Congratulations to Dylan Todaro, Class of 2022, this year’s recipient of the Richard A. Balgenorth Lasallian Award for Higher Education.

Named for the late Richard Balgenorth, Class of 1975, who passed away suddenly in 2007, the award is given to a graduating senior who displays an understanding of the importance of his De La Salle experience. The award was established during the 2008-2009 school year, to perpetually honor Balgenorth, a faithful and proud supporter of the Lasallian mission at De La Salle.

The Balgenorth Award, valued at $1,000, is to be used by a student to defray expenses directly associated with his first year of college. 

Dylan has applied to Xavier, the University of Florida, and the University of Tennessee; he plans to major in Sports Management and Political Science. 

Currently, he is taking three Advanced Placement courses: English, Human Geography, and Computer Science. 

An active student at De La Salle, Dylan is a member of the National Honor Society, and plans to throw shot put for the DLS track team this spring. He also played varsity football, and was a member of the 2021 state championship team, as well as the 2020 state finalist team. 

Dylan tutors other students in English, Spanish, and Social Studies, and has taught students to learn note-taking techniques for quiz and exam preparation. 

In his award application essay, Dylan wrote that “Lasallian values have impacted my personal growth..I have become a better person overall.”

Dylan attended St. Lawrence Grade School in Utica, and said he was inspired by family friend Josh Wilk, ‘16, to attend De La Salle. 

“I have become a lifelong member of a longstanding brotherhood like no other,” he wrote. “This I cherish deeply.”

Faculty member and football coach Mike Shortt, ‘04, had high praise. 

“Dylan is an absolute treasure to interact with each day,” Shortt wrote. “He always has a positive attitude and is an extremely capable student and a great teammate. In football and in class, he’s an outstanding person to have around.” 

Shaun Legato, another faculty member, also speaks highly of Dylan. 

“I've known Dylan for the past 4 school years and we have a fantastic relationship,” Legato said. “Even as a freshman, Dylan was above average in regard to maturity, and he has continued to grow into a wonderful young man. I know that I'm proud of what he has become over the years and his parents undoubtedly feel the same. He will be greatly missed in the building next year.”

Dylan described Shortt and Legato as his favorite teachers. 

"Mr. Legato was my advisor teacher my first three years, and my math teacher last year. I had Coach Shortt this year for personal finance, and know him as a football coach the last two years. Both of them have impacted my life in a good way, and we have built a relationship far beyond school. I know if I ever need something, they will be there for me."

PHOTO: Mrs. Kim Balgenorth, Mr. Mike Shortt, Dylan Todaro, Mr. Shaun Legato, and Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC.