Teddy Franchetti ‘29 is the 2026 recipient of the Cerasia Award, presented each year to a student who exhibits persistence and resilience during his time at Delbarton.

He received the award on February 4 during a Morning Meeting in the Fine Arts Center theater. This award is presented annually to a student who, through his actions, demonstrates the Succisa Virescit ​​​​​​spirit of being cut down, then growing back even stronger.

Nobody welcomes adversity into his life, but when a reversal inevitably comes, it's what you do next that counts. 

"This award is presented to a student who demonstrates perseverance and embodies the Delbarton motto Succisa Virescit, cut down, it grows back stronger," said Headmaster Fr. Michael Tidd, O.S.B. who presented the award to Teddy Franchetti '29 after explaining the unusual circumstances the made him an eminently deserving recipient. 

Early in the 2024 school year, Teddy, a member of last year's incoming freshman Class of 2028, was unexpectedly impacted by an acute medical diagnosis that caused his family to make the difficult decision for Teddy to take a leave of absence for treatment. Throughout his ordeal, Teddy demonstrated great resilience, strength and spirit in handling a very challenging period of his life.  He returned this past fall 2025 as a member of the freshman Class of 2029, healthy once again and in great shape. Both physically and academically he is thriving at Delbarton and looks forward to playing lacrosse this spring for the Green Wave. 

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. Michael’s parents, Robert and Carole Cerasia P'94 of North Caldwell, were represented at today's ceremony by Robert's business partner, Delbarton alumnus Andrew Barrow '88.

Teddy's parents, Ted and Jovan Franchetti, and his younger sister were also present to witness today's presentation.

Pictured below are Fr. Michael, 2024 Cerasia Award recipient Andre Clovis '26, 2026 Cerasia Award recipient Teddy Franchetti '29, Andrew Barrow '88, Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs Chuck Ruebling '79, P'10, who led the Cerasia Award selection process, and Freshman Guidance Counselor and Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach Matt Kovachik P'26. Kovachik was instrumental in helping the Franchetti family navigate Teddy's medical leave of absence and his successful return to school this year. 

Delbarton's second headmaster, Rev. Stephen Findlay OSB, adopted our Succisa Virescit motto from Monte Cassino, the Benedictine spiritual home in Italy, founded by St. Benedict in 529 A.D. The monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt four times, most recently during World War II. 

Experiencing setbacks and challenges is hard-wired into the Delbarton School ethos. In the pursuit of excellence, failure often is inevitable and life also sometimes presents unexpected challenges like one Teddy Franchetti and his family confronted in fall 2024.

It is for this reason that Delbarton students, teachers, coaches and parents assimilate our motto's simple message.  Years later, our alumni continue to reference Succisa Virescit when explaining how they emerged stronger from a personal setback. None of us is immune from failure and disappointment. Each of us appreciates the simple yet powerful message of Succisa Virescit. 

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