Medford High School Italian Students Awarded Scholarships

MEDFORD, MA – Complimenti, Joshua Crespo and Leena Ziane!

The two Medford High School AP Italian students were awarded $1,000 each in scholarship money at the Federazione Associazioni Abruzzesi – USA gala last week. The event, held at Filippo's Restaurant in Boston's North End, was one of several Italian-American Heritage Month celebrations highlighting the contributions and achievements of Italians and Italian-Americans.

Each year at the gala, the organization awards a gold medal to a prominent member of the Italian community, as well as scholarships to high school seniors who excel in studying Italian. The scholarships are funded by a donation from Joe Pace, owner of Joe Pace & Son in Saugus, in memory of his mother.

Crespo and Ziane were selected based on their grades and written essays on the impact that the Italian language has had on their lives. In his essay, Crespo discussed how his fascination with Italian language and culture began with his love for soccer and AC Milan.

Ziane's written piece delved into her European heritage, which she felt tied her to Italian culture. After a two-week trip to Italy last summer, she decided to continue studying and practicing the language, singing Italian songs in the car and speaking Italian to her parents.

Photo (L-R): Ms. Chalifoux, Leena Ziane, Ms. DiCarlo, Joshua Crespo, Ms. Hoffman

Photo submitted by Medford Public Schools