newark Abbey gathered at St Mary’s Abbey for their annual retreat, June 8-11, 2025. Also present were several monks from St Paul’s Abbey, Newton This year, a monk from

Sermon on the Mound

Last spring, Br. William McMillan, O.S.B assistant coached the Middle School Baseball team with Head Coach Matt White. Pictured here is Br Will with the team while delivering his ‘Sermon on the Mound’ after a successful game.

Ewu, Nigeria, who was visiting Newark Abbey, also joined the retreat and retreat conferences were preached by Br Colmán Ó Clabaigh, OSB, of Glenstal Abbey, Limerick, Ireland.

Prior Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82, along with Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. are regularly asked by alumni and other friends of the abbey and school to celebrate Baptisms or weddings at the abbey or elsewhere.

Prior Edward Seton enjoys celebrating Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Bernardsville He recently completed his service on the Board of Trustees of St.

Anselm’s Abbey School, Washington, D.C., and now serves on the Board of Trustees of Delbarton School, actively participating on the Buildings and Grounds Committee. In his role as abbey prior, Fr Edward Seton is responsible for overseeing the abbey buildings and grounds.

He organized the annual monastic retreat in June with the monks of Newark Abbey

A Chandis Baptism

On May 4, 2025, Maria and Zack Chandis ’01 returned from London for the baptism of their son Robert Alexander. Zack’s parents Bob and Alice Chandis P’01 traveled from Savannah, GA for the baptism of their first grandchild at which Bishop Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B. officiated.

The conferences on monastic and Irish medieval spirituality were delivered by Br. Colmán Ó Clabaigh, O S B , monks of Glenstal Abbey, Limerick, Ireland. The conferences were insightful and punctuated with laughter thanks to Br Colmán’s marvelous wit. Br. Colmán is an author, medievalist whose academic work focuses on the history of Irish monasticism. He received his doctorate in 1998 from the National University of

(continued on page 80)

Cocoziello Baptism

On Sept 7, 2025, Bishop Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B. baptized Sara and Alex Cocoziello ’05’s newborn daughter Alexandra Rose, pictured with her older brother and sisters, in the Abbey Church

Abbot’s Table Honors McBride Family

On May 7, three members of the McBride family were honored at the annual Abbot’s Table event in Old Main Pictured here are David McBride '65, P'94,'03, Mike McBride P’01,’04,’07, GP’29 and Mark McBride P’07,’14. Many members of the McBride family were in attendance to celebrate the three honorees

(continued from page 79)

In the spring, Abbey Administrator Abbot Jonathan Licari, O.S.B., in his role as president of the American Cassinese Congregation, announced that Fr Philip Waters, O.S.B, of Newark Abbey, was unable at this time to serve as administrator of St Mary’s Abbey, as previously announced.

Abbot Jonathan continues as administrator

Ireland. He has been a visiting professor at the School of Theology, St John’s University, Collegeville, Minn. and at Boston College. The following week, June 15-19, Fr Edward Seton attended the general

chapter of the American Cassinese Congregation, with Fr. Michael and Br. William McMillan, O.S.B Fr Michael delivered a report on the Holy Cross Trust, which supports various extraordinary endeavors of the congregation

Fr Edward Seton made his sojourn to Glenstal Abbey, accompanying students on the annual exchange During a brief side trip to London to visit alumni and his cousin, Fr. Edward Seton was delighted to attend Evensong at the historic Westminster Abbey, a Benedictine monastery until the 16th century.

In September, he began his 33rd year of teaching, with two sections of The Sacraments with juniors The weekend before Thanksgiving, Fr Edward Seton traveled to Benet Lake, WI to attend the annual meeting of Benedictine priors of North America.

