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Cody Lee '25 Honored with the 2025 Cerasia Award
Meghan Podimsky

Dakota Lee '25, also known as Cody, is the 2025 recipient of the Cerasia Award, presented each year to a student who exhibits persistence and resilience during his years at Delbarton. He received the award at a Delbarton convocation during a Morning Meeting on Wednesday, January 29. This annual award is presented to a student who truly embodies the Succisa Virescit ​​​​​​spirit.

The Cerasia Award is dedicated to the memory of the late Michael C. Cerasia, a member of the class of 1994 who died tragically with his older brother in a boating accident during the summer following his freshman year.

cody lee cerasia award 2025

Delbarton's second headmaster, Rev. Stephen Findlay OSB, adopted the motto Succisa Virescit from Monte Cassino, the Benedictine spiritual home in Italy, founded by St. Benedict in 529 A.D. The monastery, destroyed and rebuilt four times, most recently during World War II, reflects the motto "cut down, it grows back stronger." Life doesn't always follow our plans, and sometimes we face more than usual hurdles, including the devastating loss of a loved one. Often, the true "cutting down" happens within, but growth begins there too.

In his remarks this morning, after announcing the name of this year's Cerasia Award recipient, Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs Chuck Ruebling '79, paid tribute to Cody for the strength and resilience he continues to share with others. "The 2025 Cerasia Award is presented to a young man who is the epitome of the intention and spirit of this award."

cody lee cerasia award 2025

Last spring, during a track meet, Cody took a tough fall while preparing for his pole vault, missing the far end of the mat. Though the mat helped absorb some impact, he ultimately hit his head upon landing on the track and was quickly taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment. “Cody’s recovery is nothing short of miraculous,” said Mr. Ruebling. “The fact that he is back in school, taking a full academic load, and showing no noticeable effects of the accident is truly remarkable.”

Head Track and Field Coach Andrew Sherwood has gotten to know Cody very well over the years both on and off the track. "Cody's injury challenged our team, school, and sport to stop and think about what sports are all about and what is really important at the end of the day," he said. "A young man representing our school at a high level was handed a moment of adversity that had a lasting effect on him for some time. Of course, he has 'grown back stronger' but very soon after his injury, he was already asking how soon he could get back out there with his team and his school."

Sherwood adds, "While the rest of us thought about how to proceed, Cody was the strong one who told us everything was going to be ok. His positive and confident energy brought him to our sport, and that has not wavered.  He is and will continue to be a positive force and leader for our team, no matter what hand he has been dealt.  Cody's journey is the epitome of our school motto Succisa Virescit and he embodies everything that a Delbarton man ought to be."

Sherwood’s words were followed by Assistant Track and Field Coach Michael Benz '14, who reflected on Cody’s resilience. “I remember visiting Cody in the hospital after his fall. The very first thing he asked me was how Andrew and Paul (his teammates) performed at the meet, and when he could get back out on the runway. He never lost faith in his coach, his team, or himself. Few people in life can handle tragedy with such grace and maturity. It wasn’t because you fell, but because of the way you picked yourself back up that makes you so deserving of this award.”

cody lee with track and field coaches

Delbarton Athletic Director Tony Negrin reflected on Cody Lee’s perseverance, describing him as the true embodiment of the Delbarton motto, Succisa Virescit. “I could not think of a student more deserving of the Ceresia Award than Cody Lee,” said Negrin. “Cody is the epitome of not just this award, but of the Delbarton School motto, Succisa Virescit. Truly, Cody has worked extremely hard to not just get back to classes but has thrown himself back into the community, engaging with his peers daily, walking around campus with a smile, and ensuring that the setback he had was just a small barrier that he soared over. And surely, Cody has soared. The entire Delbarton community is excited to see Cody being recognized today, and I could not be more proud of how he continues to represent the Athletic Department on a daily basis.”

The Delbarton community congratulates Cody and his family for this well-deserved honor. In addition to receiving the Cerasia Award plaque, Cody's name will be added to the large commemorative display on the second floor of St. Benedict Hall outside the Hayes Room.

cody lee cerasia award 2025
cerasia award