In collaboration with ITANJ (the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey), the Coccia Institute sponsors an annual spring showcase/competition of middle and High school students throughout the state. “Italian Language and Culture Day” features skits (“scenette”) written by the students themselves, and performed exclusively in Italian. These creative performances are enhanced by elaborate costumes, musical accompaniment and scenery designed and constructed by the students. A professional panel of judges selects the trophy recipients, supplemented by trophies awarded by a panel of student judges.
Demonstrating language mastery and fluency, as well as providing an enjoyable opportunity for interaction among students and teachers of Italian, Italian Language and Culture Day is organized by a committee of ITANJ board members and Coccia Institute staff. An exuberant capacity crowd fills the Conference Center of University Hall each spring, amazing all in attendance with the creativity, enthusiasm and language skills of our New Jersey students of Italian (6th through 12th grades)!
Italian Language & Culture Competition 2021 “Virtually Italian”
June 4, 2021
The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America in collaboration with the Italian Teacher’s Association of New Jersey (ITANJ) are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2021 Italian Language & Culture Competition. In lieu of an in-person gathering for everyone’s health and safety, the circumstances of the pandemic didn’t stop the students from participating—they created their own videos and submitted them to ITANJ judge panel. Given the circumstances of doing a virtual submission, these students went above and beyond to deliver creative videos that truly highlight the beauty of connecting with the Italian language and culture. Complimenti to all on this accomplishment!
Special thank you to Elisa Coccia of Coccia Foundation, the Judges’ Panel, and Dr. AJ Kelton, Director of the Digital Media CoLab, for creating this video displaying the winners!
Congratulazioni a…
1st Place:
“Che tempo fa?” – Frank J. Cicarell Academy (Elizabeth High School)
Victoria Almeyda, Rachael Anyosa, Maryoris Castillo, Angie Hurtado, Olivia Iheke, Shamila Joseph, Javier Linero-Quintana, Valerie Londono, and Josue Marrero
2nd Place:
“L’Italia Virtuale” – Red Bank Regional High School
Clare Gibb, Wayne Johnson, and Patrick Murray
3rd Place:
“Che fine hanno fatto?” – St. Peter’s Prep
Rishi Bhandari, Mattew Blomgren. Gabriel Doria, Joaquin Matti, and Gabriel Russel
Italian Language and Culture Day 2020 “Feste, Sagre, e Tradizioni—Italian Celebrations, Festivals, and Traditions”
March 12, 2020
Congratulazioni, terrific students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools, who were to have performed on March 12th their original skits in Italian, complete with elaborate costumes, impressive scenery and well-chosen musical accompaniment, during ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE DAY, the Coccia Institute’s annual showcase/competition collaboration with ITANJ (Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey–President Silvana Berardo).
Given the necessary cancellation of FESTE, SAGRE, e TRADIZIONI–Italian Celebrations, Festivals, and Traditions”(safety first!), I thought the least I could do to acknowledge the creativity and hard work invested by the students is to share with you the program of “what might have been!” Check out these schools, teachers and students’ skit titles!
Grazie mille, dedicated teachers of these wonderful students, our outstanding panel of judges, members of the ITANJ Organizing Committee (Co-chairs Marcella Clatworthy and Anna Ranieri), and our enthusiastic Student Ambassadors from Montclair State University!
Of course I would be remiss not to recognize the co-sponsors of Italian Language and Culture Day who join our primary sponsor, Coccia Foundation, in this exciting competition: UNICO National, West Essex UNICO Foundation, New Jersey Italian Heritage Commission and Ferrero USA, Inc.
Once again, student performers–BRAVI tutti! You’re ALL trophy winners in our book!
For your reference, here is the Program PDF acknowledging the schools and teachers with the titles of their presentations.
