Celebrating Culture In West Orange: ‘Italian Night,’ Students Excel

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The love for Italian culture is shining in West Orange.

West Orange High School recently came alive with a celebration of Italian culture at a well-attended “La Notte Italiana Brillava” – or Italian Night.

The event was organized by students of the Italian Club and Italian Honor Society, along with advisors Rosanna Zamloot and Vincenza Amabile. It showcased many of the rich traditions and diversity of six Italian regions: Veneto, Lombardia, Toscana, Campania, Publia, and Sicilia.

Guest speaker Frank Gonnella, president of the Orange/West Orange UNICO, shared his personal experiences of growing up Italian and the importance of Italian Sunday dinners in his family. Gonnella also highlighted the natural connection he felt to the UNICO chapter and following in his father's footsteps, underscoring the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Throughout the evening, students presented facts about each region in both Italian and English, allowing everyone to appreciate the unique characteristics of each area. Dressed in traditional costumes, students transported the crowd to the heart of Italian culture.

Other students pitched in at the event with music and dance presentations.

The evening was also an opportunity to honor the achievements of exceptional students. Ten recipients – Daniel Aguilera, Emely Rodriguez, Jessica Sarkes, Maren Jacob, Samantha Galantini, Samantha Brooks, Luke Byun, Tyler Harwood, Jonathan Ocampo and Giuliana Rella – were awarded scholarships in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments.

SUMMER PROGRAM

Four West Orange High School students were recently accepted into the highly competitive Italian Summer Intensive Program for Early College Credits at Monclair State University.

Mikela Dare, Aidan Medina, Michael MontoyaRuiz, and Jose Paiva will have the opportunity to earn three college credits upon successful completion of the course.

According to a news release from the district, the students applied for and were granted full scholarships for the program. These scholarships cover the entire cost of program tuition, as well as room and board on campus throughout the duration of the program. Each scholarship is valued at $1,525, which is a “testament to their exceptional qualities and achievements,” administrators said.

The students will continue with Italian AP at West Orange High School in the fall.

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