Paying It Forward: Mark Mallia’s $5,000 Gift Takes De La Salle’s Drone Program to New Heights
De La Salle Collegiate is grateful to longtime Pilot football coach Mark Mallia for his generous $5,000 gift to support the school’s growing drone technology program. The gift was made in memory of Mallia’s late uncle and aunt, Francis and Olga Gatt.
For Mallia, the gift represents more than an investment in technology—it is a way to give back and create opportunities for the next generation of De La Salle students.
“It means a lot that I can give back a gift that was given to me,” Mallia said. “And it’s going to benefit a lot of boys. It’s going to benefit my son, sophomore Matthew Mallia, and others after him. My late uncle was in the trades, and I’m passing this forward.”
Mallia, who has coached the freshman and junior varsity Pilot football teams for many years, said his support is rooted in his belief in the mission of De La Salle Collegiate.
“What I believe in most is the mission of this school and why we’re here,” he said. “And this is something, a little something, that I could do to further that mission.”
Expanding Opportunities Through Drone Technology
Mallia’s gift will help De La Salle purchase new drones, equipment and technology, expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students interested in engineering, drone operation, maintenance and repair.
Students in the program are also preparing for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, providing them with an opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential and explore potential careers in the rapidly growing drone industry.
For Anne Hughes, a De La Salle teacher and instructor in the school’s burgeoning drone program, the possibilities are exciting.
“This gift is just going to expand what we can continue to do with the drone program,” Hughes said. “The boys are already so interested because drones are fun. And now we’re going to get their hands on so many types of drones and introduce them to so many different skills that later can be translated into the workforce.”
Taking the Program to the Next Level
STEM Coordinator Scott Husken said the gift will allow De La Salle to expand the program in ways that otherwise would not have been possible.
“We were already developing a very good drone program. However, with this gift, we’re able to take the program to another level by buying some drones that we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford,” Husken said. “And it’s going to make our program excellent.”
The investment reflects De La Salle’s commitment to providing students with innovative, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to emerging technologies and future career opportunities.
Mallia’s generosity is also a powerful example of the De La Salle tradition of paying it forward—investing in today’s students so they can build a stronger future for those who follow.
De La Salle Collegiate extends its sincere gratitude to Mark Mallia for his generosity and for honoring the memory of Francis and Olga Gatt through a gift that will benefit generations of Pilot students.
Thank you, Mark, for investing in our students and helping take the De La Salle drone program to new heights!
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