Finding His Place Through Brotherhood and Leadership

For Nicholas “Nick” Samartino, De La Salle Collegiate has been about much more than academics. During his four years at the school, he has found friendship, brotherhood, and opportunities to challenge himself through athletics, leadership, and service.

He attended St. Lawrence before coming to De La Salle, following a path shared by several friends and family members, including Gaspare LoDuca ‘93, Ben Aloia ‘91, Sam Serra ‘14, Tony Serra ‘20, Lorenzo Aloia ‘24, Ben Aloia Jr. ‘25, and Joseph Serra '25. 

“A lot of my friends were going to De La Salle,” Nick said. “A lot of my cousins have also attended De La Salle, and it just felt right for me to go there as well.”

From New Student to Student Leader

Nick has made the most of his time at De La Salle. He has participated in football, powerlifting, and track, while also being involved in Student Council, Link Crew, the Student Athlete Leadership Club, the National Honor Society, and the Freshman Retreat. He also plans to join DECA.

Of his activities, football and powerlifting have been particularly meaningful.

Football helped Nick meet people and develop relationships when he was still getting acquainted with high school.

“When you go into high school, you don't know that many people,” he said. “When I started playing football, it really helped me make friends and make a bond with all my brothers.”

Nick has played running back and linebacker. 

He has also competed in track, running the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and relay events. He joined track in part to stay in shape for football and become faster, but also enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time with his friends.

Challenging Himself to do More

Powerlifting provided another important influence, and Nick credits Danny Motowski, who trained him in lifting. 

“He'd always push me more than I thought I could,” Nick said.

Motowski, who heads the DLS Strength and Conditioning Program, said, “Nick is one of the most good-hearted, hard working kids that I know.” 

Pushing Himself in the Classroom

That willingness to challenge himself extends to the classroom. Nick ranks among the top 15 students in his class and is on track to graduate summa cum laude in May 2027 while taking a demanding schedule of advanced courses.

This year, he is taking Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB, AP Business/Finance, Economics, and a new year-long course: Civil Engineering and Architecture. 

During the second semester, Nick will be taking the semester Bloomberg Finance course. 

His previous AP courses include AP US History and AP Government.

Mike Shortt, who teaches Business classes, said, “Nick exemplifies everything we want our student athletes to be. He is a hard-working team player. He brings this attitude of refusing to be outworked to the classroom as well where he also makes himself and those around him better.”

  Looking Ahead to Michigan State

Nick’s interest in construction also extends beyond the classroom. He plans to major in Construction Management at Michigan State University, a career path influenced by his father, who is an architect, as well as his older sister, who is also studying Construction Management.

“I've always had an interest in construction,” Nick said.

He has gained firsthand experience through a summer job, helping to maintain homes under construction. His father has also taken him to construction sites, giving him an opportunity to see the industry up close.

Although he is excited about college, Nick admits that leaving high school will be a little intimidating.

“It's going to be something new, but I am looking forward to it,” he said.

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

His advice to younger students reflects how much his own experience changed once he became involved.

“When I was a freshman, I didn't really do much. I didn't really get to know that many people,” NIck said. “I just say, put your name out there. Do as much as you can.”

If his friends were asked to describe him, Nick believes they would choose two words: hardworking and smart.
And if he could instantly master one skill, his choice might surprise some people.

“Talking to people,” he said. “Talking to people is a great skill to have, and I don't think I'm the best at it. So I'd love to have that skill.”

As for three things he would take to a deserted island? His answer was simple: Wi-Fi, a friend and his phone.

The Lasting Brotherhood

When he looks back on his years at De La Salle, however, it won't be a particular class or assignment that stands out most.

It will be the people.

"It's a smaller school, so everyone knows each other,” Nick said. “We're all there for each other.”

Twenty years from now, he expects he will remember the same thing: the Brotherhood, one of the defining characteristics of De La Salle.

Final Note

Nick and his parents, Paul and Michelle Samartino, live in Shelby Township and the family attends St. Lawrence in Utica. Michelle is the Sports Information Director at DLS.