Schenectady Catholic school put him on smooth Rhodes to scholarship

He credits his family and high school for playing important roles in his journey towards academic excellence.

The Rhodes Scholarship enables students of outstanding intellectual, moral and leadership ability to pursue a second baccalaureate or a master's degree in science, humanities or social science at Oxford University in England. The scholarship pays tuition and fees, plus a stipend of approximately $10,000. Each year, only 32 U.S. citizens are selected as Rhodes Scholars.

Shared award

His family, he said, laid the groundwork for his success. "They are the reasons I am here," he explained. "They instilled in me the commitment, the drive, the importance of education, respect, the importance of expressing myself -- and to shoot for everything."

In addition to being a scholar, Mr. Delgado is an athlete who was a basketball standout in high school and played for Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. But he opted to give up his place on the team to experience other aspects of college life, including hosting "Racing Time," a weekly TV show at Colgate about racial issues, humanity and cultural differences; and serving as Head Resident of the campus apartments, a position that required him to be a liaison between administration and residential coordinators as they facilitate a community atmosphere in the apartments.

Brains and brawn

Academics and sports "went hand in hand for me," he said, but academics always came first. "That's how I was raised. Always academics first."

As a child, Mr. Delgado often didn't complete sports seasons if his grades weren't up to par. "I have a low tolerance for nonsense," said his mother, Thelma Hill. "If you don't make the grade, you can't play."

From her children's earliest school days, Mrs. Hill encouraged them to succeed. "I told them: `Your job is to go to school and get your education, come home and do your homework, and then play.'"

School days

"Teachers like Mr. [Paul] O'Brien instilled the zest to learn," said Mr. Delgado. "All of the teachers were involved and dedicated to their profession. They had a passion, so you were obligated to focus."

In addition to the faculty of the school, Mr. Delgado enjoyed the school community. "It's a small school, and I made strong friendships," he said. "It's amazing to see that my friends from high school are still my friends."

Choosing ND-BG

"[My husband] convinced me this was the best thing for a good education," she said. "We made the decision for [Antonio]. As parents, you have to make the decisions."

Mr. Delgado did not go to ND-BG willingly at first. "I'm kind of a skeptic when it comes to private schools," he explained. "Once I got there, I saw for myself. There is a definite difference. Going to Bishop Gibbons made my journey easier. I'm definitely happy I went to Bishop Gibbons."

Outstanding student

Dr. O'Brien still has papers written by Mr. Delgado as well as vivid images of him. "In his senior year, we did 'Othello,'" the teacher explained. "It's so moving to have a strong black man to play Othello."

Dr. O'Brien also remembers suggesting that Mr. Delgado might some day be a Rhodes Scholar. "When he was a junior, I said, `Who knows? You might be a Rhodes Scholar.' He said, `What's that?'"

Dr. O'Brien feels that Mr. Delgado exemplifies the Rhodes Scholarship qualities: literary and scholastic attainments; fondness for and success in sports; truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for and protection of the weak; kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship; moral force of character and instincts to lead; and an interest in one's fellow human beings.

"We believe Antonio wonderfully fulfilled these achievements," Dr. O'Brien said.

Inspiration

"Everybody talked about it," he recalled. "The kids wanted to know what it means. We discussed it with the classes. There's been a pride the students don't like to admit. It's been very inspirational."

Sister Monica Murphy, CSJ, guidance counselor, said it has been quite an experience to have a former student receive such an honor.

"It's overwhelming," she said. "I'm proud to be a part of it. Not only to have someone receive this, but to have him. He was one of the most unusual, wonderful students."

Poetic touch

"It was the most clever [application] of anybody I'd ever seen," Sister Monica said. "It was so clever. Not only did it have great verse, but it showed he'd done his homework."

Mr. Delgado will graduate from Colgate this spring with a degree in political science and philosophy. In September, he will go to Oxford University where he will study philosophy, political science and economics for two years. His goal is to get a doctorate in philosophy and eventually teach.

"I want to give back," he said. "My family raised me that way."

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