In a ceremony held today at Spada Commons, Delbarton senior Dallas Hurley was presented with the prestigious Garibaldi Award by the Silvio Laccetti Foundation. This accolade, bestowed upon high-achieving students in Italian Studies who demonstrate remarkable involvement in community and extracurricular activities, stands as a testament to Hurley’s outstanding dedication and achievements.
Established in 2016 by Silvio Laccetti, PhD., a retired professor from Stevens Institute of Technology, and president of the foundation, the Silvio Laccetti Foundation addresses educational issues close to its founder’s heart. Among its various recognitions and initiatives, the Garibaldi Awards have gained prominence honoring over three dozen students statewide since 2017. Additionally, the foundation also takes on international initiatives like the WorldCast Environmental Seminars for High School students, with the most recent installment, WorldCast23, hosted at Delbarton School and 2022 recipient Francesco Pontoriero.
This year’s ceremony not only celebrated Hurley’s excellence in Italian Studies but also recognized his exceptional leadership in football, a distinction granted to him as only the sixth recipient of this award. The event was graced by esteemed guests, including Scott Woodfield, Trustee, and CFO of Union Paving Company, who shared insights and inspiration, Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B., Headmaster, Dr. Tony Negrin, Athletic Director, Delbarton School’s Italian language teachers, the Hurley family and many of Dallas’s friends and teammates.
Hurley’s contributions to Delbarton’s football team were highlighted by Head Coach Brian Bowers, who spoke eloquently about Hurley’s three-year tenure as a starting linebacker. Coach Bowers emphasized Hurley’s unwavering commitment to the program, never missing a practice, game, or play. Drawing similarities between the team’s ethos and the Hallmarks of Delbarton School, Coach Bowers praised Hurley’s relentless pursuit of excellence, citing his pivotal goal-line stand against Don Bosco, which set the stage for a game-changing fumble recovery, securing a lead that Delbarton would maintain.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Hurley’s academic achievements in Italian Studies were celebrated, reflecting his dedication to honoring his family’s Italian heritage. His commitment to both his studies and his community exemplifies the values championed by the Garibaldi Award.
Congrats to Dallas and his family on this prestigious honor.
Reception Opening Remarks:
Scott Woodfield’s remarks:
Silvio Laccetti’s remarks: