Garnet Valley adds 4 alums to Hall of Fame
CONCORD >> Four alumni inducted into the Garnet Valley School District Hall of Fame were recognized for building a better world, figuratively and literally. From military service, to real estate development, to innovative business venture and significant community service, their achievements reflected skills and values to which the school district contributed.
The Hall of Fame, now in its third year, is an outgrowth of the Garnet Valley School District Education Foundation under the leadership of President Dan Foltz and Vice President Kevin O’Donoghue.
“The Foundation is an independent, charitable, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote, support and perpetuate the exemplary education provided by the Garnet Valley School District.” Its vision was further described: “By achieving its mission, the Foundation will partner with the school district to enhance and maximize innovative and progressive learning opportunities in all facets of student life.”
The 2018 Hall of Fame inductees will be added to nine individuals in the previous two years and now span 1971 to 2004. Superintendent Marc Bertrando said the newest members represent “the exemplary education which takes place in a safe and caring community.” The evening highlighted their career and personal achievements, and the roles played by their families, the district and “Jaguar” spirit.
Major Carmen Bucci, 2001, graduated from the United States Military Academy in 2005 and commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Bucci completed six combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and currently serving at West Point as Executive Office for the Dept. of Military Instruction. He is married to the former Lora Sheeran and has three sons.
“The military was an easy decision from a young age. I had great inspiration from both of my grandfathers, and wanted to serve as they did. I understood what service stood for. It is humbling to be part of this group. Tonight is not about me, but my wife and family, the unsung heroes whose sacrifices enable me to do what I do,” said Bucci. “I hope to be an ambassador for the district in years to come.”
Brian DiSabatino, 1983, is a graduate of James Madison University. He is CEO and the fourth generation of EDiS Company, a regional construction business. He has also deeply committed to community service, concentrating on awareness and funding to combat military-related suicides through his organization “22in22.”
DiSabatino, who resides in Wilmington and has three adult children, joked that the call from Garnet Valley was like a recurring nightmare.
“Truly I am unworthy. I had average grades and was known for breaking the rules.” DiSabatino’s special guest was Anne Pfaelzer de Ortiz, his English teacher who “taught me to think like a philosopher.” Music provided him with motivation and led him to be an All American percussionist. But his overwhelming sentiment was that Garnet Valley has “an unwritten contract to care for each other.”
George Krautzel, 1990 is an entrepreneur whose passion is for “building innovative business solutions to solve market challenges.” A graduate of Villanova University with a B.S. in Finance, Krautzel is co-founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm MissionOG which manages 22 companies focused on economic expansion and job creation. He is married and the father of four children.
Krautzel attended Garnet Valley schools from 2nd grade through graduation and participated in such rigorous academic activities as MathCOUNTS and Hi-Q. Krautzel cited his parents as great role models and also thanked his wife and children for their support.
Krautzel believes in five key factors towards success: work ethic; strong nuclear family; competitiveness; innovation; and fortitude. He recognized Garnet Valley as being progressive in outlook and willing to challenge students early.
Carl Wright, 1987, attended Garnet Valley in grades K to 6 and 9-12. He earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of Delaware. He combined his passion for engineering, real estate and construction by founding Wright Partners, based in Media, which has developed over 50 real estate projects and manages a large portfolio of commercial/retail buildings.
“I was extremely fortunate to come back to Garnet Valley, far from the one-room school in Florida. I had amazing mentors.”
Wright acknowledged football Coach Mike Ricci as a major influence, teaching lifelong lessons: discipline, never blame anyone else, be selfless every day, and build a team. Wright spoke intently of the “oneness” and team building conveyed by Ricci and how it has informed his life. “I’m not a ‘self-made man.’ Quite the opposite.”