Coach Meghan Maclaughlin,Tess Destino, and Coach Amanda Levie
Alex J. Destino Writes~
Our daughter Tess has accepted an offer to play lacrosse at Merrimack College next year. She signed her National Letter of Intent along side her coaches and athletic director today at GHS. A lot of hard work led to this day…
Our friend Falzarano Thom was the director of Cape Ann Youth Lacrosse when our daughter Tess first started to play lacrosse in the seventh grade.About two weeks into the season Thom came over to me to introduce himself. He said “your daughter has a lot of ability…you need to get her involved with a “Club” team.” At that time I knew essentially nothing about lacrosse. Thom made a few phone calls which led to a tryout for Tess with Revolution Lacrosse in Boston. 90% of the players involved with this program came from elite private schools around New England. We were a little out of place…but I think they were intrigued with a public school kid from Gloucester who brought a certain amount of grit and toughness to their program. So, they selected her. It was a huge commitment for her (and us) but she received excellent coaching, became a very skilled player and traveled all over against the best talent in the country. Thom, please know how grateful we are to you. Today’s signing for Tess simply does not happen without you reaching out to us.
Thank you and God Bless!
The Destino’s have been family friends for generations. Our family is super happy and incredibly proud of this beautiful young lady, and share in the excitement of celebrating this awesome achievement. Congratulations Tess! Hope you and your family, enjoy every moment of this day. Celebrate all the years of hard work, and dedication to the sport you love.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Love that story. It takes someone like a Thom Falzarano to recognize that spark back in the seventh grade. Then all it takes is five years of hard work. Congratulations.to Tess!
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Congratulations to Tess and the whole family from her Destino family in Watertown and Newton. We are so proud of you, Tess and we know you will shine at Merrimack, carrying on the tradition of Destino athletes.
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Great story and history here! Best of luck at the next adventure ( School moto elighten minds, engage hearts and empower).
Perseverance and hard work, “E Vero!’ — It’s true” Dave:-) & Kim:-)
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Congratulations to Tess! Great to see that young man in the last picture representing with a South Carolina Gamecocks hat all the way up in Gloucester!!
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Congratulations to Tess! And we aren’t surprised that Thom did what he did – he’s an unsung hero in many ways, nice to see him get some recognition for it!
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Congratulations Tess!
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