Delbarton Spring/Summer 2026 Magazine

Delbarton

FLY BOYS – Air Force Pilots

RYAN CONNORS ’14 AND THOMAS SAITTA ’15

Delbarton Delbarton

Dear Friends of Delbar ton,

Run while you have the light of life. (Rule, Prologue, 13, cf John 12: 35) In this passage, St Benedict calls on his disciples to seize the moment and turn to God right away. It can also be understood as a call to courage, initiative, and purposeful action in one’s life more broadly. In many ways, the stories in this issue of Delbarton reflect precisely that spirit Young men, formed here, who have gone forward with conviction into lives of service, creativity, and bold endeavor.

Last summer, on a tarmac in Japan, two Delbarton alumni of the Class of 2014 and 2015, Ryan Connors and Thomas Saitta, were parked nearly side-by-side on the tarmac as pilots in the United States Air Force. Their distinct journeys to military service converge in a shared commitment to something larger than themselves Their story is one of discipline, sacrifice, and fraternity, grounded in the kind of formation that calls our graduates not simply to succeed, but to use their gifts for others.

That same spirit of thoughtful engagement with the world animates the work of Mike Kentz ’05, whose reflections on artificial intelligence and education challenge us to approach emerging technologies not with fear, but with wisdom. His journey from AI skepticism to leadership in the field as a co-founder of AI Friction Labs offers a compelling example of how intellectual curiosity, when paired with moral clarity, can shape the future for the better

The latest work of Rinker Buck ’69 displays a different kind of adventurous spirit In his latest book, Life on the Mississippi, he chronicles a remarkable journey down one of America’s great rivers in a hand-built flatboat It is a story of risk, endurance, and imagination, qualities that have marked his life since his earliest days at Delbarton. His story reminds us that the willingness to venture into the unknown is often born in the confidence that one has been well prepared.

Across these generations, we see a common thread: a readiness to take risks in pursuit of

something meaningful, grounded in habits of hard work, resilience, and faith. These are not incidental traits They are, we believe, the fruit of a Benedictine Catholic education that forms young men to listen “with the ears of their hearts,” to act with integrity, and to lead purpose-driven lives.

That formation finds daily expression in the Delbarton classroom, and we are grateful for voices like that of Delbarton music teacher and ensemble leader Andrew Lyman His “Why I Teach” essay offers a moving reflection on the vocation of teaching. His words remind us that the heart of Delbarton’s mission is not found only in extraordinary accomplishments, but in the quiet, faithful work of forming young men day by day.

The stories in this issue invite us to consider what it means to live with both courage and humility, to take risks, to embrace challenges, and to do so always in service to God and neighbor. They remind us that while the contexts may range from rivers to runways to classrooms, God’s call to our vocation and our need to respond remain the same.

So read on and see, once again, the enduring power of a Delbarton education.

Yours in Christ and St. Benedict,

Fr Michael Tidd, O S B Headmaster

Fly Boys:

Last May, two Delbarton Air Force pilots on Pacific deployments unexpectedly met in Japan On the cover, Ryan Connors ’14 (in an F-15E) and Thomas Saitta ’15 (in an F-35A), are pictured nearly side-by-side in an ‘elephant walk’ at Kadena Air Base. Connors later shared the photo and we asked him and ‘Pops’ Saitta about their personal journeys that led them to share a tarmac in Japan…

Ryan “neo” Connors ’14 and

At Air Force Academy graduation with Delbarton Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., Timothy Connors ’14, Ryan Connors ’14, Chris Connors Jr ’16 and Chris Connors Sr ’81, P’14,’16.

Capt. Ryan “NEO” Connors ’14

Serving those around me my community, my country, and even those less fortunate across the world has always been important to me

One Christmas when I was young, I donated my lawn-mowing money to help build a well in Africa and gave my family members a photo of the well as their gift While my brothers didn’t exactly appreciate the present at the time, the reaction from my parents made a lasting impression At Delbarton, that desire to serve grew even stronger. Teachers like Fr. Michael Tidd and Mr Brian Theroux showed me what it looked like to live a life grounded in service. By senior year, I was spending my Thursday and Saturday nights sometimes straight

through from the night volunteering as an EMT in Morristown and Clinton. I often arrived at school exhausted the next morning, occasionally without any sleep at all, but my parents and I agreed that the sacrifice was worth it Those nights taught me who I wanted to become.

I graduated from Delbarton in May 2014 and spent that summer at Basic Cadet Training (BCT) at the U S Air Force Academy a demanding twomonth introduction to military life. After BCT, I joined the Cadet Wing and began my first semester of a four-year degree. At the Academy, the principle of Service Before Self became even more central to my identity. The Academy emphasized caring for one’s people and understanding the respon-

Ryan Connors ’14 and his parents Margaret and Chris Connors Sr ’81, P’14,’16.

sibility of leadership putting the needs of those under your command above your own Over the next four years, I experienced everything the Academy had to offer: military freefall courses, glider training, drone warfare classes, and a rigorous academic schedule. I graduated in 2018 as President of the Class, earning a bachelor’s degree in legal studies and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

Later that year, I entered Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB, Texas I began with the DA-20 for Initial Flight Training, then transitioned into the T-6A Texan II an agile, 1,100-horsepower aircraft perfect for learning aerobatics, formation flying, and navigation. After six months in the T-6, I was selected among the top 10% of students to continue to the T-38C Talon for Fighter/Bomber training. Another six months of mastering the supersonic trainer followed before I graduated from Pilot Training and was selected for something very different from the typical path: becoming an instructor.

Most of my classmates went on to aircraft across the Air Force, but I was

chosen to stay at Laughlin and attend the Instructor Training School. I spent six more months learning to teach the T-6A the same aircraft I had just learned to fly myself. Becoming an instructor was the honor of a lifetime Over the next four years, I accumulated more than 1,100 instructor hours and over 800 sorties I taught hundreds of students, not only from the U.S. Air Force but also from partner nations including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria During that assignment, I also met my future wife an unexpected but lifechanging part of my time in Texas

After completing my tour as a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP), I was selected to train on the F-15E Strike Eagle, an all-weather, multi-role fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. I began with the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course in San Antonio, returning briefly to the T-38C. Then I moved to North Carolina in the summer of 2023 to begin the ninemonth F-15E Basic Course. Three months of intensive academics followed by six months of flying culminated in my graduation and

Capt. Ryan Connors ’14 pilots the second jet from left during a White House flyover in fall 2025 to greet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

assignment to the 336th Fighter Squadron the Rockets where I will serve for the next several years. With the Rockets, I have been steadily learning how to become the best fighter pilot I can be.

While recently deployed to the Pacific, I had an unexpected Delbarton reunion in Okinawa: I ran into another Delbarton graduate, Thomas Saitta, who now flies the F-35A. We even had the chance to fly together for a photo op, our jets captured nearly side by side an unforgettable moment that made the world feel incredibly small

Looking back, the journey has been a whirlwind I never could have predicted where I would end up, nor

jCapt. Thomas “POPS” Saitta ’15

As a child, I never knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up, though I had an early affinity for math and science That changed during a middle school trip to Colorado, when I experienced my first memorable airplane ride The feeling of being above it all stayed with me, and that moment sparked what would become a lifelong passion for aviation

My first real chance to explore that passion came during my freshman year at Delbarton. When choosing a topic for my Freshman Project, I seized the opportunity to dive into aviation I centered my research on what it took to become a pilot, took several flying lessons, and recorded video of my early experiences in the cockpit Those first flights hooked me immediately. By junior year, my classmate John Fitzgerald ’15 and I founded the Delbarton Aviation Club, where a small

the opportunities I’ve had to lead, serve, and make a difference. Those opportunities are both a blessing and a responsibility that my peers and I take seriously. And it all began at Delbarton more than fifteen years ago.

From the outside, it may look like a straight path, but I’ve faced more than my share of failure and setbacks I’ve been knocked down many times, but each time I learned, grew, and came back stronger My advice to Delbarton students is simple: embrace adversity, stay true to your values, and put yourself out there There are countless ways to serve your country, your community, or the people standing beside you The world needs you Succisa Virescit

group of us met to discuss aviation topics and host occasional guest speakers. I was thrilled to learn the club still exists today

Throughout high school, I continued building on this interest by taking classes like AP Calculus and AP Physics to strengthen my understanding of the science behind flight I also discovered a love for leadership, which ultimately guided me toward the military. My years at Delbarton gave me the confidence to pursue something bigger than myself something that would allow me to serve others Travel opportunities strengthened my desire to see more of the world: I visited Ireland on the Glenstal Exchange, Australia through an exchange program in Sydney, and Italy with my Italian class. I was also honored to serve as captain of the Varsity Swim Team during my last two years, an experience that taught me the rewards of leading by example

Thomas and his parents Tom and JoAnn Saitta P’15 at his Change of Command Ceremony during ROTC

With encouragement from my family and teachers especially Mr Greg Devine, my physics teacher I decided to pursue a career as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and applied to the Air Force Academy as well as other universities with strong aviation programs.

I graduated from Delbarton in 2015 and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, on an Air Force ROTC scholarship. The summer before college, I earned my Private Pilot’s License, which I had started during my freshman project. My college experience blended Aerospace Engineering coursework with military training. In 2017, I attended ROTC Field Training in Alabama, and the following summer I returned as an instructor In 2018, I was selected as Cadet Wing Commander for Embry-Riddle’s AFROTC detachment the largest in the U.S. apart from the Air Force Academy. I graduated in 2020 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering

through the Honors Program and was named a Distinguished Graduate in ROTC I was then selected for pilot training at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT) program in Wichita Falls, Texas

ENJJPT is the world’s only multinational pilot training program designed to produce NATO combat pilots. Over the two-year program, I trained in the T-6 Texan II and the T-38 Talon, accumulating nearly 250 flight hours and 80 training sorties. My classmates came from across the United States and allied nations including the UK, Canada, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Spain, and Germany. I graduated #1 in my class as a Distinguished Graduate and was selected to fly the F-35 Lightning II

After ENJJPT, I completed the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals Course (IFF) in the T-38 before moving to Luke AFB in Arizona in October 2023 to begin F-35 Initial Qualification

Thomas Saitta crossing the Pacific in an F35A formation, in a photo taken by a boom operator on a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft.

Training. As a member of the 61st Fighter Squadron, I spent eight months learning air-to-air and air-toground tactics, suppression of enemy air defenses, tactical intercepts, lowlevel flight, air-to-air refueling, and night operations. In June 2024, I graduated #1 from F-35 Initial Qualification and received my first operational assignment with the 421st Fighter Squadron the Black Widows at Hill AFB, Utah

In Utah, I completed my Mission Qualification Training in November 2024, officially becoming a fully qualified wingman. Since then, I have flown countless training sorties, continually refining my skills to become the safest and most capable fighter pilot possible In April 2025, I deployed to the Pacific, where I unexpectedly crossed paths on a tarmac in Okinawa, Japan with fellow Delbarton alumnus Ryan Connors ’14 proof of how small the Air Force world can be

One of the most memorable moments of my career so far was flying an F-35A from Utah across the Pacific That deployment also gave me time to reflect on how far I had come and how much Delbarton contributed to my journey. The school’s motto Succisa Virescit has proven true throughout my life One of my greatest challenges came when I broke my ankle midway through pilot training and required reconstructive surgery For months, I didn’t know if I would fly again. With patience, determination, and hard work, I returned stronger and more focused than before.

To the students of Delbarton: follow your passion. I never imagined, as a freshman, that my path would lead here Whatever you choose, pursue it with pride, determination, and authenticity. Our country needs strong, driven men like those at Delbarton and you never know where your journey may lead.

The Saitta family in Arizona, including Thomas’ sister Caitlin, celebrating his F-35B course graduation.

Thomas flying over the Hudson River

Elephant Walk in Okinawa

In the U S military, an ‘elephant walk’ is a large number of military aircraft taxiing in close formation The term originated during World War II when formations could include hundreds of aircraft

On May 6, 2025, fifty-three aircraft from rescue helicopters to fighters and spy planes lined up in tight formation at Kadena Air Base in Japan (400 miles off the coast of China) in an aweinspiring elephant walk at the largest air base in the Pacific

At the heart were eight F-15E Strike Eagles, fast, low-flying bombers ready to hit heavily defended targets. Surrounding them, 24 F-35As provided

stealthy air cover, while two Navy E/A-18G Growlers jammed enemy radars to clear the path.

Eyes in the sky were everywhere. An E-3 Sentry (AWACS) directed the fleet, while an RC135 Rivet Joint and Navy P-8 Poseidon gathered intelligence. Two MQ-9 Reaper drones watched and could strike indefinitely as well as take photos like this

Keeping the force airborne were eight tankers: six KC-135s for the fighters and big jets, and two MC130Js for the Navy Growlers and six HH-60 rescue heli-copters, ready to swoop in if a pilot had to eject. Safety was built into the mission, front to back

This display wasn’t just about size. 18th Wing Commander Brigadier General Nicholas Evans later said that the Air Force’s ability to “project airpower” alongside its allies “demonstrates our commitment to the alliance with Japan and to maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific ” From precision bombers to stealth fighters, electronic warfare planes to vigilant drones, the formation was a visual statement of combat power and Indo-Pacific regional deterrence and an excellent setting for a miniDelbarton reunion.

An Update from Our Pilots

Though Ryan and Thomas – call signs “NEO” and “POPS” – could not comment on Epic Fury operations during the current Iran War, they confirmed that they are staying safe and relying on their world class training. Both welcome connecting with other members of the Delbarton community at connorsryan45@gmail.com and thomas saitta@outlook com

the Friction Is the Point: How AI Forced Me to Rethink

Everything I Taught

A Delbarton alumnus on building

AI that fights back

By Mike Kentz ’05

Succisa Virescit.