Italian Language and Culture Day 2019 “Presentiamo Capolavori Italiani/Presenting Italian Masterpieces”
March 14, 2019
Grazie e congratulazioni tutti who helped make Italian Language and Culture Day 2019: “Presentiamo Capolavori Italiani/Presenting Italian Masterpieces”–the annual collaboration between ITANJ and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America at Montclair State University–such a joyous success! While all the participating students from NJ middle and high schools are winners for all their hard work and dedication in presenting true masterpieces, the recipients of the trophies for their original skits, performed exclusively in Italian, enhanced by amazing costumes, sets and musical accompaniment are:
Middle School Level:
1st place: Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School
2nd place: Holmdel Middle School
High School Level:
1st place: Saint Peter’s Preparatory School
2nd place: Frank Cicarell Academy, Elizabeth
3rd place: Clifton High School
Recipients of the Student Choice Awards are:
For Best Costumes and Props:
Holmdel Middle School
Allentown High School
For Best Overall Performance:
Holmdel Middle School
Frank Cicarell Academy, Elizabeth
Congratulations to the dedicated members of the Organizing Committee [Silvana Berardo (ITANJ President), Marcella Clatworthy, Eric Lavin, Lisa Manfre’, Guido Morsella, Anna Ranieri, Catherine Vignale and Prof. Gina Miele]. A very special thank you to the outstanding members of our panel of judges [Prof. Andrea Baldi (Rutgers University), Silvana Berardo, Angela Mangione Borelli, Dr. Annavaleria Guazzieri (Dirigente Scolastica, Consulate General of Italy in NY), Prof. Emanuele Occhipinti (Drew University), Phyllis Pizzolato (Panel Chair) and Anna Ranieri].
More pictures of “Presentiamo Capolavori Italiani/Presenting Italian Masterpieces”
In case you missed it, here is the Italian Language and Culture Day 2019 Program (PDF).
Italian Language and Culture Day “L’Amore e’….Love Is….”
March 15, 2018
Grazie e congratulazioni tutti who helped make Italian Language and Culture Day 2018: “L’amore e’….Love Is….”–the annual collaboration between ITANJ and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America at Montclair State University–such a joyous success! While all the participating students from NJ middle and high schools are winners in my book, the recipients of the trophies for their original skits, performed exclusively in Italian, enhanced by amazing costumes, sets and musical accompaniment are:
Middle School Level:
1st place: Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School
2nd place: Central Middle School
3rd place: Holmdel Middle School
High School Level:
1st place: Red Bank Regional High School
2nd place: Hawthorne High School
3rd place: Frank Cicarell Academy, Elizabeth
Recipients of the Student Choice Awards are:
For Best Costumes and Props:
Holmdel Middle School
Frank Cicarell Academy
For Best Overall Performance:
Holmdel Middle School
Hawthorne High School
Congratulations to the dedicated members of the Organizing Committee [Silvana Berardo (ITANJ President), Marcella Clatworthy, Marisa Fusaro, Lisa Manfre’, Guido Morsella, Anna Ranieri, Catherine Vignale and Prof. Gina Miele]. A very special thank you to the outstanding members of our panel of judges [Prof. Andrea Baldi (Rutgers University), Silvana Berardo, Angela Mangione Borelli, Dr. Annavaleria Guazzieri (Dirigente Scolastica, Consulate General of Italy in NY), Prof. Emanuele Occhipinti (Drew University), Phyllis Pizzolato (Panel Chair) and Anna Ranieri].
More pictures of “L’Amore e’… Love Is…”
In case you missed it, here’s the Italian Language and Culture Day 2018 Program (PDF).
Italian Language and Culture Day “Paese che vai, usanza che trovi: Regional Customs, Traditions and Superstitions”
March 16, 2017
“Paese che vai, usanza che trovi: Regional Customs, Traditions and Superstitions”–The theme of this year’s collaboration between the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America at Montclair State University. A full house of 350 students and teachers from four middle and 10 high schools participated in this annual showcase/competition among New Jersey-based schools. Featuring original skits in Italian, written by the students themselves, complete with elaborate costumes, scenery and musical accompaniment. Additionally, an Italian-themed online game of Kahoot! added to the merriment, after the rousing chorus of Italian and American national anthems. The students’ performances were truly phenomenal. Congratulazioni, tutti!
Our outstanding panel of judges: Anna Ranieri (Holmdel High School, retired), Silvana Berardo (Madison High School), , Marcella Clatworthy (Lyndhurst High School), Phyllis Pizzolato (Pascack Valley Regional High School District, retired), Andrea Baldi (Professor, Rutgers University) and Carlo Davoli (Director of Education, Consulate General of Italy in NY).
