Four South Orangetown Italian language students were among local students recognized in a January Student of the Month ceremony by the Blauvelt Sons of Italy for enthusiasm and excellence in their world language studies.
Those honored are South Orangetown Middle School eighth graders Jasmine P. and Madelyn T. and Tappan Zee High School seniors Asia A. and Ian R.–all of whom have “shown a true passion for the Italian language and culture.” TZHS senior Patrick C. was recognized in November.
Italian teachers Christina Nilson (SOMS), Maria Bruno (TZHS) and Vittoria Conway (TZHS) were also honored at the event, along with their Rockland peers, by New York State Senator Bill Weber and New York State Assemblyman John McGowan, for their participation in the Sons of Italy Student of the Month program and positive impact. Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny and Town Clerk Rosanna Sfraga awarded certificates on the assemblyman’s behalf.
“It is truly an honor for us to teach our beloved Italian language and culture to our students each and every day, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come,” Bruno said. “We are grateful for our relationship with the Sons of Italy and to the Student of the Month Committee Chairmen Rich Sica and Nick Sfraga for their constant support of the Italian language program and for honoring our students for excellence in their studies. We are also deeply honored by the certificates awarded to us from Senator Weber and Assemblyman McGowan.”