I carried those words out of Delbarton the way most of us carry the things that shaped us without fully understanding them yet. The motto lived in the back of my mind through college, through a career in journalism, through years of teaching English at schools that reminded me of the one where I’d grown up. It was real to me, but it was abstract I hadn’t been tested by it yet

Then, in the fall of 2022, I found out what it actually meant

I was a writing teacher. That was the identity I’d built first as a journalist, then as an English instructor at a public charter school in Brooklyn, then at an all-male Benedictine school in Savannah that felt, in its rhythms of discipline and moral reflection, a lot like Delbarton I taught students to read carefully, write precisely, and think through the act of putting words on a page The essay was the thing I kept returning to as a journalist, as a teacher, as someone who believed that the struggle to get a sentence right was the same struggle as getting an idea right.

When ChatGPT was released in November 2022, I deleted every article anyone sent me about it Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, had declared that AI would come for fiction writers first, and for someone who had built his professional life on language, that comment stuck with me in a way I didn’t want to examine too closely I was enrolled in an MFA program at the time, doubling down on exactly the thing that seemed threatened I didn’t want to look at what was coming.

But you can only look away for so long. What I couldn’t delete was the feeling that the belief underneath my career that the struggle to articulate an idea is what makes the idea yours

Mike and his wife Krista and baby Maclen recently settled in Morristown.

was exactly what was being automated away. And eventually that feeling stopped being something I could ignore and started being something I had to answer.

Delbarton taught me that you don’t walk away from difficulty. Not in any single conversation, but across four years of being pushed, evaluated, and held to something. So, I made a decision I would cut down my own teaching practices the essays, the assessments, the assumptions about what good writing instruction looked like and grow them back stronger. Not by resisting AI, but by understanding what it actually was

The first thing I built was an assignment for my freshmen after we finished reading The Catcher in the Rye. Instead of writing an essay about Holden Caulfield, they would interview him. I put them in front of a chatbot playing the character and told them to approach it the way a journalist approaches a source: don’t accept what he says at face value. Probe. Challenge Follow up And because I knew motivation mattered, I told them I’d be grading the conversation itself.

What happened next changed everything I thought I knew about assessment

By reading the transcripts, I could see into my students’ thinking in ways that essays had never allowed I could see who pressed forward and who went passive, who framed sharp questions and who asked nothing, which students had used Holden as a safe space to say things they couldn’t say out loud and which had treated the

whole thing as game to break. The chat transcript wasn’t a product to be graded it was a window into the process of thinking. For th first time, I could observe the cognition I’d always had to infer.

That was the seed But the thing that grew from it was bigger than a single assignment.

Over the next two years, through classroom testing, research, workshops with over two thousand educators, a TEDx talk, and a growing body of published work, I arrived at an insight I hadn’t expected

AI’s most significant capability is not that it writes emails or generates spreadsheets. It’s that it creates immersive environments experiences you can fall into and stay

Mike leads AI-implementation workshops for K-12 teachers, university faculty, parents, government workers, and corporate teams and designs teaching friction points through his Friction Labs start-up.

On November 24, 2025, Mike returned to Delbarton to share his ideas with Delbarton educators during a Faculty Meeting.

in, that feel real enough to provoke genuine thought and feeling. That’s what makes it powerful It’s also what makes some of it genuinely harmful to young people. The same immersive quality is being deployed right now in personality bots designed to be available at 2am, to agree with everything, to never push back on a developing brain that needs pushing back on. For a teenager, constant access to an environment that removes all friction isn’t a convenience. It’s a slow sedative.

But immersion itself isn’t the problem. We already know immersion works it’s the whole premise behind study abroad, behind flight simulators, behind any training environment designed to feel real The question was never whether immersion is effective. It’s what you’re immersed in that matters

So, I flipped it. I built simulations where the AI doesn’t help it plays the obtuse client who won’t understand your jargon, the stakeholder who won’t be convinced, the Socratic questioner who answers every question with another question. The student must earn the outcome

I call them Friction Bots. Because when it comes to learning, the friction is the point

A Friction Bot creates an environment where students have to think clearly under pressure, adapt when their first approach fails, and articulate their reasoning to something that isn’t going to make it easy. And here’s what surprised me: they like it. I couldn’t help but laugh when one of my

students at Fairleigh Dickinson wrote in a survey after his first simulation: “The bot argues better than most people nowadays anyway.”

The difficulty, in the right dosage, triggers something competitive and instinctual. One student at Georgetown – upon completing a simulation as part of a job candidate screening exercise – put it in a way I’ve been thinking about ever since: “The practice of speaking up and defending your claims against someone grilling you is rare In my classes, more and more participation is forced I notice many students answering questions as a question, not an answer ” That’s what the simulations are surfacing. Not just performance, but the realtime evidence of how someone thinks when they can’t phone it in.

The challenge becomes the arena The transcript becomes the proof.

What started as a classroom experiment is now a company. AI Friction Labs builds challenging AI simulations for education, corporate training, and professional development navigating "The Obtuse Client," explaining yourself to "The Unconvinced Expert," doing battle with "The Thesis Sparring Partner," or giving guidance in a foreign language to "The Lost Tourist " We work with professors, school leaders, and L&D teams who need to assess how people think, not just what they produce. In an era when AI can generate any output in seconds, the only authentic evidence of human cognition is the process and a welldesigned AI interaction makes that process visible

Mike Kentz’s first instructional job was teaching writing at a Brooklyn public charter school.

Next, Mike taught English at Benedictine Military School in Atlanta, GA in an environment like Delbarton steeped in tradition, discipline, and moral reflection

I didn’t plan any of this when I walked out of Delbarton. I planned to be a writer, then a teacher, and then I spent a year convinced that AI was going to make both of those things obsolete. What I didn’t realize was that the disruption wasn’t destroying what I’d built. It was cutting it down.

Succisa virescit. I used to think it was about resilience surviving the hit and getting back up I don’t think that anymore. The thing that grows back isn’t the same thing that was cut down It’s different because the cutting forced it to find a deeper root.

Oysters don’t choose the grain of sand. But the pearl wouldn’t exist without it.

AI was my grain of sand. AI Friction Labs is what grew back.

Mike designed a The Catcher in the Rye assignment where students interviewed a Holden chatbot. Later, he shared his assignment in a TEDxTalk

Mike and his classmates celebrate Delbarton graduation in 2005.

from left, Fred ’98, Kristin, Mike ’05, Lynn and Rick Kentz ’74, P’98,’05.

RLife on the Mississippi with Rinker Buck ’69

By Jessica Fiddes

eenactors wear period clothing to simulate important historical events. Rinker Buck ’69 reenacts history by experiencing it, often in a Brooks Brothers button down shirt. What he lacks in homespun cloth, he more than makes for in authentic wanderlust and adventure.

When last we met Rinker Buck in the spring 2016 issue of Delbarton, he and his younger brother Nick (he has five brothers and five sisters) had retraced the Oregon Trail, traveling 2,000 miles across six states in a mule-driven covered wagon Buck wrote his New York Times best-seller The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey about their pioneer adventure

His latest book, Life on the Mississippi, published in 2022 and another New York Times best seller, traces a new 2,000 mile journey, this time on water, as Buck pilots an 1846 replica flatboat down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. “I wanted to learn what really happened, not just the myths,” he says about why he built and navigated the boat he calls Patience from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania to New Orleans, Louisiana. His boat includes one important modern touch: a 40horsepower outboard motor

Hardly a boating expert, Buck says he had canoed and kayaked ‘a little bit’ prior to his trip. Two of his brothers with Coast Guard experience told him he was ‘nuts’ to attempt floating down the Mississippi in a keelless boat, but he was stubbornly determined to

experience life on a flatboat. Buck does not take kindly to the word ‘no’.

His adventure began on a farm in Gallatin, Tennessee where, over three months, he built his 8-ton flatboat Patience out of green poplar, a lightweight wood with high moisture content favored for bending into curved shapes like strip planking. Buck claims anyone capable of building a simple structure can build a flatboat

With no keel – the central structural beam at a boat’s bottom that ensures stability, maneuverability and prevents sideways drifts – flat-bottomed boats are essentially rafts with benefits, built for single downstream journeys. Despite its small motor, the Patience was constantly at the mercy of currents, storms and sandbars.

Even more frightening, modern commercial Mississippi River boat traffic typically includes 9,000horsepower tugboats pushing sprawling assemblages of 30 to 35 barges, the steel-hulled modern-day equivalent of the flatboat From high perches above their mini barge cities, tugboat captains can barely register the existence of a small craft like the Patience. It’s no surprise that Buck saw just three recreational boats during his entire four-month trip down river

On the Water

While much of his adventure down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers was peaceful and bucolic, Rinker Buck’s latest trip was still a daunting challenge. “You’re going to die,”

experienced boatmen told him before the Patience launched on the Monongahela River at Elizabeth, PA on July 10, 2016. At first, he wonders if they are right. Navigating the heavy keelless boat, even with the help of a small motor, is not for faint of heart. Buck quickly learns through experience how to navigate as readers witness his evolution from gutwrenching terror to growing confidence

Today, we American landlubbers can easily ignore the significance of commercial river traffic, what with the ubiquity of modern planes, trains, and truck convoys, but Buck observes that 60% of American agricultural products and 30% of petroleum products are still transported on the Mississippi. Small crafts proceed at their own risk down these commercial super waterways

To assist him on his four-month adventure down river, Buck invites a band of part-time crewmembers, like trusted first mate and chef Dan Corjulo, a collection of people who add handy skills, humor, and good company. By far the most challenging and comedic of these rotating crewmembers is a Lewis and Clark impersonator who boards the Patience lugging a suitcase crammed with 19thcentury costumes Each new mooring calls for an outfit change, and he exhibits a nasty habit of casual racism and misogyny Readers share Buck’s relief when this over accessorized ‘explorer’ is finally booted off the boat.

Hard wired for adventure

A flatboat trip is just one more in a series of adventures for Rinker Buck across and through America. His tale begins in 1958 at age 7 when his family takes a horse-drawn wagon ride from their farm in New Vernon, NJ through Valley Forge, PA to Amish country. They are off to “see America slowly” his father Tom, publisher of Look magazine, tells his wife and children.

Eight years later in July 1966, 15year-old Rinker and his 17-yearold brother Kernahan ‘Kern’ Buck ’66 flew from Somerset County Airport to

California’s San Juan Capistrano Airport in a rebuilt-by-them 1946 Piper Cub With no lights, no radio, relying on old maps and an ancient magnetic compass, the Buck brothers became the youngest duo to fly across the continental United States. Buck’s earliest book was Flight of Passage published in 1997, the story of their epic adventure

After graduating from Bowdoin College in 1973, Buck’s first job was with the Hartford Courant and he

had a busy reporting career writing for the Courant while contributing articles to New York Magazine, Life, Adweek and other national publications.

By 2016, having already flown across country as a teenager and traveled the Oregon Trail as an adult, he decided that a trip downriver onboard a handbuilt flatboat would be his next challenge. The waterway adventure would not be without risks

At one point during the excursion, Buck falls on deck and breaks several ribs which, oddly

enough, he almost seems to welcome. After all, he’s cracked some ribs before four times “I like what being a champion rib-breaker says about my life,” he writes. “Rib breaks and their pain are a reminder of my foolhardiness, perhaps, or my addiction to adventure, or my need for comeuppance for having led such a fortunate, happy life.” In Buck’s world, busted ribs are a small price to pay for another epic American adventure

Along the inland waterway via flatboat, food tastes better, scenery is more majestic, weather is more vividly experienced and ordinary people become instant heroes, regularly delivering gas, food and good advice.

Even a few seasoned tugboat captains demonstrate respect for Buck’s aspirational trip

Meanwhile, word spreads along the riverbank towns and the Patience becomes a local attraction, so Buck garners lots of attention along the way and meets hundreds of memorable men, women and children, often experiencing the generous hospitality of strangers He describes weather and people so vividly that readers are right there on the water with him.

He sees the river slowly, but the scene is not always pretty. From his deckhouse perch Buck observes the industrial landscape of Rust Belt blight and towns that formerly thrived before coal mining closures, the 2008 recession and devastating cyclical flooding. Buck weaves his opinions about economics and politics through his story

In a life defined by adventures in the air, on land and now, on water, Rinker Buck once again takes historical reenactment to a satisfying extreme and blesses readers with another armchair adventure His voyage aboard the flatboat Patience is one more quest, and we appreciate that, yet again, he has taken us along for the ride He reminds us of the vast lands and thrilling waterways still to explore, the imm d risk of nature, and the humane fellow Americans you meet along the way.

Rinker Buck is currently workin on his next project, a book about major Civi War battlefields. Stay tuned

Flatboat History

For centuries, Europeans used wooden flat-bottomed boats for inland cargo transport on shallow rivers and canals European flatboats, including traditional Dutch skûtsjes and Danube Plätten, were vessels with no keels and shallow drafts designed for cargo transport, fishing, and navigating shallow rivers or coastal waters.

In America, in the 1700s to the late 1800s, flatboats were the primary method for people to move goods and settlers downriver from the upper Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to major markets like New Orleans This typically was a one-way trip flatboats were not designed to be navigated upstream against the current. Americans used these primitive, flat-bottomed boats to navigate the country’s vast network of inland waterways Traveling merchants often converted flatboats into water storefronts called ‘storeboats’

Arriving at their destinations

valuable milled lumber to build their first homes

Transporting people, supplies and livestock helped inspire a national ‘westward ho’ migratory mentality in contrast with more sedentary cultures from which settlers immigrated

Famously, on the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington used flatboats to transport his troops across the Delaware River for the Battle of Trenton, a pivotal conflict in the Revolutionary War In his youth, Abraham Lincoln made two flatboat trips down the Mississippi River his first extensive travels

slavery and slave auctions. He later recollected that these flatboat experiences shaped his views for the rest of his life.