Altar Ser vers Move On to College

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, before heading off to college, several Abbey altar servers concluded their ministry at St. Mary’s Abbey Church. From left are Henry Moriar ty ’25 (Boston College), Peter Wynne ’28, Jude Hall ’25 (Boston College),

Let Us Remember

celebrant Abbot Jonathan Licari, O.S.B , Jude’s twin Ryan Hall ’25 (Villanova), the Hall’s younger brother Grady Hall ’28 and concelebrant Prior Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82

“If we believe that Jesus died and rose, God will bring forth with Him from the dead those who also have fallen asleep believing in Him ” 1 Thessalonians 4:14

James Breit ’75, father of Jack Breit ’11

Joseph Vincent CalvanellI, father of Peter Calvanelli ’10

James Robert Colangelo, father of Joe Colangelo ’03, grandfather of James Colangelo ’29

Gary S. Desjadon, father of Brian R. Desjadon ’14; uncle of Will Gesicki ’08

Jack Flynn, father of JP Flynn ’86† and Brian Flynn ’87

Gerry Gallagher, former Delbarton Varsity Football Coach

Terry Gallagher ’56

Mathias Hagovsky, father of Matt Hagovsky ’91

Terry Hurley, former Delbarton faculty member and Varsity Wrestling Coach

Joe Kelley ’70

Jerry Kelly ’55

Sean Kelly ’72

Kevin King ’83

Karl Lauenstein ’53

Matt Luciano ’91

Nick Mangold, father of Matthew Mangold '29 and Delbarton Football Assistant Coach

Tim Mahoney ’85

Louis Meany, father of Kevin Meany ’82

Leo Miklius, father of Delbarton faculty member Elizabeth Mainardi

Maureen Pace, mother of Tony Pace ’75†, Dan Pace ’79 and Tom Pace ’81

Adrian Platt ’69

Tom Santillo ’65

Craig Schisler, father of John Schisler ’13

Mildred Sheridan, mother of Bob Sheridan '81, Brian Sheridan '83 and Kevin Sheridan '85

Robert Sheridan, father of Bob Sheridan ’81, Brian Sheridan ’83 and Kevin Sheridan ’85

Paul Van Nice, grandfather of Tanner Van Nice ’26

Helen Marie Williams, mother of Greg Williams ’02

Ralph Yearwood, father of Ralph Yearwood ’74 and Paul Yearwood ’76

Charlie Zimmer, father of Chuck Zimmer ’87

St. Mar y’s Abbey Monks Attend American Cassinese Congregation

From June 15-19, Fr. Michael, Fr. Edward and Br. Will attended the general chapter of the American Cassinese Congregation at St John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota Fr Michael delivered a thorough report on the Holy Cross Trust which supports various endeavors of the congregation.

A Maguire Baptism

On September 20, 2025, Hannah and Ryan Maguire 12’s daughter Grace Elizabeth was baptized at the Church of the Precious Blood in Monmouth Beach, N.J. with Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82 officiating. Fr. Edward previously presided over the grandparent’s Suzanne and Michael Maguire ’82’s marriage and the new parent’s marriage as well and baptized their four sons Pictured here are Michael Maguire Jr ’14, Tim Maguire ’18, Michael Maguire ’82, P’12,’14,’17,’18, Hannah and Ryan Maguire ’12 with daughter Grace Elizabeth, Suzanne Maguire P’12,’14,’17,’18 and Jack Maguire ’17

alumni news

Tiro a Segno

On April 10, the Alumni Association’s Private Markets group of New York area alumni in finance got together for a networking event at Eataly in NYC.

Delbarton alumni gathered at Tiro a Segna on May 19 for an annual reception hosted by Alumni association President Joe Ferraro ’95.

Private Markets

Alumni Healthcare Reception

On May 21, Delbarton hosted a networking reception at the Famished Frog in Morristown for alumni in the healthcare industry.

Charleston Alumni Reception

On June 19, Charleston-area alumni gathered at Babas on Meeting for the second annual Charleston reception, this time hosted by Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95.

Annual Young Alumni BBQ

On June 26, young alumni from the years 2009 to 2024 enjoyed a BBQ in the Garden hosted by the Delbarton Alumni Association Board. Board members served as grill masters, and the event was a good way to reconnect with Delbarton friends as summer began.

Day at the Races

On July 12, the Delbarton Alumni Association hosted the 15th Annual Alumni Day at the Races at Monmouth Park Racetrack where guests gathered at the Turf Club for an afternoon of races and refreshments.

This year's Delbartonsponsored race was in memory of Brendan Brown '88 whose wife Kate and daughter Sydney were in the Winner's Circle presenting a trophy to the winning jockey.

