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“La Notte Italiana Brilla” at West Orange High School
WEST ORANGE, NJ - West Orange High School came alive on June 2 with a celebration of Italian culture as the anticipated “La Notte Italiana Brillava” – Italian Night - shone. The event was organized by students of the Italian Club and Italian Honor Society, along with advisors Rosanna Zamloot and Vincenza Amabile, and showcased many of the rich traditions and diversity of six Italian regions: Veneto, Lombardia, Toscana, Campania, Publia, and Sicilia.
The evening began as Shaelah Norris delivered a moving rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the members of the Edison Middle School Italian Club performing the Italian National Anthem. The crowd was greeted by Superintendent Hayden Moore, who emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity and embracing different cultures. Mr. Felix Plata, the Supervisor of World Language and ESL, also expressed his excitement about the event and its significance.
Guest Speaker Frank Gonnella, President of Orange/West Orange UNICO, shared his personal experiences of growing up Italian and the importance of Italian Sunday dinners in his family. He highlighted the natural connection he felt to the UNICO chapter, 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.
The West Orange Orchestra created a delightful ambiance with their musical talents as guests enjoyed their dinner. Daniel Aguilera continued to captivate the audience with his solo piano performances, evoking the rolling hills of Tuscany. Mason Insana and Abigail Rothstein serenaded everyone with their enchanting voices, performing iconic songs like "O' Sole Mio" and "Vivo Per Lei" by the renowned Andrea Bocelli. The seniors of the Italian Honor Society and Italian Club showcased their dancing skills, beautifully interpreting the southern folkloristic song "Funiculi Funicula."
Luca Favetta, a junior at the school, amazed the audience with his rendition of the challenging Italian pop song "Soldi." He was accompanied by the award-winning West Orange High School Boys Step Team. The juniors, sophomores, and first-year students of the Italian Club also took the stage, captivating the crowd with a Sicilian tarantella, enticing guests to join in the joyful dance.
Francesca Silvano, a guest speaker and dancer, treated the audience to an ancient folkloristic dance from the Puglia region called "Pizzica-Taranta." She explained that this dance was traditionally performed to counteract the venom of a tarantula bite. Her performance showcased the cultural depth and significance of Italian traditions.
The evening was also an opportunity to honor the achievements of exceptional students. Ten deserving recipients, including 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.
DJ Justin Davis energized the atmosphere, ensuring that everyone enjoyed the dance floor. The event was graced by the presence of West Orange Board President Brian Rock and Board Vice-President Melinda Huerta, who were impressed by the students' dedication and the sense of unity and family created by the diverse attendees.
Italian Night at West Orange High School was an evening filled with joy, cultural appreciation, and heartfelt connections. It showcased the incredible talent and passion of the students, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. It was a celebration of heritage, diversity, and the power of coming together as one big family.
"In light of the wonderful evening we had, I want to highlight the tremendous effort put forth by the 60-plus members of our Italian Club," noted Zamloot.
"The students have dedicated their time and energy since January to ensure the success of Italian Night, as well as their hard work and commitment," she concluded.
SEE ALL THE PHOTOS/VIDEO CLIPS FROM ITALIAN NIGHT HERE. All photo credits: Robert McClammy.
SEE THE ITALIAN NIGHT PROGRAM HERE.
Advisor Vincenza Amabile, Italian Honor Society President Daniel Aguilera, Vice-President Emely Rodriguez, Advisor Rosanna Zamloot
UNICO President and guest speaker Frank Gonnella
Acting Superintendent Hayden Moore
June 6, 2023