The rise of steamboats and railroads offered faster, two-way traffic of goods and people and finally replaced the flatboats By the 1820s and 1830s, hundreds of steamboats populated American rivers and railroad construction grew in the 1840s and 1950s as investors formed companies to lay tracks The completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 connected the East and West coasts, cutting cross-country travel time from months to under a week.

Flatboats are still popular in Europe, primarily for private use as floating homes, and especially or tourism and leisure activities ike river cruises and sailing trips. Today in the US, the modern, unctional equivalent of the latboat is the steel barge, which Rinker Buck witnessed all along his journey. Small, flat-bottom boats are still widely used in this country for fishing, hunting, and navigating shallow water, and eplicas are built for historical eenactments, education and museum displays.

faculty update

Art teacher Yaiza Dominguez will have a solo show of her art in Spain from mid-June to midJuly. “It is exciting since it will be in the city of Burgos and most of my friends and family are there,” she reports.

In late November, Dan Szelingowski served as Chair of a Middle States Association Accreditation Visiting Team at Holy Cross High School in Flushing, NY, a co-educational Catholic high school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross. In addition to serving as one of Delbarton’s Co-Internal Coordinators for the school’s recent reaccreditation process, this marked his first experience as a Middle States Team Chair and his fifth overall accreditation visit outside of Delbarton aside from also having been a part of three accreditations at Delbarton

On January 11 longtime tennis coach John Thompson was inducted into the 2025 New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. See more under Sports Shorts Tidings

Kent Manno will be working as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA - JPL His presentations will focus of the Basics of Space

(continued on page 22)

Delbarton Earns Praesidium Re-Accreditation

In September, Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management, once again awarded Delbarton Praesidium Accreditation®, a prestigious honor that demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

Nationwide, Delbarton is one of just seven boarding and day secondary schools, and currently the only secondary school in New Jersey, to earn Praesidium accreditation

Praesidium Accreditation® provides proof of sound risk management practices and distinguishes Delbarton School from others in the field of secondary education.

“We are pleased to send the message that we will not compromise on ensuring the safety of those in our care,” said Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B “Our entire school community is dedicated and committed to proactively keeping those in our care safe from any kind of abuse.”

Praesidium Accreditation® publicly demonstrates to our students, current families and to our alumni and friends that Delbarton School has achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

Learn more about Praesidium here

Solidarity Sleepout

Delbarton's Solidarity Sleep Out on April 11 raised $56,000 and brought together thirty-five students and seven Delbarton fathers who slept outside in cardboard cartons and sleeping bags on a 38degree night. The annual event supports Covenant House which offers practical solutions for young people experiencing homelessness Our top three

Delbarton Hosts Catholic Boys School Leadership Conference

student fundraisers were also recognized Cristoforo Milelli (#2), Henry Williamson (#1) and Ryan Dooley (#3). Williamson set a new record for aggregate donations over his four years at Delbarton, raising an impressive $45,600. Delbarton currently is New Jersey's top Covenant House Solidarity Sleepout school fundraiser

On November 10, Delbarton hosted the first Catholic Boys School Leadership Conference, gathering administrators and student leaders from area Catholic boys’ schools. Seventy-plus attendees came Bergen Catholic, Christian Brothers Academy, Delbarton School, Oratory Prep, Seton Hall Prep, St. Benedict’s Prep and St Joseph’s Regional High School Participants agreed that this was a collegial and effective event that affirmed how much Catholic boys’ schools have in common. Plans are already underway for second conference in 2026-27.

(continued from page 20)

Flight and the Artemis Program. For more than 25 years, the NASA Solar System Ambassadors program has been a public engagement effort that works with motivated volunteers across the nation to communicate the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions and discoveries with the people in their communities

On November 22, 2025, faculty member Matt Crane and his wife Katie welcomed their son John ‘Jack’ Crane into the world

Jack and Jill O’Reilly’s daughter Lydia Grace O’Reilly was born on April 14. n

elbarton Shares Christmas pirit in Paterson

barton again partnered with Catholic Charities in terson to host its annual Christmas Toy Drive On cember 11, students filled an eighteen-wheeler on mpus with unwrapped toys and on December 13, udents, teachers and parent volunteers set up shop in aterson where over 300 families chose toys for their hildren. A salute to all in our community, including lumni, who supported the Drive this Christmas

Delbar ton Earns Top Platinum Award in AP Honor Roll

For the third consecutive year, Delbarton has been named to the 2024-2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction, the highest level in a program that includes Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum classifications Schools earn Advanced Placement School Honor Roll recognition for achievement in three categories of AP participation and performance using evidence-based criteria on the relationship between AP and college outcomes This year, Delbarton is offering seventy-three sections in thirty AP courses for students in grades 10 to 12 taught by thirty-two faculty member and in May, the school will surpass 1,155 administered AP exams in a single year

Homeboy Industries Founder Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J.

On November 13, Delbarton welcomed Jesuit priest Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program based in Los Angeles. Boyle was joined by two former gang members, Anthony and Brian, who spoke about their experiences growing up in gangdominated housing projects. Explaining the common mental health issues Homeboy programs address, Fr. Boyle said, “In the projects, mothers are either frightened or frightening There is no soothing ”

Receiving a standing ovation, Boyle invited Anthony and Brian back on stage to feel the affirmation they earned by sharing their stories with us. “Systems change when people change,” said Fr. Boyle as he ended his remarks. “And people change when they are cherished.”

Grant Brewster ’17 on Tactical Next Steps

On November 14, Grant Brewster ’17 spoke with Owen Steele’s Physics class and, later, with members of the Research in Science Club on What I wish I knew about tech: a tactical guide to the next phase of your life. “You have all been given the permissions to aim for true excellence. Not many people can say that,” said Brewster and encouraged boys to learn as much as that can as quickly as they can because ‘Information compounds’. Brewster graduated from UPenn magna cum laude with a degree in engineering. After several internships and jobs as a software engineer, he and a friend founded Goodlabs, a start-up that incentivizes blood donors by offering free blood-related lab tests.

Global Delba r ton Reloa ds for 2026

Spring and summer 2026 travel and exchange options were promoted on December 3 during the annual Global Programs Fair in the FAC introduced by Director of Global Programs Dan Pieraccini, a committed world traveler who confirmed that our graduating seniors often reference a Global Delbarton trip as their most impactful Delbarton experiences. Nine trips and exchanges were pitched, from East Africa and Southeast Asia to Belize, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland, Puerto Rico and West Virginia, and financial aid is available to qualifying students, proof of Delbarton’s ambitious goal that every student benefits from at least one travel, exchange and service program by graduation day

Daniel Meng ’27 and Ajay Tolia ’28 Named US Squash Scholar Athletes

Last fall, Daniel Meng ’27 and Ajay Tolia ’28 were named 2024-25 US Squash Scholar Athletes, joining an elite group of 300+ exceptional students nationwide who earned this distinction The US Squash Scholar Athlete Program honors studentathletes who exemplify the balance of academic excellence and athletic commitment Recipients maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher while competing regularly throughout the season an achievement that speaks both to discipline and time management Meng and Tolia are key contributors to the Delbarton squash program, consistently demonstrating the values central to the sport: dedication, resilience, and integrity. Their recognition reflects not only their performance on the court but also their determination in the classroom as student-athletes

Delbar ton Debaters Earns Gator Hardware

From October 29 to November 2, three Delbarton Varsity Public Forum teams competed at the University of Florida’s Blue Key Tournament in Gainesville where Michael Aiello ’26 and Raymond Xu ’26 emerged as tournament champions, returning home with some very impressive Floridianthemed hardware.

Teddy Franchetti ’29 Receives 2026 Cerasia Award

Teddy Franchetti ’29, pictured here with Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., received the annual 2026 Cerasia Award on February 4 at a Morning Meeting “This award is presented to a student who demonstrates perseverance and embodies the Delbarton motto Succisa Virescit, cut down, it grows back stronger,” Fr Michael said. Franchetti had to take an unexpected medical leave of absence early in his freshman year and returned this fall to join the Class of 2029. He is thriving and looked forward to playing lacrosse for the Green Wave this spring

Kent Place School Hosts MLK Forum

On January 22, Delbarton and Oak Knoll School students attended a Martin Luther King Forum at Kent Place School Organizers participated in four Zoom program-planning sessions prior to the event which addressed Dr. King’s legacy and message of nonviolence.

Delbarton in Elite 8 of International Public Policy Forum Debate

On April 17, five students traveled to New York University to compete in the International Public Policy Forum (IPPF) Elite 8 sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and NYU The team of Andrew Kapp ’27, Ryan Amin ’27, Holden Leidl ’27, John Dufner ’28 and Sebastian Thomas ’28 was selected from the largest and most internationally diverse field in IPPF history: 332 teams from 30 U.S. states and 39 countries. Sponsored by the Brewer Foundation and New York University, the

debate addressed whether nations should levy an education tax to support free, universal, quality education. In the final round, eight teams from the United States and around the world were competing in oral debates before a panel of judges including professionals from law, business, academia, and public policy While our Delbarton debaters ultimately did not take the top prize, we salute them for navigating to the top eight teams in this prestigious global competition

Madama Butterfly at The Met

On January 7, Italian language teachers Mike Del Guercio ’04 and Dan Pieraccini escorted their Italian IV and Italian AP classes to a dress rehearsal of Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera where, on the bus ride

Delbar ton Welcomes Incoming Students and Parents

On a snowy January 27, Delbarton welcomed new 2026-27 students and their families at the 2026 Accepted Students and Family Reception. After remarks from Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. and Dean of Admissions

Jake Ross P’30, boys heard from current students who shared stories about life at Delbarton, including advice on academic opportunities, athletic traditions, and Delbarton’s close-knit community Meanwhile, incoming parents connected during an reception as they embarked on an exciting new chapter with their sons

to and from the Met, opera singer, music teacher and Delbarton parent Ms. Laura Zupa D’Avella P’27 offered a two-part lecture on Madama Butterfly, Puccini and the technical aspects of operatic singing.

Delbarton Named #1 Best High School for Athletes in NYC Area

To kick off the new year, Delbarton received strong marks in Niche.com’s annual school rankings Niche combines extensive objective data with community feedback to evaluate schools nationwide, and Delbarton continues its tradition of excellence across academics, athletics, and the student experience

Delbarton secured the top position in several key statewide categories:

#1 Best Catholic High School in New Jersey

#1 Best All-Boys High School in New Jersey

#1 Best High School for Athletes in New Jersey

In the competitive New York City area rankings, which includes the five boroughs of NYC, surrounding counties in Downstate New York (Long Island, Hudson Valley), Northern/Central New Jersey, and Southwestern Connecticut, Delbarton was named

#1 Best High School for Athletes in the NYC area

#4 Best Catholic High School in the NYC area

#4 Best All-Boys High School in the NYC area

Th

Assessing more than 30,000 public and private schools across the country, Delbarton’s standout performance reflects the school’s continued commitment to academic rigor, athletic achievement, and a vibrant, supportive school culture Nationally, Delbarton has earned recognition for consistently strong performance across multiple categories:

#4 Best Catholic High School in America

#6 Best All-Boys High School in America

#9 Best High School for Athletes in America

Delbarton’s rankings underscore the school’s mission to develop young men of integrity, leadership, and service whether in the classroom, on the field, or beyond. These distinctions affirm what the Delbarton community already knows: this is a place where young men are empowered to grow, strive, and thrive. We’re grateful to our faculty and staff, families, alumni, and students whose ongoing support makes this recognition possible!

Proud to be par t of the Delbar ton community? We’d love for you to share your experience with a review on Niche. Every voice helps tell the story of what makes Delbar ton so special. Check out our Niche profile here.

Virtual Reality: The Medical Breakthrough?

By Christian B Editor-in Chief

tVirtual Reality (VR) in over the last decade has and its impact has been formative It offers innovative that enhance patient care cal training. VR allows one to themselves fully into a hile making it indistinfrom the real world. By now many people have experienced VR headsets used in games and simulators, but few have had the opportunity to use VR in perhaps its most significant application as simulators to real world applications.

VR is an immersive technology through the use of a headset that stimulates an environment It allows users to interact with the 3D space. VR can create realistic scenarios for training and therapy in a way that is different and more powerful than traditional methods. Sometimes additional sensory equipment is added such as sound, smell, motion sensors

and tactile feedback to further enhance the realism of the experience.

Augmented Reality (AR) enhances user experiences by overlaying digital information onto the real world, providing interactive and immersive environments. In medicine, AR assists in visualization during surgical procedures and helps surgeons access critical data in real-time. This improves decision-making and patient outcomes

Mixed Reality (MR) merges elements of both VR and AR, providing interactive experiences that blend real and virtual worlds. The use of this technology offers significant potential in medical training, allowing learners to safely practice procedures in a controlled virtual environment while perfecting their skill set. Extended Reality (XR) is the umbrella term that encompasses any or all of the immersive technologies (VR, AR, and MR).

Virtual Reality (VR) is now being used in medical schools to teach human anatomy.

At the time of this article there already have been over 4, 300 published articles regarding the use of VR in the medical community It is an application whose use is exploding and revolutionizing medicine.

