The ACEing Autism program at Delbarton has garnered well-deserved recognition as an honor roll program for its remarkable impact, both on and off the tennis court as part of the 2024 ACEing Autism Awards. Founded by brothers Hudson '25 and Brayden Bonetti '28, this initiative has touched the lives of children with autism while fostering a strong, supportive community of athletes and volunteers.

The program began during Hudson’s sophomore year and has now flourished for over two and a half years. Reflecting on its success, Hudson shares,  "We began this program my sophomore year and I am a senior now, so it has been about two and a half years. We’ve had almost all of our athletes and volunteers return every season, so it has really become a strong community.” This continuity has been key to the program’s growth, with Hudson and Brayden, alongside their mother and grandfather, carefully preparing athlete-volunteer pairings and clinic schedules before each session. “With the help of our mom and grandfather, we try to prepare the athlete, volunteer pairings, and the schedule for the clinic each time we run it, so I think this has allowed us to receive this recognition as everything is in order when we begin,” Hudson explains. This thoughtful preparation has allowed volunteers to relax and focus on what matters most: creating meaningful relationships with the participants.

The program's influence extends beyond tennis lessons—it’s about creating lasting connections. Hudson recalls a great memory he had with one athlete who was struggling at first: “One highlight was when we had an athlete that showed up every day somewhat sad, and he was struggling to learn how to shuffle. One day he figured it out and now always shuffles up the hill with the biggest smile on his face and gives my grandpa, one of the coaches, a big hug.” These moments of growth and joy are a testament to the power of ACEing Autism.

The Bonetti brothers' dedication to helping children with autism began long before they started ACEing Autism. Hudson reflects, “My love for helping children with autism started when I visited a school for differently-abled children in middle school. While playing Candy Land, I felt a special connection with each child; though they expressed themselves differently, I could feel the joy these activities brought them.” This interaction inspired Hudson to volunteer with ACEing Autism, teaching children how to play tennis, and ultimately led to the program landing at Delbarton.

Over the years, the program has seen more than a dozen consistent volunteers—often exceeding the number needed for each session, resulting in a waitlist for students eager to get involved. Any Delbarton student interested in joining ACEing Autism can email Mr. White or Hudson Bonetti to get started.

Working alongside his younger brother Brayden has been a rewarding experience for Hudson, deepening his appreciation for the time spent with him at Delbarton as he approaches graduation this spring. “It has been an amazing experience working with my brother as I can see the compassion he has volunteering with everyone. This is a piece of him I never had appreciated before.” Together, the Bonetti brothers have kickstarted a program that emphasizes not only leadership but also emotional support and community spirit, ensuring that each participant feels valued.

As ACEing Autism continues to grow, its success stands as a powerful reminder of how service, dedication, and compassionate relationships can make a lasting impact on everyone involved.