One hundred and thirty-two members of the Delbarton School Class of 2026 celebrated their brotherhood at the 78th Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement on May 31, 2026. Others were invited to witness graduation via live stream from the FAC or from home. (Class of 2026 parents, check your June 1 emails for a post-Commencement message that includes photos, and share your favorite pictures with us here.)

Graduation day dawned sunny and seasonably mild for the Class of 2026, and our graduates assembled in the Senior Garden where we captured many family photos and this group photo of alumni fathers and Class of 2026 sons (and one grandfather/grandson duo).

Next, the graduating class processed to the Abbey Church accompanied by faculty and trustees in academic gowns for the Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremony...

In the Church, Class of 2026 Salutatorian MICHAEL XU '26 delivered the Salutatory address and spoke about the memorable times he and his classmates experienced. "The most magical moments are the ones that come from each other. From cheering our hearts out at homecoming, to partying during prom season, and random Friday night hang outs...you guys, the Class of 2026, have made the most special, and magical moments."

The Baccalaureate Mass followed, celebrated by Prior Administrator Fr. Edward Seton Fittin O.S.B. Next, the graduates' names were announced while Delbarton Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B and Board of Trustees Chairman Andrew Anselmi '83, P'16,'16 presented diplomas to every member of the Class of 2026. 

Seniors previously received awards at the Senior Awards Convocation on May 20. Click here for the list of awards, and here for news of the Convocation. 

Special Commencement awards were presented by Assistant Headmaster for Academic Affairs Josh Hartle and Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs Chuck Ruebling '79, P '10.  Annually, the Delbarton School Medal is awarded to seniors for distinguished achievement.  For those seniors achieving in multiple areas, another award was presented in addition to the Delbarton Medal. The following awards were presented to members of the Class of 2026…

For achievement in Arabic, the Delbarton Medal was presented to MATTHEW O’REILLY '26.

The Dr. Roy L. Horton Award is named in honor of a longtime Chair of the Music Department and is presented in recognition of excellence in Choral Music. The Delbarton Medal was presented to SEAN FIALCOWITZ '26.

For excellence in community building, promoting diversity and fostering student belonging, the Delbarton Medal was presented to MARCUS ARTHUR '26.

In memory of Fr. Stephen W. Findlay, distinguished Delbarton Headmaster, the Fathers and Friends of Delbarton have established an award to be given each year to the graduate whose work in English reflects Fr. Stephen's love of the English language.  The Delbarton Medal was presented to GRADY GORE '26.

 For achievement in French, the Delbarton Medal was presented to WILLIAM ANTENEN '26.

The Edward J. Murphy Award for excellence in History was established in memory of Edward J. Murphy, class of 1986. The Delbarton Medal was presented to NEIL VAN KIRK '26. 

For excellence in Instrumental Music, in memory of Father Germain L. Fritz, longtime leader of the Music Department, the Delbarton Medal was presented to ALASDAIR ECK '26. 

For achievement in Italian, the Delbarton Medal was presented to GRIFFIN BARROWS '26.

For achievement in Spanish, the Delbarton Medal was presented to BENJAMIN RAAB '26.

For achievement in Speech, the Delbarton Medal was presented to HUNTER TERBORG '26.

For achievement in Studio Art the Delbarton Medal and an award were presented to GRIFFIN MAGUIRE '26.

For excellence in Theater, the Delbarton Medal was presented to AMARKA KUSHARY '26.

The Abbot Patrick M. O’Brien Award for excellence in Theology is given in memory of Abbot Patrick, who founded Delbarton School in 1939. The Delbarton Medal was presented to OLUWAFEMI OSHODI '26.

The Corey T. Williams ‘91 Award is awarded each year for excellence in Physics and honors the memory of Corey T. Williams, class of 1991 and Delbarton faculty member.  Presenting this award is Corey’s father, Mr. Earle Williams. The Corey T. Williams ‘91 Award was presented to RAYMOND XU '26.

