Italian Language and Culture Day, an annual showcase and competition among students of Italian from middle and high schools across New Jersey, was held at Montclair State University on March 14^th. 

A signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ),  “Presentiamo Capolavori Italiani: Presenting Italian Masterpieces” featured original skits written by the students themselves, performed exclusively in Italian, complete with elaborate costumes, scenery and musical accompaniment. Bravi tutti!

2019 ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE DAY AWARDS (Middle & High School Categories)
1st Place: Manalapan--Englishtown Middle School
2nd Place: Holmdel Middle School

1st Place: St. Peter's Preparatory School
2nd Place: Elizabeth--Frank Cicarell Academy
3rd Place: Clifton High School

STUDENT CHOICE AWARDS
Best Costumes and Props: Holmdel Middle School and Allentown High School
Best Overall Performance: Holmdel Middle School and Elizabeth-Frank Cicarell Academy 

Congratulatory remarks were offered by Dominic Caruso,  Esq., Hon. Consul of Italy in New Jersey and Joseph Sciame, Chair/Pres. IHCC-NY.  Serving on the panel of judges were Annavaleria Guazzieri, Dirigente Scolastica, Consulate General of Italy  in New York; Prof. Andrea Baldi, Rutgers University; Prof. Emanuele Occhipinti, Drew University; and ITANJ Board members Silvana Berardo, Angela Mangione Borelli and Phyllis Pizzolato.