Former Alumni Association President John Ferramosca ’05 introduced members of the 2025-26 Alumni Association Board who were in attendance at the Pig Roast From left are Jim Gallombardo ’81, Mike D’Agostino, ’72, President Joe Ferraro ’95, PJ Calello ’90, Vice President Joe Colangelo ’03, John Iaciofano ’99, Ted Lawless ’03, Jermaine Pugh ’00 and Gianni Vinci ’18.

Alumni Association

President Joe Ferraro ’95 welcomed members of the Class of 2025 to the Long Green Line of the Delbarton Alumni Association and updated them on the new Delbarton Career Center in Old Main, ETA fall 2026.

Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris ’82, P’13,’15,’19 presented Will Trafford ’25 with the “Red” Green ’56 Fighting Spirit Award recipient for his persistence, composure, and leadership during his years at Delbarton.

Pig Roast

On May 29, the Alumni Association hosted its annual June Dinner Meeting a.k.a. Pig Roast in the Garden…

Summer Sizzler

Summer was sizzling at Belmar Fishing Club in Belmar, NJ on July 26 when alumni from across the decades gathered on the pier for this annual Jersey Shore reception…

Class of 2025 young alumni

Villanova Reception

On October 2, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. and the Alumni Association hosted a reception for alumni and friends at The Refectory inside the University Commons.

at Wake Forest

On October 21, a great group of Delbarton alumni currently studying at Wake Forest gathered at Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden for a mini fall reunion

Delbar ton Collegiate at Bucknell

On May 5, as the Delbarton Collegiate initiative continues to thrive on college campuses, alumni at Bucknell got together for dinner at Bull Run Tap House

nd ANNUAL CARTER CUP 23

The 23rd annual Carter Cup the Metropolitan Golf Association’s Junior Stroke Play Championship was held at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, NJ on July 29 The invitational event is named in memory of Michael P. Car ter ’00, a standout member of the Green Wave golf team who died in a car accident in 2002. Michael was a junior club champion at both Baltusrol and Winged Foot Golf Club, and a promising player on the Penn State golf team. The Carter Cup features 46 top junior golfers from the metropolitan area playing 36 holes in the summer heat on Baltusrol’s two championship courses. This year’s tournament winner was Lucas Rizzo-Patron from Rye, NY

Pictured with Michael Carter’s mother Mary Lou Car ter P’00 are her daughters Aly Lopian and Kelly Handley and three Delbarton golfers who competed in the 2025 Carter Cup, Nathan Khichi ’25, Grady Gore ’26 and Andrew Matter ’27.

Fall Reps Dinner Meeting

On September 30, over sixty alumni class representatives attended the Fall Class Reps Dinner at The Madison Hotel in Convent Station…

Senior leaders in the Class of 2026 were also invited to attend the annual Fall Class Reps Dinner

Several Delbarton Fund awards were presented during the dinner. Pictured here from left are Assistant Headmaster for Advancement & Alumni Craig Paris ’82, P’13,’15,’19, PJ Calello ’90, P’28, Dan Cimaglia ’16, Director of the Delbarton Fund Maria Van Kirk P’26, Matt Campbell ’08, Kevin McLane ’94, P’24,’26,’30, Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95 and Headmaster Fr Michael Tidd, O S B

Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B, offered a state of the school report and hosted an informative town hall Q&A

Delbarton Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95 welcomed his fellow alumni to the annual Fall Reps Dinner.

wedding The Album

Thomas Salovitch ’14 and Margaux Hoefer, both Vanderbilt graduates were married on March 29, 2025, in New Orleans (see page 99 for a photo of Thomas with three Delbarton 2014 classmates)

Jordan Dowiak ’14 and Jojo Diesel were married on April 5, 2025, in Pierce, Texas on the bride’s mother’s ranch at Pierce Ranch House. From left are Will Moss ’14, Matt Fay ’14, Bobby Morano ’14, A.J. McKeon ’14, Chad Otterman ’14, Jordan and Jojo, Will McCarthy ’14, J.J. McBride ’14, Matt Marone ’14, Sean McLaughlin ’14 and Michael Gilfillan ’14

wedding The Album

On September 20, 2025, Elias Korpela ’1 Alexandra Manziano were married at the Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River, by a reception at the Ramsey Country Cl

Pictured with the Delbarton flag from lef Evan Schachter ’17, Jack Chambers ’17, Nicholas Brancatella ’17, Edvin Korpela Amaan Chaudhry ’17 and Jack Schroede

On August 2, 2025, Andrew Perry ’18 and Carolyn Brady were married in the St. Mary’s Abbey Church followed by a reception at Hamilton Farm Golf Club Carolyn s the daughter of former, wellespected faculty member Tom Brady The bride and groom are ictured here with Fr. Edward Seton ittin, O S B ’82 who celebrated the edding Mass. For a photo of the elbarton alumni and faculty in tendance, please see page 100

Matt Villano ’13 and Caitlin Harty married on November 11, 2023, in Harbour Town on Hilton Head Island, SC with many Delbarton alumni relatives and friends in attendance. From left are Dave Villano ’83, Jack McHugh ’10, John McHugh ’81, Kyle McHugh ’13, Liam Villano ’16, Davis Villano ’14, Joe Petrucci ’10, Christopher Villano ’22, Matt DiVito ’13, Kevin Zsitvay ’13, Caitlin Villano, Matt Villano ’13, Casey Moran ’13, Tyler Bell ’15 and Ken Villano ’81.

Making Waves

Bob Farrell Celebrates Fifty Years at St. Andrews Golf Club

On October 18, 2025, Bob Farrell ’64 received a pin from Thomas Gallagher, Captain of the St Andrews Golf Club, signifying Bob’s 50 years as a member of the club and lifetime member status. The pin includes the club crest and the date of Bob’s acceptance as a member, May 25, 1974. The Old Course at St. Andrews, also known as the Old Lady or the Grand Old Lady, is considered by many to be the home of golf because the sport was first played at St. Andrews in the early 15th century. During Bob’s ny visits to Scotland he has played er 100 rounds of golf, likely 50 of em at St. Andrews, and altogether has ed off at 41 courses throughout cotland. Bob has a fascinating story to ell about his long relationship with the t Andrews Golf Club Stay tuned for more in the spring issue of Delbarton

Jack Alexy ’21 Sets Records at World Championships

At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, Jack Alexy ’21 delivered a historic performance for Team USA In the men’s 100m freestyle semifinals, Alexy shattered the American record with a blistering time of 46.81, surpassing Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark of 46.96. The swim made Alexy the third-fastest performer in history in the event He continued his record-breaking form in the men’s medley relay, anchoring the team with a remarkable 45.95 split, the fastest anchor leg ever by an American. Alexy’s consistency was on full display as he also recorded another 46-second 100m freestyle, leading off the world record-setting 4x100 mixed freestyle relay with a 46 9 1 Alexy also earned silver medals in the 50m freestyle (21.46) and in the mixed 4x100 freestyle relay. His standout showing in Singapore positioned him as a leading Tean USA force heading into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

2003 Mini Reunion

In May, friends from the class of 2003 gathered in Cooperstown, NY for their annual reunion trip. Pictured from left are: Ar tie Falgione ’03, Ted Lawless ’03, Brian Hightower ’03, Matt Leidl ’03, Tim Petrella ’03, Rob Cedrone ’03, Ramsey Stephan ’03 and Andy Cox ’03.

An Irish Wedding Reunion

When Emily Gagis (Villa Walsh 2014) married Irishman Matthew Hanna at Dromoland Castle in County Clare on June 7, 2025, Delbarton was in the house. Emily and Matthew’s relationship was cemented when she took pity on her expat Irish colleague during the Covid pandemic and invited him to quarantine at her family home in New Jersey. Here is the bride, Emily Gagis Hanna, with her Class of 2014 Delbarton friend group, from left, Dr. Jamie Guilder ’14, Nick Preziosi ’14, Jack Murray ’14, James Vermylen ’14, Peter Welch ’14 and Bryce Curnin ’14

Making Waves

Alumni Meet at Virginia Militar y Institute

Jake Williams ’97 and former Green Wave Football standout Jadon Prinzivalli ’25 met at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in September for a cadet and alumni networking event Prinzivalli is a freshman, or “Rat”, at VMI where he is a Computer Science major (cybersecurity track), continues to play football, and is pursuing a commission in the United States Marine Corps. Williams is a senior consultant with Kearney and Company after a 22-year career in the US Navy as a pilot and executive officer

Delbar ton in London

On June 26, after dropping off several students at Glenstal Abbey School for our annual Irish exchange, Prior Edward Seton Fittin O.S.B. ’82 got together with Tim Maloney ’88 at the Burlington Arms in London.

