On May 5, Delbarton returned to Hudson Farm in Andover for the Seventh Annual Abbot Giles P. Hayes '56 Shooting Classic. Delbarton alumni, parents and guests arrived for the annual shoot, eager to spend time outdoors together on an absolutely perfect afternoon, as the sounds of shotgun fire filled the air. After settling in for a brief lunch at the Crow's Nest, the eager crowd was greeted by Assistant Headmaster for Advancement Craig Paris '82 and Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB. After a quick training session, Fr. Michael marked the opening of the shooting competition with a deafening cannon blast, signaling the start of the shoot.  The men and women took up their guns, stuffed shells into their pockets and mounted 4x4s to take on the course.  For those who didn't want to participate in shooting, a picturesque hike was added and the reviews are stellar!

In teams of four, the competitors spent the next three hours putting their marksmanship to the test for a spot on the Abbot Giles P. Hayes Cup. This year's High Team was the foursome of George Parsells P'17, A.J. Papetti '82 P '13, '14, '17, A.J. Papetti Jr. '13 and Herman Kurz. John McGuire '91 took home the High Shot award for the highest score.

The evening, after a group photo was snapped, Craig Paris saluted the group and paid tribute to Abbot Giles Hayes for whom the event is dedicated.  He spoke about the Scholarship fund and the objective of building a robust financial aid program at Delbarton. During dinner, Alumni Association President Chris Bury '91 P'19, '20, '23 thanked participants, then introduced Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, OSB, who spoke of the lasting connection Abbot Giles had on so many people in the room and updated everyone on the current status of Delbarton School.  After dinner was a very successful live auction that raised more than $17,000 towards the Rev. Giles P. Hayes '56 Scholarship Fund.

Thank you to all who supported this year's Alumni Shooting Classic. It was a great day of sporting clays and socializing at the always-remarkable Hudson Farm Club and as always, this alumni-driven event supported a powerful initiative at Delbarton – the goal of opening our doors to every young man who qualifies for admission, regardless of family income or circumstances.