Trophy recipients at the Middle School Level:
1st place- Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School (Un viaggio in Italia)
2nd place- Ocean Township Intermediate School (La torta dei Fieschi)
3rd place- Central Middle School ((Sognando d’Italia)
Trophy recipients at the High School Level:
1st place- St. Peter’s Preparatory School (Palermo, capitale italiana della cultura 2018)
2nd place- Union City High School (Girando con le stelle: tutti a Sanremo)
3rd place- Hawthorne High School (Benvenuti al sud)
More pictures of Paese che vai, usanza che trovi: Regional Customs, Traditions and Superstitions
In case you missed it, here’s the Italian Language and Culture Day 2017 Program (PDF)!
Italian Language and Culture Day “C’era una volta…/Once upon a time…”
March 16th, 2016
Italian Language and Culture Day 2016–“C’era una volta…/Once Upon a Time&hellip” at Montclair State University, over 250 students and their teachers participated in this exuberant showcase-competition, an annual signature collaboration between ITANJ (The Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey) and the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America. Students at the middle school and high school levels performed their original skits–in Italian–for one another and delighted guests–complete with charming and elaborate costumes and scenery. Congratulations to our 250+ participating students and teachers—You were all phenomenal! Bravi!
More pictures of C’era una volta…/Once Upon a Time…
In case you missed it, here’s the 2016 ILCD Program (PDF)!
Italian Language and Culture Day “Il ‘Made in Italy”
March 25th, 2015
A full house of almost 400 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Language and Culture Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on March 25th in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “Il ‘Made in Italy.” Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee chaired once again by Lisa Manfrè, Italian teacher at Grover Cleveland Middle School, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
More pictures of Il ‘Made in Italy
In case you missed it, here’s the ILCD 2015 Program!
Italian Language and Culture Day “Un Viaggio nel Tempo: Ieri e Domani… A Journey in Time: Yesterday and Tomorrow”
March 26th, 2014
A full house of almost 400 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Language and Culture Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on March 26th in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “Un Viaggio nel Tempo: Ieri e Domani” Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
More pictures: ILCD 2014 Photo Gallery 1, ILCD 2014 Photo Gallery 2
In case you missed it, here’s the 2014 ILCD Program (PDF)!
Italian Language and Culture Day “In Cerca di…/In Search of…”
March 20th, 2013
A full house of almost 300 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Language and Culture Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on March 20th in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “In Cerca di…”. Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
In case you missed it, here’s the ILCD 2013 Program (PDF)!
Italian Language and Culture Day “Un giorno nella vita di…/A Day in the Life of….”
March 28th, 2012
A full house of almost 300 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Heritage Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on March 28th in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “Un giorno nella vita di…”. Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
Italian Language and Culture Day “La Canzone Italiana, A Celebration of Italian Pop Music”
March 30th, 2011
A full house of almost 300 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Heritage Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on March 30th in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “La Canzone Italiana, A Celebration of Italian Pop Music”. Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
In case you missed it, here’s our full program!
Italian Language and Culture Day “In Giro per L’Italia Cucinando, Traditional Italian Foods Represented Through Regional Specialties”
March 26th, 2010
A full house of almost 300 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Heritage Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on March 26th in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “In giro per l’Italia cucinando”. Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
In case you missed it, here’s our Italian Heritage Program (PDF)!
Italian Language and Culture Day “Le Maschere & I loro Dialetti nella Commedia Dell’Arte/Masks and their dialects in the Commedia Dell’Arte”
April 3rd, 2009
A full house of almost 300 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Heritage Day, the annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on April 3rd in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “Le Maschere & I loro dialetti nella commedia dell’arte”. Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.
Italian Language and Culture Day “Lo Sport/ Sports”
April 2nd, 2008
A full house of almost 300 students of Italian from New Jersey middle and high schools competed during Italian Heritage Day, the first annual signature collaboration between the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America (the ‘academic arm’ of Coccia Foundation) and the Italian Teachers Association of New Jersey (ITANJ). Held on April 3rd in the Conference Center at Montclair State University, this year’s theme was “Lo Sport”. Under the leadership of ITANJ President, Comm. Catherine Vignale, and supported by the ITANJ Organizing Committee, this program provided an exciting and unique opportunity to showcase not only the Italian proficiency but the creativity and artistic talents of students at the middle and high school levels.