Additionally, for achievement in Debate, Mathematics, and the Delbarton Mothers' Guild Prize for General Excellence, which is awarded each year to the student who leads his class scholastically, the Delbarton Medal, and additional awards were presented to RAYMOND XU '26.

Mr. Kent Manno, United States Military Academy Admissions Field Force representative for New Jersey Congressional District 11, presented an appointment to the United States Military Academy to MATTHEW TAFURI '26.

Next, the six most distinguished Delbarton School senior awards were presented. Each recipient received a plaque commemorating the award.  Lending to the awards’ distinction, each honoree will have his name prominently displayed in the Student Commons in Trinity Hall.

The James E. Nugent Award, established in memory of a graduate of the class of 1969, is awarded to the Delbarton senior who best exemplifies the spirit of giving himself to others. This young man has distinguished himself among his peers for his unquestioned integrity and for self-forgetful service to his classmates, school and community. James Nugent's nieces Catie Carter and Malia Nugent presented the James E. Nugent Award to SEAN FIALCOWITZ '26.

The Peter B. Haas Award, established in memory of a 25-year-old Marine pilot killed in Korea, is awarded for distinguished leadership within the School.  For their work in upholding the values of brotherhood and unity among their peers, and for their outstanding service in many areas of School life, Peter B. Haas Awards were presented to DARA CORR '26 and OLUWAFEMI OSHODI '26.

The Succisa Virescit Award is presented to a senior who has manifested love for life and for the School and has significantly grown through challenge as implied in the school's motto, Succisa Virescit “cut down, he will grow up strong again.”  The Succisa Virescit Award was presented to EGOR ANDREEV '26.

The Bryan Bennett ‘94 Award was established to honor the memory of a member of the class of 1994 who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  This award is for the “Quiet Hero,” a student who, like Bryan Bennett, has distinguished himself for his day-to-day work ethic, his consistent nobility, and his unfailing kindness, all of which have made him a model of steadfastness to his classmates and teachers.  The recipient of this award is chosen by his classmates.  Bryan’s nephew Carlos O’Connor presented The Bryan Bennett Award to NEIL VAN KIRK '26.

The Brian E. Fleury Award is awarded to an outstanding scholar-athlete who demonstrates the same passion for scholarship that he does for athletics. This young man is the consummate team player, selfless in all his endeavors, and always putting the needs of others before his own. The Brian E. Fleury Award was presented by Brian’s wife, Jennifer Fleury, and Brian’s son, Tim Fleury, Delbarton Class of 2019, to AIDAN PONZIO '26.

The Paul Jermak Scholarship, established in memory of a graduate of the class of 2004, is awarded to a senior who best embodies Delbarton’s mission of educating the whole person in mind, body and spirit.  The Paul Jermak Scholarship was presented by Paul’s mother Mrs. Eileen Jermak to EDVIN KORPELA '26.

Fr. Michael then introduced commencement speaker, Professor Martin S. Flaherty, of the Class of 1977, a distinguished scholar, lawyer, and advocate for human rights around the world. Reflecting on the crossroads our graduates have reached, Flaherty said, "Events such as this are always a time to look back and take stock of what you have accomplished. But also, to look at where you have arrived and where you are going." Fr. Michael then presented the Delbarton Medal to Professor Flaherty for his many accomplishments.

Finally, Class of 2026 Valedictorian RAYMOND XU '26 delivered his Valedictory Address. Reflecting on his childhood fascination with the stars, he told his classmates, "Let's look up every once in a while, count the stars that bless us and brought us here. And this time, we don't have to stop at forty (stars). Class of 2026, Green Wave 'til I die!"

With Commencement behind them, our youngest alumni headed for the Formal Garden and a group plunge into the fountain...but with a new tradition introduced by the Class of 2025. All 132 young alumni encircled the fountain and, on the count of three, jumped in unison, another powerful symbol of unity for this class. Congratulations, Class of 2026, and thank you for the memories, gentlemen!