One such use of VR is in diagnosis simulation. VR platforms simulate medical conditions, allowing physicians to educate patients on a current diagnosis or potential complication in the future Some examples include macular degeneration, hypertension and brain tumors. For instance, rather than verbally defining what macular degeneration is, a physician could use VR to simulate the changes one would experience while using a VR headset. Allowing one to experience a disease state helps illicit lifestyle changes, increase compliance with medical care, and illustrate to patients what they need to look out for Dr Spiegel at Cedars-Sinai Hospital published a study that showed how the experimental group

The use of VR is also changing how surgeons perform their surgeries. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) allows surgeons to receive real-time AI digital guidance and collaborate with experts remotely during

that used VR goggles to be educated on the effects of hypertension had long-term increased medication compliance and lifestyle changes compared to the control group.

Another study looked at how the use of VR to better explain an elective neurosurgical procedure resulted in a higher rate of physician trust, reduced presurgical patient anxiety as well as increased patient participation when used prior to obtaining informed consent.

VR is also now being used extensively during medical training. Immersive simulations of learning CPR and running a code as well as performing medical procedures all have VR applications. VR is especially helpful in allowing students to develop skills that require manual dexterity – from applying a central line, to suturing, to performing a laparoscopic surgery This ultimately leads to increased confidence in students and ultimately

Delbar ton junior Chr ist ian B arravecch io ser ves as Co-Editor-inChief of the Delbar ton Courier, where he leads the Science & Technology section A member of the Courier since ninth grade, he is interested in data science and machine learning and has explored these fields through research and vir tual internships focused on real-world applications At Delbar ton, Christian ser ves as a Student Ambassador and is a member of the Volleyball Team Outside the classroom, he volunteers at a local nursing home and cofounded Impactful Changemakers, a nonprofit suppor ting dementia patients He also maintains a personal blog, The Think Tank, focused on innovation and technology.

better patient outcomes. There are also VR simulations where a doctor in training acts as an avatar in the immersive world and has to interact to make real time decisions in a virtual world full of real-world scenarios In addition, the patient in this scenario can be fully autonomous or played by the instructor

Many medical schools are now transitioning to using 3D VR for anatomical dissection and learning in place of an actual cadaver or as a complementary tool. This allows for more student access, better review, and decreased costs

VR is also an effective tool for healthcare providers with regards to empathy training It helps clinicians enhance their interactions with patients by simulating real-life scenarios and learn how different actions can lead to different outcomes before actually engaging patients in the real world

VR is also used in the field of pain management By using VR to distract patients, providers are able to reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain in their patients Some common uses include dental procedures, phlebotomy and minor procedures in children.

Because of its realistic and immersive nature, mental health professionals can work with patients using VR to gradually reduce one’s phobia and create an impactful change.

The use of VR and AR is not only rapidly changing how surgeons are trained, but how they actually perform their surgeries. The use of AR allows surgeons to receive real-time AI digital guidance as well as collaborate with experts from other locations while they operate Modalities such as gamified VR physical rehabilitation allow patients to increase engagement and motivation all while improving outcomes. VR use in therapy is particularly beneficial for stroke and post amputation By allowing the body to “believe” it is functioning as “normal” via VR, recovery times in many instances actually become enhanced

The integration of AI into VR is just starting. In time it will allow personalized experiences and solutions with the end goal of improving patient outcomes and experiences. For instance, Zaya by Cedars-Sinai, is now readily available via the Apple or Google store and is already utilized by thousands on a daily basis She is a mental health counselor and is one hundred percent AI generated. She has the ability to have actual conversations with patients and render appropriate therapy.

There is no telling where the integration of Virtual Reality and medicine will ultimately lead, but it is abundantly clear that it is here to stay and will forever shape the real world we live in

Medical schools use 3D VR for anatomical dissection and learning in place of actual cadaver or as a complementary tool

Special thanks to my father Dr. Anthony Barravecchio for giving me vir tual access to the OMED 2025 lecture from Dr Linday Van Dine who is an exper t in this field and the main source of the information presented in this ar ticle.

Delbarton Teacher Helps Recreate Irish History

By Jessica Fiddes

ODelbarton Latin teacher

Dr Theresa O’Bryne

ber 22, 2025, Delbarton Latin teacher Dr. Theresa O’Bryne Dublin, Ireland presenting Doorways into the Past: Two Cook operties of the Guild of St Anne at the Royal Irish Academy’s ebrating the online release of 900 deeds from Dublin’s Guild ne on the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (VRTI).

Building the VRTI has been a massive undertaking employing the skills and tenacity of researchers around the world, including Dr. O’Byrne.

The Guild of St. Anne was a medieval organization founded 1430 known for its extensive archives detailing Dublin’s social, civic, and economic history Now part of the collections of the Royal Irish Academy, the deeds of the Guild of St Anne represent an unparalleled collection of material relating to everyday urban life in medieval Dublin. The documents offer a rare insight into the lives of medieval women in Dublin, demonstrating the limitations and freedoms they had in property transactions. The image gallery shows the history and evolution of women’s seals and marks on property transactions from 1330 to 1723.

On left, Seal of Mary Whitshead

Deeds of the Guild of St Anne, 9 George I, Item 1 (13 February 1723) - By 1723, the heavy wax seals hanging from the bottom of the parchment have been done away with in favor of an image impressed into several drops of wax poured directly on the document itself.

700 Years of Irish History Up in Smoke

The Anglo-Irish Treaty of December 6, 1921, established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion. Full separation finally occurred in 1949 with the Republic of Ireland Act separating the country from the Commonwealth and declaring the country a republic.

On June 28, 1922, the new Provisional Government (National Army), supporting the Anglo-Irish Treaty, fought against anti-Treaty factions of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) marking the start of the Irish Civil War. Two days later, on June 30, with heavy street fighting, the two factions faced off at Dublin’s main court complex leading to significant destruction and casualties. Anti-Treaty IRA forces took over the Four Courts complex. Suddenly, in part of the complex, the

Nationa Office, a the area y National Army Destroyed in the fire were church records, property deeds, tax receipts, legal documents, financial data, census returns and state secrets dating back to the Middle Ages.

Initials and signatures demonstrate a range of writing proficiency, including this highly confident signature of Mary Whitshead on a February 3, 1723 document

In an instant, seven hundred years of archival Irish history had been wiped out.

Occurring so soon after World War I, Ireland suddenly had lost the core of its recorded history and culture While the Civil War ended on May 24, 1923, political turmoil continued. From the late 1960s to 1998, Northern Ireland was embroiled in an ethno-nationalist conflict known as the Troubles.

On June 30, 1922, the Irish Civil War began between the new Provisional Government (National Army) and the Irish Republican Army (IRA). With heavy street fighting around Dublin’s main court complex, the National Public Record Office suddenly was rocked by a massive explosion that destroyed records and legal documents dating back to the Middle Ages In an instant, seven hundred years of Irish history was wiped out

Seal of the Provostship

The founding charter of the Guild of St. Anne provides for a guild comprising both men and women dedicated to St. Anne, the mother of Mary The leadership of the Guild throughout its history, particularly the master and two wardens of the Guild, was predominantly male, however, the Guild had many female members, and by the late 16th century several women were taking an active role in Guild governance, acting as witnesses on legal documents.

February 4, 1428 - In the late Middle Ages, women’s seals and marks were subject to extra scrutiny in the same way the seal of someone new to the Dublin community or someone who was otherwise inactive in civic life or in property transactions might be scrutinized When a grantor’s seal was largely unknown, the Seal of the Provostship of Dublin was frequently used as a further means of authentication, regardless of the gender of the grantor. The infrequency of legal transactions by widows meant that deeds in which the grantor is a widow were more likely to have the extra authentication of the Seal of the Provostship

Leather pouch for carrying large rolls of parchment accounts records. The pouch is in the United Kingdom’s National Archives.

Seals of William Walshe and wife Alson Scherreffe (formerly wife of William Pyppard).

Seal of the Guild of St. Anne

But all was not lost. Over the past eight years, a comprehensive, global research project has transformed the public documents destroyed in the fire into an impressive example of intentional reconstruction Historians, librarians and digital researchers based at Trinity College in Dublin and around the world have successfully located copies of 250,000-plus pages of these lost records. Research sleuths like Dr O’Byrne have scoured books and records in far-flung libraries and archives, including several in the United States Digital copies are made of the documents and entered in the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, the online reconstruction of the archive

Dr. Peter Crooks, VRTI Director, said, “Cultural loss is sadly a very prominent theme in the world right now, and I don’t think there is an example like this, where there’s been so much international cooperation in the reconstruction of a lost archive. It shows that the collective culture of many countries can be brought

together to achieve a goal. Borders are fluid.”

O’Byrne’s research focused on 900 deeds dating from 1275-1798 which are a veritable treasure trove of information about the history and growth of western Dublin. Working on this project as lead researcher in her free time for the past two years, she helped a team produce a searchable English-language catalog of the (mostly) Latin deeds.

She also recently published an article on Anglo-Irish notaries working for the Archbishops of Armagh in the 15th c. that is available on the VRTI website

Back in the Delbarton classroom from her presentation in Ireland, what is O’Byrne’s next step? “I’m taking a victory lap right now with the Guild documents,” she says “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.”

The Royal Irish Academy, Dublin

Bumper ball competition, Spirit Week 2026

arts DELBARTON

N E W S

Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco

On October 31, November 1 and 2, Delbarton Abbey Players presented a well-received production of Eugène Ionesco’s 1959 play Rhinoceros, a drama that explores the themes of culture, conformity, responsibility, logic, mob mentality, philosophy and morality

Yale Whiffenpoofs at Delbar ton

After a free, public concert in the Delbarton Fine Arts Center theater on November 13, on November 14 the Yale Whiffenpoofs performed for Delbarton students Typically formally attired in white tie and tails, they went casual for the official Dress Down Day at Delbarton where they offered a medley of songs. For their finale, the Whiffenpoofs performed Michael Buble’s I Just Haven’t Met You Yet with Delbarton’s acapella group The Benedictones.

The Year in Concerts

Three seasonal Music Concerts on October 16, March 4, and May 19, and a Christmas Concert on December 17, showcased the talent of Delbarton musicians and vocalists.

How to Succeed in Business

a satirical musical comedy about an aspirational window washer who climbs the corporate ladder by following a handbook, managing to rise from mailroom clerk to chairman of the board through wit, charm, and scheming. Delbarton actors and visiting thespians brought the musical to life for Delbarton audiences.

After an AP Art Preview last fall, on February 2 the Art Department hosted its annual AP Art Reception for artists, family and friends in the FAC In April, a Spring Student Art Exhibit featured works by Delbarton underclassmen.

GLOBAL

7th Grade Passpor ts

Delbarton makes travel, language and service accessible, with the aspirational goal that every student experiences at least one travel, exchange or service mission by his graduation day The school offers financial aid for travel to students who qualify.

This year Dan Pieraccini, Director of Global Programs and faculty member Dr. Rachel Carlson devised a new way to inspire 7th grade World Language and Culture students to explore the many microcultures we have on campus. Using a passport booklet, 7th graders collected stamps by attending cultural activities including celebrations like Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Black History events. The goal was to increase awareness of campus diversity, and incentivize students to join Global Delbarton programs in grades 9 to 12.

S ummer Travel

For upperclassmen, Delbarton offers nine opportunities to see the world this spring and summer, including trips to:

l BEADS (East Africa) Mr. Theroux

l Belize Scuba Diving Mr Martin

l Bethlehem Farms (West Virginia) Mr Fitzgerald

l Glenstal Exchange (Ireland) Fr. Edward

France

Welcoming Guests from Les Char treux in Lyons

In late March, Delbarton welcomed six exchange students and one chaperone from Les Chartreux in Lyons, France who were greeted at Newark Airport by Delbarton hosts, part of our ongoing global exchange program Founded in 1825, Les Chartreux is a private Roman Catholic Carthusian school that serves 2,600 students from ages 2 to 22 located i the 1st arrondissement of Lyons, on the hill

l Lyons, French Exchange (France) Mme. Adigun l German Exchange Mr Conn l Puer to Rico Service Trip Dr Negrin l Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Thailand and

Montana

The Delbarton varsity ski team program sponsors an annual trip to Montana, often ringing in the New Year by training at venues such as Hardscrabble Ranch, owned by Kris and Peter Stewar t ‘86. This Montana trip serves as a key, high-altitude training component early in their season before they compete in New Jersey competitions where, in 2026, an unusually cold winter created relatively favorable ski conditions for much of the season

Ireland

Glenstal Abbey Exchange

After the Immaculate Conception Mass on December 8, exchange students from Glenstal Abbey School in Limerick gathered for a group photo with Fr. Michael, Director of Global Programs Dan Pieraccini, exchange chaperones and Delbarton student hosts The Glenstal boys spent several busy weeks touring the area, attending classes at Delbarton and visiting Washington, DC

STEM Report |

By Brian Theroux, Science Department Chair

Robotics Competition

The Delbarton Robotics and Engineering teams went undefeated at the Upper Central League Meet in Somerset on December 13, delivering standout performances that boosted their league and state rankings. Competing among 52 league teams and 208 statewide, Delbotics rose to 2nd in the league and 4th in the state after a 5–0 day highlighted by a meet-high 140-point match and 11

Science Olympiad at NJIT

autonomous artifacts Mechanical Wave finished 5–0, earning the best overall meet performance, climbing to 6th in the league and 15th statewide. Both teams continued strong midseason momentum. Team Delbotics was led by Raymond Xu ’26, Makayo Cheung ’28, Daniel Meng ’27, Riley Ross ’26 and Christopher Conely ’27. Team Mechanical Wave was led by Mason Chu ’28, Ivan Petrov ’30, Zach Wan ’28 and Max Lin ’29.