LCDR Jeff Krilla ’87 Awarded

Highest Naval Non-Combat Decoration

On Christmas Day 2015 while spending time with his wife, Navy Lieutenant Commander Jeff Krilla ’87 plunged into the water and saved the lives of three swimmers caught in a rip tide off Miami Beach. He battled intense waves for forty-five minutes, swam hundreds of yards offshore to reach the children in distress, and successfully towed them to safety. On May 17, 2025, the US Navy awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal in recognition of his extraordinary heroism. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism by the U.S. Department of the Navy. The award was presented on May 17, 2025, by Rear Admiral Michael Brown, USN

Class of 1959 Reunion

The class of 1959 held a summer picnic at the home of Jack and Ann McNamara on August 5

From left in the group photo are Ann McNamara, Jack McNamara ’59, Mai Percarpio, Tim Percarpio ’59, Bill Moran ’59, Karen Gerson, Peggy McFadden and Bill McFadden ’59

Wedding in New rleans

everal of Thomas Salovitch ’14’s elbarton classmates attended his edding to Margaux Hoefer in New Orleans on March 29, 2025. From eft are Sean Morris ’14, Jack Crowley ’14, Thomas Salovitch ’14 and David Murphy ’14.

Making Waves

On August 2, 2025, Andrew Perry ’18 and Carolyn Brady were married in the St. Mary’s Abbey Church followed by a reception at Hamilton Farm Golf Club. Carolyn is the daughter of former Delbarton faculty member Tom Brady and a large group of Delbarton alumni and faculty members celebrated with the couple. From left are Pat Finn, Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82 who officiated at the wedding, Sam Gilman ’18, Jack Sameth ’18, Matt Campbell ’18, Will Gilman ’18, Andrew Perry ’18, Paul Brady ’23, Tom Brady P’23, Davis Brady, Joe Davi ’23, Dan DesPlaines and Josh Har tle

Krystalla Foundation Golf Outing

On June 23, 2025, the Krystalla family hosted The James Krystalla Foundation golf outing at Plainfield Country Club in Edison, NJ All proceeds benefited Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone Pictured from left are Nick Boniakowski ’02, Christian McCormack ’05, Phil Lamparello ’02, Joe Stefans ’01, Seann Farrell ’01, Troy Bowden ’01, Brian Mulholland ’01, James Krystalla, Michael Krystalla ’01, Nick Stefans ’05, Dennis DeLuca ’01, Alex Cocoziello ’05, Bobby Malone, Matt Har t ’01, Matt Cohen ’02, Chip Campbell ’02 and Ryan Bell ’01.

yesterday

By Jessica Fiddes

T“The editor shows us how”: Archway editor Jerry Kelly ’55 and his date at a Delbarton dance

of 1955 dedicated its yearbook to Fr. Ar thur .S.B and praised him for y to add relevance to the Latin and History.

e unique faculty of being able to bring to life everything that he teaches the dullest events of the past become as interesting as the reports in today’s newspapers,” wrote the yearbook staff

Fr. Arthur was also credited for transforming the Stage Guild into “ the most active extracurricular on campus”. Miraculously, he even

managed to transform “our very athletic looking gymnasium into a good approximation of a ballroom for school dances ”

Seventy years later, we salute the memory of this wonderful monk who made such a difference in the lives of Delbarton students circa 1955.

Delbarton

Seniors dedicate the 1955 Archwa to the mult talented Fr. Arth Mayer, O.S.

photos by Delbarton School Archives

Waiting to use the phone upstairs in Old Main

Delbarton mothers at a ‘Winter Mothers Guild’ meeting

Class President Gerry Broderick ’55, standing, and Harry Tappen ’55 discuss upcoming events with Headmaster Fr. Stephen Findlay, O.S.B.

Delbarton

Members of the Radio Club examine the latest technology.

In the

Delbarton fathers were involved as well.

post-WWII years, the Delbarton Rifle Club was a popular extracurricular on campus. Boys practiced their target shooting in Old Main basement

Delbarton

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Delbar ton.org

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