On April 25, 2025, Delbarton School welcomed a very special group of guests to its campus: thirty very energetic 3rd and 4th graders from Oasis — a nonprofit organization based in Paterson, New Jersey — along with ten teachers from the Michael Wagner After-School Academy. Oasis — A Haven for Women and Children — is a nonprofit organization with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through compassionate and holistic support. Located in a four-story building in Paterson, NJ, Oasis provides food, clothing, counseling, and education to underserved women and children in the community. The Michael Wagner After-School Academy, a vital part of Oasis's offerings, gives children a safe space to learn, grow, and thrive. Each weekday, students receive hot meals, academic enrichment led by professional teachers, and mental health support through the organization's youth social work program. Their visit was centered around the Delbarton vs. Don Bosco varsity baseball game, offering these young students a unique and inspiring high school sports experience.
This outing was the result of an initiative led by Ajay Tolia '28, whose vision to bridge communities through the power of sports was facilitated by the unwavering support of Delbarton Athletic Director, Dr. Tony Negrin. Together, they created an experience that extends far beyond just baseball.
The Mission Behind the Moment
The visit served as more than just a field trip; it was a preparatory step toward Oasis's own upcoming baseball scrimmage at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium, scheduled for May 29, 2025. The idea was simple and very impactful: expose Oasis students to the excitement and sportsmanship of a varsity baseball game, inspiring them for their own big day on the diamond.
Leading up to the Delbarton game, the Oasis team worked to build anticipation. Baseball hitting and fielding clinics were held in Paterson to promote skills and engagement. Students also discussed the goals and benefits of attending a high school game at Delbarton. To show their excitement, the children created handmade signs, proudly bringing them along on game day.
Planning the Day
Organizing the trip required thoughtful coordination. Ajay first gauged student interest from Oasis, then presented the plan to the Oasis leadership — including the program director and CEO — and to Delbarton's athletic department. Once the plan received enthusiastic approval, logistics fell into place with the support of Dr. Negrin and the Delbarton Baseball program.
Game Day Highlights
The students arrived on campus at 4:30 PM, buzzing with excitement. They were greeted warmly and treated to a delicious meal, generously provided by the Delbarton Baseball team. Fr. Michael extended Delbarton's hospitality by welcoming the students and their supervisors personally, exemplifying the school's Benedictine values of community and compassion.
As the Delbarton Green Wave took the field against their longtime rival Don Bosco, Oasis students soaked in the atmosphere — cheering, laughing, and interacting with members of the Delbarton community.
By 6:15 PM, the Oasis students departed after a big Delbarton 7-2 win over Don Bosco Prep!