Eight members of Delbarton’s Research in Science Club, pictured here with Club co-moderator Owen Steele, competed in the New Jersey Regional Science Olympiad at NJIT on January 7, marking the school’s first participation in many years Although the team entered only five of the fourteen events, students delivered strong performances across disciplines including Disease Detectives, Engineering CAD, Electric Vehicle, Forensics, and Entomology Highlights included a fourth-place finish in Disease Detectives and a fifthplace solo finish in Engineering CAD. Team members gained valuable experience in scientific problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation and look forward to competing in future Science Olympiads

2026 Terra Nor th Jersey STEM Fair

At the 2026 Terra North Jersey STEM Fair, Jake Caravello ’27 ’s project Indole Based Inhibition of T4 Bacteriophage Through Targeting of the gp21 Protease Active Site won the Chemistry Award for the Fair’s top scoring chemistry project. Jake also won a third-place category award and the Kean University STEM Scholar Award, which includes a full scholarship for the Group Summer Scholars Research Program, a 4-week research experience alongside scientists working on cutting-edge research projects.

Max Reiter ’27 was one of a handful of Behavioral Science researchers to advance to phase 2 judging at Kean University. Max’s project on Anxiety’s Effects on Classroom Management was conducted at Delbarton with the help of AP Psychology teachers Matt Crane and Rick Cimino, and support from Director of Guidance Dr. Matt D’Urso ’96.

Sophomore Makayo Cheung ’28, pictured on far right with Research in Science Club moderator Brian Theroux, Jake Caravello ’27 and Max Reiter ’27, placed third in the Engineering category with his project on Autonomous Drone Navigation in GPSDenied Environments for Forest Management. Makayo also won the Naval Science Award from the Office of Naval Research, and the IEEE New Jersey Young Engineer Award. IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization that is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

Michael Xu ’26 at Phoenix Junior Academy of Science Convention

Earlier this year, Michael Xu ’26 represented Delbarton and the state of New Jersey at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and American Junior Academy of Science Convention in Phoenix, AZ with his project Tree Planting Drones: Developing Extended-Range Flight.

Parent Organizations

Many Delbarton mothers and fathers get deeply involved in Delbarton Mothers Guild (DMG), Fathers & Friends (F&F), Parents Council on Diversity and Inclusion (PCDI), Arts Boosters, Athletic Boosters and the Delbarton Fund Parent Committee Our parents also join Delbarton Parents of Graduates (DPGA) after their sons’ graduate, staying connected to each other and the school We never take our parents for granted and we appreciate the time, talent and energy they consistently contribute to the unique, dynamic life of the school

January

• DMG Christmas Decoration Take Down

• F&F Beefsteak Dinner

• DMG Body & Soul

• DMG Book Club

• F&F Nourish NJ Volunteer Event

• F&F Homeless Solutions Volunteer Event

• DMG Meeting

• DPGA Pop-up Night

February

• F&F Homeless Solutions Volunteer Event

• Mom’s Night Out – Galentine’s Celebration

February

• DMG Body & Soul

• PCDI Celebration of Black History and Culture

• F&F Nourish NJ Volunteer Event

• Delbarton Gala

• DMG Book Club

• DMG Meeting

March

• Interfaith Iftar Fast and Feast

• DMG Lenten Morning of Reflection

• PCDI Lunar New Year Celebration

• DMG Senior Mothers Dinner

• DMG Body & Soul

• Delbarton Fund Current Parent Committee Meeting

April

• DMG Body & Soul

• DMG Spring Faculty & Staff Appreciation Day

• 2026 Delbarton Blood Drive

• DMG Meeting

• DPGA Wine & Whiskey Evening

• PCDI End of Year Social

May

• DMG Spring Luncheon

• Delbarton Fund Volunteer Breakfast

• Mom’s Night Out – Cinco de Mayo Celebration

• DMG Body & Soul

• Grandparent’s Day Mass and Breakfast

June

• F&F Golf Outing

• DPGA End of Year Social

The Delbarton Fund Supports Campus Maintenance

Each day, the Delbarton Experience happens all over our 187-acre campus in newly renovated science labs, Trinity Hall classrooms, St Benedict Hall, FAC theater and art studios, Ryan Crane ’95 Business Center, the Peter O’Neill ’59 Alumni Center in Old Main, the Formal Garden, the Abbey Church, 40 Acres Athletic Complex and the Pizzo Family Field House Thanks to its unique beauty, the property is deeply appreciated by current students and families, and by alumni who return each Homecoming to revisit their favorite spots on campus.

The care and maintenance of each of these modern and historic facilities is supported by the Delbarton Fund, a strategic resource which provides vital, unrestricted assistance that represents more than 12% of our annual operating budget. In fact, donations to the Fund are a direct investment in the school that benefits each student, every day.

Enjoy this Delbarton campus tour…

Suppor t the Care and Upkeep of Delbar ton Campus

Your gift today helps maintain the function and beauty of our grounds and facilities. To make an investment in Delbarton School before June 30, scan the code, and thank you for your support!

Pizzo Family Field House

Debuting in April 2023, Pizzo Family Field House is the home of Delbarton Lacrosse, Football, Track, Cross-Country, Tennis, and Wrestling The facility includes locker rooms for seven sports, a wrestling room, a Strength and Conditioning Center, event spaces, concession stands, and offices In every season, Delbarton student athletes make excellent use of the building’s outstanding facilities and equipment, an investment in the overall excellence of the athletic program currently ranked #1 in the NYC area by Niche com

Fine Arts Center

Dedicated in 2006, the Fine Arts Center includes a 660-seat theater, well-equipped art studios, including pottery wheels and kilns, music instruction and rehearsal spaces, classrooms, offices, and the Ryan Crane ’95 Business Center with its dozen Bloomberg terminals For many Delbarton musicians, artists and performers, the FAC serves as their second home

St. Benedict Hall

Opened in April 2021, St. Benedict Hall is home to the Khubani Library, Spada Commons, the Guidance Center, the Hayes Room, College Counseling offices, a Media Room, multipurpose collaborative workspaces and three classrooms Featuring comfortable furnishings and quiet ambiance, the Khubani Library is another popular space on campus

Trinity Hall

Opened in 1959, Trinity Hall marked the advent of a ‘new Delbarton’ and replaced Old Main, formerly known as “Old Everything”, as the center of school life. Sixty-seven years later, Trinity Hall now offers renovated, state of the art classrooms, a popular Student Commons and serves as the busy academic and social hub of Delbarton communal life

Old

Main

The original Kountze mansion completed in 1883, Old Main is home to the Peter L O’Neill ’59 Alumni Center, the Business Office, the Advancement and Alumni Office, the Marketing and Communications Office, several formal entertaining spaces, and the Delbarton Mothers Guild Delbarton Shop. The new Delbarton Career Center debuts on the third floor in fall 2026, and Old Main remains the centerpiece of campus.

The Formal Garden

Created by Luther Kountze in the early 1900s, the Formal Garden at Delbarton features a columned pergola and significant 19th-century statues, including works attributed to Giovanni Marchiori Several original statues attributed to Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini now reside in the Metropolitan Museum. The Garden is a central, contemplative space used for community events including an iconic post-commencement reception

The Abbey Church

40 Acres Athletic Complex

The Forty Acres Athletic Complex is home to Ryan Family Field (Varsity Soccer, Freshman Lacrosse) and Brian E Fleury Field (Varsity Baseball). Forty Acres includes a field house with locker rooms, restrooms, concession stands and batting cages Fleury Field honors the late Delbarton Athletic Director and Varsity Baseball Coach Brian Fleury P’19. For Green Wave soccer and baseball players, 40 Acres quickly becomes their home away from home.

Consecrated on July 16, 1966, the Abbey Church is where the Delbarton community gathers for religious services throughout the year The fortresslike red brick exterior contrasts with the stark grey of concrete blocks interior and a deep blue girdered ceiling The focal point of this modern house of worship is the massive central altar, a three-ton block of Mankato Minnesota marble The Anne Estabrook Dining Hall, which serves 650 students and one hundred staff members each day, is located in the lower level of the Abbey Church

Fr. Stephen Findlay, O.S.B. Science Pavilion

The Findlay Pavilion connects to Trinity Hall and includes combined classroom-laboratories thanks to a bottom-to-top renovation completed this August and faculty offices. It is also the home of the Makerspace and Delbarton Incubator with a Technology Center, Athletic Department, Security offices and classrooms on the ground floor Outside, the Bus Loop is a busy transit hub during mornings and afternoons

Why I Teach

By Andrew Lyman

Infant from bia. My ns, met Manhattan 1970s.

They eventually became music teachers and dreamed of starting a family. When they discovered they could not have children, they turned to adoption.

My parents traveled from Newark to Bucaramanga, a city in the Santander region of Colombia known as “The City of Parks.” My mother often recalls the moment I was placed in her arms at the airport She later told me that she had always wanted “ to save a life.” The Colombian family who hosted my

parents welcomed them warmly and made sure they were never alone in an unfamiliar place After a brief stay, my parents brought me to Bogotá for a medical examination before returning to the United States My birth name was Andrés Ríos, but when I arrived in my new home, I became Andrew Lyman

Music was part of my life from the very beginning My father is a harpist, and my mother, who taught music for many years in the Tenafly, New Jersey public schools, could seemingly play and teach every instrument. When I was three, my mother began teaching me on a 1/6th sized violin. I practiced daily and even performed short concerts

Andrew Lyman is a valued member of the Delbarton faculty. He has a B.M., Music Education, Rutgers University, and M.A., Music Education, Montclair State University and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.

at my preschool. Despite those early experiences, the violin never quite felt like the right fit

When I was five, my mother brought home a cornet, a smaller version of the trumpet. She showed me how to make a sound on the mouthpiece, and

when I tried the instrument itself, a clear tone came out immediately In that moment something clicked. The trumpet became my instrument and, over time, my voice

At first, practicing was not always easy I remember nights of frustration and tears when my mother insisted that I continue. But slowly the discipline of practice turned into something I embraced on my own. By third grade I was practicing independently, and by fourth grade I began formal private lessons Music gave me

s o m e t h i n g to fo c u s o n a n d

s o m e t h i n g i n w h i c h I co u l d ta ke p r i d e

Elementary school was challenging for another reason: I had a severe stutter. Simple phrases could take twenty seconds to say I often felt embarrassed and was teased frequently by classmates. Yet music became the place where I felt free When I played the trumpet or sang, my voice flowed without hesitation With the help of a dedicated speech therapist, I gradually learned techniques to overcome my stutter, including shaping speech through rhythm and melody. Once again, music provided the path forward

The church also played a central role in my life Growing up in the Lutheran church gave me countless opportunities to

perform and participate in a community centered on faith, service, and gratitude Whether singing or playing trumpet, the church became a place where I felt both challenged and supported.

By middle school and high school, music had opened many doors. I auditioned for county, regional, state, and national ensembles and performed in a variety of groups. My first professional job came as a high school sophomore when I was recommended to play trumpet for a community theater production of The Wiz. I loved the collaborative energy of theater and the way music brought together people from

different backgrounds in pursuit of a shared goal.

After high school, I attended Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where I earned my degree in Music Education. One unforgettable experience during those years was performing trumpet at the 2001 U.S. Open Women’s Final featuring Venus and Serena Williams. A trumpet ensemble was assembled, and we performed alongside a gospel choir and the legendary Diana Ross.

One of the most influential teachers in my life was conductor Kynan Johns at Rutgers. During conducting lessons, he would challenge me

At Delbarton, Andrew Lyman is Director of the Beginner Band, Guitar Ensemble, Jazz Band, Symphony Orchestra and Music Ministry He also serves as the Freshman Moderator, overseeing a smooth transition for every member of the freshman class. Lyman has also launched a series of arts programs as part of the Summer at Delbarton sports and academic program

After a decade in Woodcliff Lake public schools, Lyman became Music Director at The Peck School in Morristown where he taught for seven years and launched instrumental and musical theater programs that continue today.

with difficult orchestral and operatic scores When I struggled, he would pause and ask a simple question: “Mr. Lyman, sink or swim?” His words were not meant to discourage but to remind me that growth requires perseverance That question, sink or swim, has stayed with me throughout my life and career

After graduating from Rutgers in 2005, I began teaching in the Woodcliff Lake public schools, where I spent nine years building the music and theater program After nearly a decade in Woodcliff Lake, I sought new opportunities and became Music Director for grades 5–8 at The Peck School. For seven years I taught choir and music appreciation classes, while starting instrumental and musical theater programs that continue today

Five years ago, my journey brought me to Delbarton

At Delbarton I have found a community that values both excellence and humility, a place where education extends beyond the classroom and into the formation of character. The Benedictine tradition emphasizes balance, discipline, and respect for the dignity of each individual, values that resonate deeply with my own experiences as a student and musician.

Music, at its best, embodies these same ideals. Ensemble playing is exactly like a team sport. It requires listening, patience, collaboration, and trust Each musician contributes a voice, yet the success of the whole depends on the

One of the most influential teachers in Andrew Lyman’s life was conductor Kynan Johns at Rutgers who would challenge him with difficult orchestral and operatic scores.

community working together. In many ways, the rehearsal room becomes a small reflection of the broader Benedictine commitment to community and shared purpose

When I arrive on campus each day, I am reminded why I teach Music gave me confidence when I struggled to speak, opportunity when I needed direction, and mentors who challenged me to grow. At Delbarton, I hope to offer my students the same gift: a place where they can discover their voice, develop discipline, and learn the value of contributing to something larger than themselves.

My journey as a teacher continues here, guided by the same question my mentor once asked me: when faced with a challenge, will we sink or will we swim?

sport shorts

By Jared Lowy

Jayden James ’26 Captures Gold in Athens

Last summer, Jayden James ’26, a Penn State wrestling commit, captured the gold medal in men’s freestyle 71 kg at the 2025 U17 World Wrestling Championships in Athens, delivering a dominant and technically brilliant performance on the world stage. In five consecutive bouts, he dismantled 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 the freestyle team championship.

James’s path through the tournament showcased his ability to score early, control the tempo, and stay composed under pressure His semifinal victory a dramatic pin while the match was tied 3-3 was one of the tournament’s most electrifying moments

James’s gold was crucial in an incredible team comeback for the United States Entering the final

session, the Americans trailed Iran in team points. But with four finalists including James Team USA needed to win every gold medal match and hope Iran came up short. That’s exactly what happened The U S won all four finals, edging out Iran 154-150 to claim the team championship in freestyle.

“As most people know, wrestling is truly an international sport, practiced in all corners of the world,” says head wrestling coach Bryan Stoll. “To get the opportunity to compete against the best in your age group on the planet is amazing. To win, 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.”

United World Wrestling

Green Wave sports fans are all in.

Emily Leamy

In Memory of Delbarton Dad and Coach Nick Mangold P’29

John Thompson Inducted Into 2025 NJ Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame

Delbarton celebrated a historic milestone on January 11 as longtime Varsity Tennis Head Coach

John Thompson was inducted into the 2025 New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Thompson was honored for his extraordinary tenure as head coach of the storied Delbarton tennis program, a position he has held since 1992 Over more than three decades, Thompson has established one of the most dominant programs in the state, amassing over 700 career coaching victories and setting a standard of excellence that few programs can match.

This fall, the Delbarton community, led by the Varsity Football coaches and team, mourned the passing on October 25 of Nick Mangold P’29, a Delbarton father of four and a dedicated member of our Varsity Football staff, who had battled a kidney-related illness since 2006 Nick Mangold was a former professional football player who spent his entire 11-season career as a center with the New York Jets of the National Football League. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. His career highlights included two All-Pro awards and a seven-time Pro Bowl player. Our community continues to hold Nick’s devoted wife Jennifer Mangold P’29 and his family in our prayers.

includes William Regan (Football, 1965), Wayne Gardiner (Track, 2000), John Kowalik (Football, 2005), Chuck Ruebling (Lacrosse, 2005), David Donovan (Soccer, 2006) and Bruce Shatel (Baseball and Hockey, 2024).

Thompson’s induction further strengthens Delbarton’s deep legacy within the NJ Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He is the seventh Delbarton coach to receive the honor, joining an elite group that

Celebrating John’s induction were his Delbarton colleagues, from left, Peter O’Connell, Mike Carr, Dan Whalen, Patrick Savidge, Dan Desplaines, Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., Josh Har tle, David Donovan, Brian Bowers and Christopher Dittrick, and former Delbarton faculty member Ed Thompson

Emily Leamy P 23

Dan DesPlaines

Cross Country

Delbar ton Cross Country, led by Head Coach Colin Frost, put together a strong and consistent 2025 season, finishing with a 5–1 record in NJAC dual meets. The Green Wave earned regular-season victories over Montville, Chatham, Mendham, Randolph, and Morris Hills, showing reliable depth and improvement throughout the fall.

In championship competition, Delbarton delivered solid team performances, placing fourth at the NJAC Championships and third at the CTC-Championships, continuing the program’s tradition of competing hard in big-race environments.

The team was anchored by a veteran group, led by senior Matthew O’Reilly ’26 and juniors Todd Smith, Jr. ’27, and Ryan Leuenberger ’27, who earned First Team All-Conference honors for his standout season Their leadership and consistency helped guide a young roster.

With key contributors returning next year and a strong foundation established, Delbarton Cross Country remains well-positioned going into the fall of 2026

Emily Leamy P ’23

Soccer

Led by Head Coach Dr. David Donovan, Delbarton Soccer concluded a resilient 2025 campaign with a 175-1 record and a conference championship. Starting the season 7-0, a late September stretch (0-3-1) pushed the Green Wave, but responded by surging with six straight victories, including signature wins over Chatham and MKA and a draw against national power Chaminade

In the NJSIAA Tournament, Delbarton dominated St. Joe’s Regional (6-0) and Bergen Catholic (2-1) to reach the sectional final against #1 ranked St. Benedict’s

Prep. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, freshman Cor tland Mar tin ’29 scored twice to force overtime Though they ultimately fell 3-2, the performance solidified Delbarton’s status as a national competitor.

Key Contributors were seniors Peter Lines ’26, Owen Miller ’26, Skanda Damaraju ’26 and Henry Kovacs ’26, juniors Dylan Mazzarella ’27 (First-Team, AllState) and Liam Murphy ’27 and Underclassmen Peter Wynne ’28, Cortland Martin ’29 and Matt Brusco ’29. With a deep, young core returning, the future remains extraordinarily bright for the Green Wave.

Emily Leamy P ’23

Football

Brian Bowers, concluded the 2025 season with a 4-5 record against one of New Jersey’s most challenging schedules. Facing top-tier opponents from New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, the Green Wave gained valuable experience throughout the fall.

After tough road losses to St Edward’s and Malvern Prep, Delbarton found its rhythm at home with a 35-6 win over Monsignor Farrell The team secured further victories against Seton Hall Prep and Pope John, highlighted by a dominant 28-6 performance over DePaul Catholic. Despite losses to several nationally recognized programs, the Green Wave earned the #6 seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public A playoffs, eventually falling to #3 St. Joseph Regional in the quarterfinals

The offense was powered by senior running back Matt Tafuri ’26 (West Point), first-year starting quarterback Gavin Gilardi ’28, receiver Grant Van Raaphorst ’28, and back Kobe IrbyMason ’27. The defense remained steady behind Chris Dadas ’26 (Stonehill College), Nick Stoll ’26 (Franklin & Marshall), Devin Mar tin ’26 (Hamilton College), Emmett Caughey ’26 and Michael Sclafani ’26 (Columbia). With many key players returning and the foundation firmly in place, the program is well-positioned for continued growth next fall.

Emily Leamy P ’23

Basketball

Delbarton Basketball, coached by Matt Crane, finished the 2025–26 season with a 16–10 record, competing against a challenging schedule that included matchups with Seton Hall Prep, St. Benedict’s Prep, and Oratory Prep, along with NJAC opponents Mendham and Montville.

The Green Wave also performed well at the JP Flynn Tournament, finishing 2–1 against strong competition. During the regular season, Delbarton earned several notable victories, including wins over Morristown Beard, Oratory Prep, Ridge, and Regis High School (NY), demonstrating the team’s ability to compete with both local and regional programs

Their consistent play throughout the winter earned Delbarton a home game in the NJSIAA Non-Public A Tournament In the opening round, the Green Wave battled Paramus Catholic in a tightly contested game before falling 65–61, bringing the season to a close

Several players delivered strong performances throughout the year Senior Günther Neumann ’26 (Franklin and Marshall) provided steady scoring and experience, while junior Austin Kolakowski ’27 and sophomore Stephen Kmetz ’28 continued to develop into key contributors for the program. Kolakowski was recognized for his standout season with First Team AllConference and Second Team All-County honors

Inside presence and leadership was provided by senior captain Veer Dhall ’26, whose play in the paint and steady approach helped anchor the team throughout the season. With a mix of experienced leadership and returning young talent, the Green Wave gained valuable experience that will help guide the program moving forward in 2027.

Hockey

Delbarton Hockey delivered an outstanding 2025–26 season under head coach Bruce Shatel, capturing the Gordon Division title, Gordon Cup, and the NJSIAA Non-Public State Championship for the second consecutive year. The Green Wave finished 20–1–3 overall, remaining undefeated against New Jersey opponents.

The team’s success was built on defensive reliability and elite goaltending from sophomore Paul Insauto ’28 and Ryan White ’27, who never allowed more than three goals in a single game. After securing the Gordon Cup with a 3–2 win over Don Bosco Prep, Delbarton marched through the NJSIAA Tournament, defeating Gill St. Bernard’s, Princeton Day School, and St. Augustine to reach the state final

In a dramatic championship game at the Prudential Center against Don Bosco Prep,

the Green Wave trailed 2–0 midway through the third period. Power-play goals from Sean O’Gwen ’27 and co-captain Matteo Conte ’26 forced overtime, where senior cocaptain Aidan Pasic ’26 netted the game-winner to clinch the 3–2 victory.

Pasic led the offense with 46 points, earning nj.com Player of the Year and First Team All-State honors Assistant captain Egor Andreev ’26 added 33 points, while Michael Pirot ’27 and defenseman Matthew Peng ’27 provided key contributions The defense was anchored by Conte and O’Gwen. Following their dominant run, the team was honored as the nj com Boys Hockey Team of the Year, with Pasic, O’Gwen, Andreev, and Marco Zimovcak ’27 receiving First Team, All-State Honors

Squash Bowling

Delbarton Bowling marked a season of growth, resilience, and emerging potential under head coach Kacy Kane. Facing a demanding schedule, the Green Wave used early setbacks to gain experience and improve steadily Delbarton found its rhythm, led by strong performances from Devin Mar tin ’26, Christian Ciottariello ’26, and Noah Ciottariello ’27, with key contributions from Rober t Lannon ’26 and Michael Sclafani ’26 Wins over Madison, MCST, and Dover highlighted their competitiveness. The team posted a 1,000+ game and multiple 600 series. Despite an 8–12 record, Delbarton built cohesion and momentum for continued progress

Delbarton Squash finished the 2025–26 season with a 7–11 record under head coach Craig Paris ’82, competing against a demanding schedule that included strong in-state and out-of-state programs.

Throughout the winter, the Green Wave faced experienced opponents while steadily developing as a team Notable victories over Poly Prep, Malvern Prep, City Squash, and Fordham Prep demonstrated Delbarton’s ability to compete with respected programs across the region.

The season concluded on a high note at the U.S. High School National Championships in Philadelphia

Entering as the #1 seed in Division 5, the Green Wave delivered an outstanding performance, winning every match to capture the Division 5 national title. Led by William Choi-Seem ’27, Daniel Meng ’27 and James Ward ’26, Delbarton defeated St. Mark’s, Greenwich Country Day, and Bronxville before securing the championship with a win over Concord Academy.

Skiing

Delbarton Ski coached by Ken Johnson completed a productive 2025–26 season highlighted by strong participation, steady improvement, and several notable individual accomplishments. The team began its preparation with a successful preseason training trip to Hardscrabble Ranch, where athletes spent four days training at Bridger Bowl in Montana.

Once competition began in New Jersey, the team benefited from favorable winter conditions throughout the season The season presented its challenges early, as the team worked to recover from a difficult opening race and a key disqualification later in the schedule Despite those setbacks, Delbarton continued to improve throughout the winter and finished the regular season ranked fourth entering the State Championships

The postseason provided several highlights. Pierce Weiss ’26, Cur t Friedrich ’27, John Mermel ’27, Alex Dobrescu ’27 and Car ter McMahon ’29 represented Delbarton at the Race of Champions, where Friedrich captured the boys Race of Champions title Mermel also advanced to compete at the Eastern Regional Championships in New Hampshire, where he placed 2nd amongst NJ skiers in the slalom event, marking another strong individual achievement for the program.

With continued development and a committed group of athletes, Delbarton Ski looks forward to building on this year’s progress in the seasons ahead

Kathyrn McKeeverPhotography

Wrestling

Delbarton Wrestling, led by head coach Bryan Stoll, delivered another exceptional season in 2025–26, finishing with an 18–2 record against elite national competition. The Green Wave excelled at premier events, taking third at the Ironman Tournament (OH), fourth at the Doc Buchanan Invitational, and capturing team titles at both the Catholic School Duals and the Jack Welch Duals

A season highlight occurred on January 22, when Delbarton defeated #2 nationally ranked Faith Christian Academy, 31–29. The team’s only losses came in narrow contests against national powers Blair Academy and Wyoming Seminary. In New Jersey, Delbarton defeated Christian Brothers Academy 34–20 to secure the NJSIAA Non-Public A Championship. All 14 wrestlers qualified for the State Championships, including a remarkable 10 region champions.

At Boardwalk Hall, Delbarton was named the 2026 Wrestling Team of the Year. The program crowned three state champions: Jayden James ’26 (Penn State), Cameron Sontz ’27 (his third), and CJ Betz ’26 (UPenn). Five wrestlers Tommy Marchetti ’28, Nick Schwar tz ’28, Ryan DeGeorge ’27 and Gabe Logan ’27 finished as runners-up, while PJ Terranova ’27, Trevor Jones ’26 (Davidson) and Finn Andersen ’29 also earned podium spots.

To cap off the season, nj.com honored Delbarton as Team of the Year and named Jayden James the NJ State Wrestler of the Year.

Photos by Emily Leamy P’23

INDOOR Track

Delbarton Indoor Track & Field, coached by Andrew Sherwood, delivered a strong and well-rounded winter season, competing across a full slate of invitationals, relays, and championship meets

The season opened with early success at Ocean Breeze, highlighted by a firstplace finish in the 4x55m Shuttle Hurdle Relay and a shot-put win by Trevor Wyso ’26 at the Gardiner Relays The team demonstrated depth throughout, placing third at the Morris County Relays and State Relays, and second at the Morris County Championships.

In championship competition, Delbarton earned a third-place finish at the Prep State Championships, with standout performances from Luke Eisenhardt ’26 (2nd, 55m) and Aidan Ponzio ’26 (2nd, 55m hurdles). Ponzio also won the long jump at the NJCTC Championships

The season concluded with strong showings at the Eastern States Championships, Meet of Champions, and New Balance Nationals, highlighting the team’s continued growth, depth, and future promise.

Emily Leamy P’23

Swimming

Delbarton Swimming delivered a standout 2025–26 season under head coach Pat Savidge finishing with an 11–2 overall record and capturing both the Morris County Championship and the NJSIAA Non-Public Sectional title, the program’s first sectional championship since 1986

The Green Wave established themselves as one of the top teams in the state throughout the winter A highlight of the regular season came with a victory over Chatham, ending their 58-meet winning streak, while Delbarton’s only regular season loss came in a closely contested meet against #1 BridgewaterRaritan.

In championship competition, Delbarton continued its strong performance, ultimately advancing to the Non-Public State Final, where the team competed in a tightly contested meet against St. Augustine Prep to close out the season.

At the Meet of Champions, the 200m relay team earned the first relay gold medal in school history, capping off the historic season

The team’s success was driven by a combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent Seniors Femi Oshodi ’26 and Dalton Brooks ’26 (Babson College) provided consistent performances throughout the season, while sophomore Max Ciechanowski ’28 and freshman CJ Friends ’29 delivered standout efforts in key events. Together with Dominick Narduzzi ’27, the group helped form one of Delbarton’s strongest swim teams in more than four decades.

Photos by Emily Leamy P 23

Delbar ton Celebrates Twenty-one Class of 2026 College Commits

On November 17, Delbarton celebrated twenty-one student-athletes who committed to continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Families, friends, teachers, and coaches honored the young men, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional

Baseball

Sal Garcia - University of Virginia

AJ Saccento - University of Delaware

Matthew Tafuri - Army West Point

Lorenzo Maselli - University of Pennsylvania

Noah Morales - Hamilton College

John Fedun - Middlebury College

Ethan Yerow - Brandeis University

Brady Smith - Haverford College

Alex Volpe – Washington and Lee Committed on December 12, 2025

Lacrosse

dedication both in the classroom and on the field. Led by Athletic Director Tony Negrin, the ceremony featured athletes from the Class of 2026 and celebrated Delbarton’s tradition of sending athletes to top-tier college programs

Christian TroczynskiCornell University

Dara Corr - Cornell University

Jack Sheridan - Bucknell University

Tommy Kovachik - Dickinson College

Chase Houser - High Point University

Pierce Bolger - Brown University

Basketball

Günther Neumann - Franklin & Marshall

Swimming

Dalton Brooks - Babson College

Golf

Grady Gore - Brown University

Soccer

Peter Lines - Bowdoin College

Wrestling

Jayden James - Penn State University

CJ Betz - University of Pennsylvania

Trevor Jones - Davidson College

Two More NCAA Letters of Commitment

On December 5, Michael Sclafani ’26, on left, and Quinten Mogila ’26, right, signed Letters of Commitment to play football at the collegiate level next fall.

Michael Sclafani - Columbia University

Quinten Mogila - University of Chicago

Nine Green Wave Athletes Sign NCAA Commitments

Matt Tafuri ’26 is Mini-Max Award Recipient

On February 1, Senior Matt Tafuri ’26 was recognized by the Maxwell Football Club as a New Jersey “Mini-Max” Award recipient an honor acknowledging excellence in football, academics, and community service. A team captain and dynamic all-around performer, Matt made his impact felt everywhere on the field He rushed for 560 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding 21 receptions for 304 yards and five more scores, all against top competition across New Jersey. Known for his toughness, versatility, and selfless play, Matt is also one of the most respected leaders our program has had. Beyond football, Matt is an outstanding student and deeply committed to service He will continue his academic and athletic career at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he has committed to play baseball. Football Head Coach Brian Bowers says, “Matt represents everything we strive to develop in our student-athletes character, humility, leadership, and a true team-first mindset ” The Delbarton community is proud of Matt and grateful in advance for his future service to our country.

On February 4, nine additional Delbarton student-athletes from the Class of 2026 celebrated in Spada Commons with families and teammates at an event led by Athletic Director Tony Negrin

Rugby

Luke Eisenhardt - St. Joseph University

Soccer

Franco Piarulli - Franklin & Marshall

Football

Jack Christie – Hamilton

Devin Mar tin – Hamilton

Chris Dadas - Stonehill College

Matt O’Leary – Tufts

Giraro Yoo – Middlebury

Nick Stoll - Franklin & Marshall

Philip Garrubo - Dickinson College

Coach Shatel Marks 1,000 Wins

Delbarton Hockey and Baseball Head Coach Bruce

Shatel recorded an historic 1,000 coaching wins in the combined sports on April 22, 2026 when Delbarton defeated Mt. Olive, 11–1 in a home game on Fleury Field

After the game, the team and coaches celebrated Shatel's remarkable milestone at the 40 Acres Athletic Complex with current and former baseball and hockey players

Brian Bowers

abbey notes

By Br. William McMillan, O.S.B.

Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. Appointed Prior-Administrator of St. Mar y’s Abbey

On November 30, 2025, the Rt. Rev. Jonathan Licari, O.S.B., President of the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine monasteries, appointed the Very Rev. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. as PriorAdministrator of St Mary’s Abbey for a three-year term, effective November 30, 2025. Abbot Jonathan had served as the St Mary’s Abbey Administrator since August 1, 2022, and Fr. Edward Seton currently serves as Prior of St Mary’s Abbey.

Fr Edward Seton is well-suited for the role of PriorAdministrator of St. Mary’s Abbey’s with his wide range and depth of experience. A Delbarton alumnus from the Class of 1982, Fr Edward Seton is

the son of the late James P. Fittin III ’58, and Sandra Klein Fittin. He is the nephew of the late Frederick “Rick” Fittin ’59, Christopher Fittin ’72 and Peter Fittin ’75

Fr Edward Seton attended Mount Saint Mary’s University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986 and received The Agostino and Anna Travaioli Memorial Prize for distinguished work in Art History He professed monastic vows in 1988, made his solemn profession of vows in 199 1 and was ordained priest in 1993 In 1993, he also earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

After ordination, he was

appointed to the Delbarton faculty where he taught in the Theology department and chaired the department for twenty years He worked in campus ministry for ten years, serving as director for six years, and was involved in a variety of community service projects, including Operation Smile missions to the Philippines and Romania For twenty-five years, Fr. Edward Seton has

Bishop Elias Lorenzo in Rome

Bishop Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B. led a Jubilee of Hope Pilgrimage for the Archdiocese of Newark to Italy from September 30-October 10, 2025 The faithful of the archdiocese prayed in various churches and basilicas in Florence, Siena, Assisi, Rome, Montecassino and Subiaco On October 8, 2025, Bishop Elias and the pilgrims from the archdiocese attended the weekly general audience with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square. At the end of the audience, Bishop Elias personally greeted our new pope

coordinated an exchange program with Glenstal Abbey School in Limerick, Ireland

Fr. Edward Seton taught Advanced Placement Art History for a dozen years and served on the design and development committee for the Fine Arts Center, which opened in 2006, including the design of its iconic clock tower

At St. Mary’s Abbey, Fr. Edward Seton served for two years as Abbey vocation director and as director of liturgy for more than two decades He served as Sunday chaplain to the Religious Teachers Filippini, Morristown, and as weekend associate at area churches. He currently serves as a weekend associate at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Bernardsville.

In 2018, Fr Edward Seton was appointed claustral prior and Abbey Church rector. The former role includes the day-to-

Morning of Reflection led by Bishop Elias Lorenzo

On November 1, Bishop Elias Lorenzo, O.S.B. led a group of alumni through the Alumni Association’s annual Morning of Reflection in the Abbey Church and Vincent House

day operations of the monastery and substitutes for the abbot in his absence. The latter position coordinates sacramental celebration in the Abbey Church for alumni and friends of the Abbey.

As Prior-Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey, Fr. Edward Seton holds all the usual responsibilities and authority of

Chrism Mass at Cathedral in Paterson

Neil VanKirk ’26, Matthew O’Reilly ’26, Peter Wynne ’28 and Dylan Ross ’27 represented Delbarton School with Prior-Administrator Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. at the annual Chrism Mass on March 31 at the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Paterson At this Holy Week Mass, priests gather to renew their priestly commitment. Attended by representatives of all parishes, schools and religious communities, at the Chrism Mass Bishop Kevin Sweeney blessed the Holy Oils and Sacred Chrism used for the sacraments through the liturgical year. Delbarton students assisted by processing to the bishop with the vials of oil.

the Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey, without the title and dignity of Abbot. He will aid the monks as they plan for their future and discern what kind of person they wish to elect as their abbot Together with the monastic community and the Abbot President, Fr Edward Seton will determine when the next abbatial election takes place.

A Meeting of Priors

November 21-23, 2025, Prior Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82 attended the annual meeting of priors from Benedictine monasteries throughout North America hosted by the monks of St. Benedict’s Priory in Benet Lake, Wisconsin. The event included monks from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Washington, DC, Illinois, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Missouri and Mexico, representing three congregations of monasteries. The presenter was Deacon Steven DeMar tino, representing the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and the St John Vianney Center In addition to the Divine Office and Mass, the priors enjoyed open discussions on topics directly related to the complexities of the role of prior.

Honoring Monastic Veterans

The third annual Honor Our Veterans, organized by Jim Gallombardo ’81, took place on Veterans Day, November 11 at St. Mary’s Abbey Cemetery when Delbarton honored the ten Benedictine monks of St Mary’s Abbey who served in the United States Armed Forces, as well as alumni veterans and active military personnel Students placed flags on grave sites, musicians played our national anthem and Taps, and Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82 offered a special blessing for several alumni veterans in attendance.

Benedictine Workshop in Mexico

Abbey Prior-Administrator Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. attended the annual workshop for abbots and administrators at Abadia del Tepeyac, Cuantitlán Izcalli, Mexico from February 2-6 The keynote speaker was David Shellenberger of the St. John Vianney Center in Downingtown, PA who focused on mental health issues in monastic communities. Abbot Primate Jeremias Schroeder, O.S.B. also was present and offered remarks about the Collegio Sant’ Anselmo and the Benedictine Confederation.Fr. William Skudlarek, O.S.B. (Collegeville)

spoke on the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. The visit offered opportunities to experience the culture and history of Mexico, including the Pyramids of Teotihuacán, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Pueblo Mágico of Tepotzotlán and the National Museum of the Viceroyalty The abbots and administrators joined the Tepeyac monks each day for the Divine Office and Mass, both conducted in Spanish.

Participants were grateful to Abbot Felipe de Jesús Hernandez, O.S.B. for the gracious hospitality and to Fr. Rafael Avila Mier, O.S.B. for organizing this annual meeting

The Rule of St. Benedict with Br. Paul Diveny, O.S.B.

Last March, Delbarton alumni were invited to a Living by the Rule course led by Br. Paul Diveny, O.S.B. on the Rule of St. Benedict, learning about the history of the early church, the origins of monasticism, and St Benedict’s life The lessons continued December 9, January 13 and February 10 to conclude the multi-session seminar.

Abbey Orchard Spring Clean-Up

On March 21, Delbarton alumni and their children picked a beautiful day to meet in the Abbey Orchard for an annual early spring clean-up They were guided in their labors by Br. Paul Diveny, O.S.B. who oversees both the Abbey Orchard and the Abbey Garden.

A New Organist at the Abbey Church

In November, the St. Mary’s Abbey monastic community hired Matthew Zabiegala as Principal Organist and Choir Director at St. Mary’s Abbey Raised in the Catholic church, Matthew brings a lifelong devotion to sacred music and a deep reverence for its role in the spiritual life. He has joyfully served communities of faith throughout New Jersey and his home state of Ohio

Beyond his ministry at the Abbey, Matthew serves as Artistic Director of the New Jersey

Chamber Singers and the Concord Singers and is a member of the faculties at Rutgers University and Wagner College. An active clinician, vocal artist, and collaborative keyboardist, he is committed to cultivating musicians, fostering artistry, expression, and a shared love for music

Matthew holds degrees from The Ohio State University (B M E ) and Rutgers University (M M ), where he is a Robert E. Mortensen Fellow completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at Mason Gross School of the Arts

Let Us Remember

“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

Kathleen Atencio P’14, mother of August Atencio ’14

Shawn Bumiller ’94

Matt Boyle ’62

Vince Farley ’54

Richard Gor tler GP ’22,’24, grandfather of Ryan Carey ’22 and Donovan Carey ’24

Mary Hanifin P ’75, ’78, ’79, 81, ’91, GP ’14, ’17, mother of Sean Hanifin ’75, Tim Hanifin ’78, Mike Hanifin ’79, Tom Hanifin ’81 and Chris Hanifin ’91 and grandmother of Jack Hanifin ’14 and Matt Hanifin ’17

Rich Hill ’78

Amon Johnson III GP ’21,’22,’25, father of Board of Trustees Vice President Amon Johnson II P ’21,’22,’25, father-in-law of former DMG President Luz Johnson P’21,22,’25 and grandfather of Matthew Johnson ’21, Ryan Johnson ’22 and Andrew Johnson ’25

Bill Kelly ’68

Sean Kelly ’72

Joan Lake P’97, mother of Joe Lake ’97

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

Thomas P. Prior P’10,’14, father of Kevin Prior ’10 and Brendan Prior ’14

Lynn Ross P’90,’99, mother of Sacha Ross ’90 and Emil Ross ’99

Boyd Sands ’55

Tom Sanfacon ’54

Gregory D. Stewar t P’03,’05, father of Gregory Stewart ’03 and Thomas Stewart ’05

Rita Stuewe GP’25,’27, grandmother of Chase Quenault ’25 and Kane Quenault ’27

Edward Sutton ’75

Carolyn Leloia Swift P’19, mother of Kyle Swift ’19

Michael Waters P’96, ’01, father of Lonn Waters ’96 and Ross Waters ’01

Alex Waugh ’68

The Album

wedding

Bob Maguire ’14 and Emily Bowman were married on April 26, 2025, with a ceremony at St. Mary of the Pines in Manahawkin and a reception at Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom, NJ with many Delbarton friends and relatives in attendance. Standing from left are: Drake Mead ’18, Malcolm Mead ’16, Michael Maguire ’14, Paul Maguire ’86, Ryan Maguire ’12, Dennis Maguire ’11, Mike Maguire ’82, Christopher Jagoe ’14, Emily Maguire, Bobby Maguire ’14, Sean Maguire ’12, Jimmy Maguire ’10, David Colavita ’12, Jim Maguire ’79, Colin McCormick ’14, Parker Pearson ’14, Jack Lynch ’14 and Nick Serratelli ’14. Kneeling from left are Jack O’Reilly ’14, Charlie Niebanck ’14, Tim Maguire ’18, Jack Maguire ’17, Sid Balaji ’14, Billy Kingsbery ’14, Danny Maguire ’17 and Ian Sullivan ’14.

Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia. From left are Connor Moran ’15, Regan Paris ’19, Andre Rodriguez ’15, James and Alexa, Liam Nash ’15, Thomas Settle ’26, James’ father Craig Paris ’82, P’13,’15,’19 and Liam Paris ’13.

On October 11, 2025, Chris McBride ’07 and Suzanne Singer were married in Westampton Beach, NY with Delbarton Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O S B serving as the officiant.

On October 25, 2025, Kyle Higgins ’15 and Erin Pellegrino were married at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Westhampton, NY with a reception following at the Westhampton County Club. From left are Chris Dionne ’15, Aidan Higgins ’19, Pat Bray ’15, Aaron Earlywine ’15, Andrew Otterman ’15, James Wroblewski ’15, Bill Murray ’15, Jared Ahsler ’15, Michael Sweetman ’15, Erin Pellegrino Higgins, Kyle Higgins ’15, Andrew Higgins ’13, Matt Mandelbaum ’15, Zach Lamb ’15, Ian Lodge ’15, Jordan Earlywine ’15, Liam Higgins ’17 and Joe Lee ’15.

On April 19, 2026, Matthew “Max” Alexy ’19 married Hannah Adinaro during a Nuptial Mass celebrated by Prior-Administrator Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82, at St Mary’s Abbey Church, Delbarton. Max’s brothers Jack ’21 and Rob ’23 were groomsmen, and the best man was Guy Adami ’19. The reception that followed was at the Ryland Inn From left are Rob Alexy ’23, Jack Alexy ’21, Guy Adami ’19, Max Alexy ’19, Hannah Adinaro Alexy, Fr. Edward Seton Fittin, O.S.B. ’82, and Max’s uncle Brad Ebben ’88.

Past Presidents Dinner alumni news

On October 27, Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95 hosted a dinner in Old Main for past Alumni Association presidents.

Alumni Attorneys Network in Morristown

On November 12, alumni in the legal profession met at Legends Sports Bar in Morristown for a networking reception.

Delbar ton on Wall Street

On November 19, finance alumni gathered to network at T-Squared Social on East 42nd Street in NYC.

Thanksgiving with Young Alumni

Young alumni met in Pizzo Family Field House on November 26 to connect with friends over Thanksgiving Break

Winter Reps Dinner

On January 27, more than fifty class representatives met at The Madison Hotel for Delbarton’s annual Winter Class Reps Dinner alumni fellowship, campus updates, and a preview of 2026. Br. Paul Diveny, O.S.B received the Joseph R McDonough ’68 Award in recognition of his service to the Alumni Association.

alumni news

Wayfair co-founder Steve

and Headmaster

Boston

On November 5, alumni studying, working and living in the Boston area gathered at Wayfair Headquarters for a reception hosted by Wayfair co-founder Steve Conine ’91 where Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. shared news with guests of another busy fall season at Delbarton.

Fr. Michael, Mike Hare ’19, Connor McGrath ’14 and Chris Siegert ’19

Colin Lynch ’00 and Kyree Blackwell ’03

Conine ’91

Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B.

Jersey Shore Christmas Par ty

Hoboken Gift Drive

Jersey Shore alumni, relatives and friends got into the spirit of the season on December 10 at Spring Lake Golf Club

r 4, Delbarton at Black Bear Bar & Grill in Hoboken for some early holiday cheer and to drop off toys for the Christmas gift drive.

Alumni Spor ts Reunions

On January 3, former Green Wave Basketball players enjoyed a pickup game in the gym at an event hosted by Head Coach Matt Crane and the Alumni Association Delbarton Varsity Basketball went on to defeat St Joseph Regional 74-54.

Basketball

Hockey

On December 30, former Green Wave Hockey players met at Beacon Hill Club to reconnect and enjoyed some quality ice time together.

Squash

On December 29, Varsity Squash Coach Craig Paris ’82 hosted court time for former Green Wave

players at the Chatham Club.

On February 26, alum gathered for rousin platform tenn matches at Noe Pon Club in Chatham

Squash

New York Reception

On February 19, Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. welcomed alumni to the annual Delbarton reception at the New York Athletic Club where Andy Grabis ’95 was our host…

Fr Michael with Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95.

Our host Andy Grabis ’95, second from left, and current Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95 with two former Alumni Association presidents Jerry Jabbour ’92, P’20, on left, and Chris Bury ’91, P’19,’20,’23 on right.

How to Succeed in Business

On February 6, alumni attended opening night of the Abbey Players production How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying At the cast party, Alumni Association President Joe Ferraro ’95 and Board member PJ Calello ’90 presented varsity letters to three seniors who devoted much time and talent to Delbarton productions. From left are Calello, Coulson Conn ’26, Josh Pieroni ’26, Amarka Kushary ’26 and Ferraro.

Florida

Th S hi T

P’13,’15,’19 and Fr. Michael Tidd, OS.B.

Florida

On March 11, Fr. Michael offered state of the school remarks to lunch guests at the John’s Island Club

Delbar ton at Wake Forest

Green Wave alumni from the Wake Forest University Collegiate Chapter gathered on March 24 at The Porch Kitchen & Cantina to reconnect and recharge ahead of the final stretch of the semester.

John s Island

Washington, DC

On April 8, Delbarton alumni gathered at the historic Cosmos Club on Massachusetts Avenue for our annual DC reception.

Alumni at Notre Dame

On April 11, Paul Mattiola ’22 hosted a Delbarton Collegiate event in South Bend, IN for Delbarton alumni currently at the University of Notre Dame Back row, from left: Colin Ardise ’22, Will Krzastek ’23, Richie Mistichelli ’22, Jacob Klug ’22, Will Calder ’22, Drew Ardise ’22, Lex Banker ’22, Kevin Armstrong ’24, Alex Calder ’22, Michael Banker ’24, Peter Gibbons ’24 and Griffin Velez ’25. Front row, from left: John Mattiola ’23, Aaron Wang ’23, Paul Mattiola ’22, Paul Quense ’24, Stephen Carlisle ’24, Jack Libretti ’25 and Nicholas Poliseno ’25.

Making Waves

James Owen Weatherall ’01 Elected to American Academy of Ar ts and Sciences

James Owen Weatherall ’01 has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in the field of Philosophy of Physics

Founded in 1780 by John Adams, John Hancock, and 60 other scholar-patriots, the Academy is a premier honorary society that acknowledges excellence across academia, arts, industry, and public policy, including over 250 Nobel and 60+ Pulitzer Prize winners. Election is by one’s peers.

Weatherall is a physicist, mathematician, and philosopher and holds a permanent position as Chancellor's Professor at the University of California, Irvine His most recent book is The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread, co-authored with his wife, philosopher Cailin O’Connor.

Tommy Pigott ’11 Named U.S. State Department Spokesperson

The Delbarton community congratulates Tommy Pigott ’11, recently named Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department under the leadership of Secretary of State Marco Rubio Previously, Pigott worked as Strategic Communications Director at the Republican National Committee and has almost a decade of communications experience, including serving as the State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the past year After graduating from Delbarton in 2011, he earned a bachelor’s degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and a master’s degree from the George Washington University School of Media & Public Affairs We salute Tommy Pigott on navigating to this impactful role in U.S. government communications and wish him the best of luck.

BC v. Notre Dame Football ‘Holy War ’ Reunion

Green Wave alumni connected at the Notre Dame vs. Boston College game at BC’s Alumni Stadium on November 1 where the Fighting Irish defeated the BC Eagles 25-10 in the sold-out ‘Holy War’ matchup From left are Michael Banker ’24, Kevin Armstrong ’24, Jack Gibbons ’24, Jonah Kim ’24, Max Lacz ’24, Owen Armstrong ’26, Andrew McDavit ’25, Nick Simonetti ’25 and Jack Libretti ’25.

U.S. Attorney’s Office Role for Phil Lamparello ’02

In December, Phil Lamparello ’02 was named as U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey Senior Counsel supervising the Criminal Division and Special Prosecutions Division Lamparello previously served as Senior Counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and spent nearly a decade as a partner at Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo He also worked as general counsel for North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, serves on the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Board of Trustees, and has edited New Jersey Lawyer magazine since 2014. He graduated from Delbarton in 2002, earned his BA from UPenn and his JD from Seton Hall University

2025-2026

Repor t of Giving Corrections

We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the Delbarton community and each year endeavor to produce an accurate and complete Report of Giving as a reflection of your support Please accept our sincere apologies for the inadvertent omissions and clerical errors detailed below

Mr. Arthur Papetti ’82, P ’13, ’14, ’17 –

In Memory of Mary Pat Paris P ’13, ’15, ’19

Mr. Conor and Mrs. Kathleen Tully, Jr. P ’23 – Headmaster’s Circle

Making Waves

Class of 1981 Preps for 45th Reunion

On March 24 at The Famished Frog in Morristown, members of the Class of 1981 made plans for their upcoming 45th Reunion on Homecoming Day, October 3 From left are John Hanlon, Dan Dalena, Chris Connors, Jim Gallombardo, Steve Verdesca, Kur t Krauss, Keith Larkin and Ken Villano, all proud members of the Class of 1981.

Class of ’79 In the Christmas Spirit

On December 10, fourteen members of the Class of 1979 met in Morristown to celebrate the season over an entertaining dinner at Portofino’s.

Baseball Alumni Attend Fundraiser

On February 5, some of our young alumni came back to campus to help kick off the upcoming Delbarton Varsity Baseball season at the current team’s social and fundraiser in Old Main. Pictured here are former class and teammates Mark Darakjy ’20, Kyle Vinci ’20, Willie Schwarick ’20 and Liam Corcoran ’20

Lacrosse

Reunion at Trinity vs. Williams Game

Polar Bear Plunge

On January 1, five stalwart (perhaps a synonym for crazy) members of the Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter gathered in Sea Bright, NJ for their second annual New Years Day plunge. Brian Hanlon ’87, Sean Maguire ’12, Ted Lawless ’03, Mar ty Lawlor ’01 and Jim Maguire ’79 braved 40-degree water and single-digit wind chill to kick the year off with an invigorating dip in the Atlantic

It was a Delbarton Lacrosse reunion at the Trinity versus Williams game in Hartford, Ct on February 28 as seven former members of the Green Wave battled to a 13-11 Trinity victory.

Pictured here are Charlie Medd ’23, Peter Falk ’25, Rory McAloon ’22, Ryan Johnson ’22, Jack Sar torius ’24, Finn Leamy ’23 and Andrew Johnson ’25

Post-Fifty-Year Reunion Dinners

On March 20, alumni from the Classes of 1968 and 1969 gathered in Old Main for a dinner reception to rekindle friendships and spend quality time together on campus The Alumni Association plans to host similar events for post-50-year reunion classes in the future.

yesterday

By Jessica Fiddes

xty years ago, Archway 966 opened with a sixteenage photo essay that described the Delbarton nd concluded, “But it wouldn’t be fair to each student to say exactly what Delbarton is, for it is he who contributes the vital part...slowly one comes to see in the Delbarton encounter all the promise that is life ”

Back in 1966, every day was a jacket and tie day, and the monks of St Mary’s Abbey comprised a majority of the faculty. Times have changed, yet

Delbarton’s foundational ethos remains the same. The focus then and now is on academics, athletic competition, student life and camaraderie In the 60s, boarders had their own governing body, the Boarder Council, and the Ham Radio, International Affairs and Camera Clubs were popular extracurricular pastimes. The Rock and Mineral Club was led by John Sanfacon ’57 who, prior to his retirement in 2016, moderated the club for fiftythree years.

Enjoy these vintage photos from Archway 1966

sign at Delbarton’s entrance in 1966

photos courtesy of Delbarton Archives

The Courier 1966 features editor was playwright Christopher Durang ’67, who later was renowned for writing absurdist comedies, winning the 2013 Tony Award for his play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.

Fr. Stephen Findlay, O.S.B. was the second headmaster in Delbarton School history an served admirably and devotedly in the role for 25 years, from 1942 to 1967.

A salute to the cracker jack editorial and production team that assembled the outstanding 1966 Archway

The Executive body, led by Dan Mitchell 66, included the Boarder Council President, Ray Lyons ’66, representing the interests of Delbarton boarders.

Delbarton Ham Radio Club members were erious about foundaional wireless echnology The term ham” originated as a derogatory slang in the 890s used by profesional telegraphers to make fun of amateur operators as “hamisted” (clumsy) and the ommunity eventually laimed the descriptive as a badge of honor.

A homegrown Delbarton

Guests at the Delbarton Prom navigate the reception line.

quartet, the Townsmen, included Rudy Marchesi ’67, Ron Goeke ’67, Hugh McBride ’66 with Father Germaine Fritz, O.S.B. on cello.

Delbarton

230 Mendham Road

Morristown, NJ 07960

Delbar