The “Spirit of Italian Culture” Scholarship

The Italian American Cultural Organization of the South Shore is pleased to announce the “Spirit of Italian Culture” scholarship opportunity for a high school senior of Italian heritage applying to college.

The awards are based on overall academic excellence, commitment to community service, and an essay detailing how the Italian heritage has impacted the student's development. This year, we will award six scholarships, each in the amount of $3,000, for a one-time award. The six students exemplify the motto of our Organization with their Spirit of Italian Culture.

The 2025 “Spirit of Italian Culture” Scholarship Winners

Sophia M. Dow, Notre Dame Academy

Marianna O. Lassner, The Montgomery Academy, Montgomery, AL

Addison M. McDonagh, Oliver Ames High School

Natalie J. Pechilis, Whitman-Hanson Regional High School

Madeline E. Polochick, Apponequet Regional High School

Maeve C. White, Archbishop Williams High School

The awards will be presented at the IACO “Spirit of Italian Culture” Scholarship Dinner, June 16, 2025, at the Tirrell Room in Quincy. To celebrate, a feast of Italian food will be served to all who attend. Visitors and new members are welcome to attend.

The Tirrell Room
254 Quarry Street, Quincy, MA, 02169

Event Details

IACO Scholarship Committee
Joyce Annese, Chair | Dominic Candelieri | Ginny Polio

Please contact us for more information:
Joyce Annese • 781-856-8708 • joyceannese54@gmail.com

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Dominique Candelieri
Michelangelo Salon
40 Pearl Street
Braintree, MA 02184

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Application Deadline April 10, 2025

All application materials for the scholarship must be postmarked by April 10, 2025. The IACO Scholarship Committee will review and select the recipients’ documentation.

Mail Applications To:
Italian American Cultural Organization
Scholarship Committee
c/o Joyce Annese, 5 Rebecca Road, Whitman, MA 02382

Congratulations to our 2024 Recipients!

Sonia Dijkstra - Quincy High School
Ava Donaghue - Fontbonne Academy
Julia Fiorello - Thayer Academy
Bianca Giannandrea - Archbishop Williams High School
Ava LaRaia - Norfolk County Agricultural School

Sonia Dijkstra, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri and Joyce Annese.

Sonia Dijkstra, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri and Joyce Annese.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Ava Donaghue, IACO scholarship committee members Ginny Polio and Dominic Candelieri.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Ava Donaghue, IACO scholarship committee members Ginny Polio and Dominic Candelieri.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Julia Fiorello, IACO scholarship committee members Ginny Polio and Dominic Candelieri.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Julia Fiorello, IACO scholarship committee members Ginny Polio and Dominic Candelieri.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Bianca Giannandrea, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri and Ginny Polio.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Bianca Giannandrea, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri and Ginny Polio.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Ava LaRaia, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri and Ginny Polio.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with Ava LaRaia, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri and Ginny Polio.

Green sign reading "Welcome" with "Italian American Cultural Organization" and IACO logo in a room with tables and people.
Woman reading a paper at a podium with an Italian American Cultural Organization logo.
People sitting at tables in a banquet hall during an IACO event; a speaker at a podium addresses the audience near a stage with blue curtains.
A person standing at a podium with a microphone, speaking at an event organized by the Italian American Cultural Organization (IACO), as indicated by the sign on the podium. The background features a blue curtain and some cardboard boxes.
Woman speaking at a podium with "Italian American Cultural Organization" logo, holding a paper in front of a microphone.
A group of people sitting at round tables in a banquet hall, listening to a speaker at a podium. Tables are set with red napkins, glassware, and plates. Blue curtains and a disco ball are visible in the background.
Ray Cavicchio playing an accordion seated indoors, with musical notes in the background.
Italian American Cultural Organization event with people seated at tables, check-in area, green welcome banner, and disco ball.

Past Spirit of Italian Culture Recipients

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Sarah Alberione - Quincy High School
Danielle O’Brien - Quincy High School

Gianvito Montillo - Archbishop Williams High School

Silvia Montillo - Archbishop William High School

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with 2023 winners Silvia Montillo and Gianvito Montillo, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri, Ginny Polio and Joyce Annese.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with 2023 winners Silvia Montillo and Gianvito Montillo, IACO scholarship committee members Dominic Candelieri, Ginny Polio and Joyce Annese.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with 2023 winners Danielle O’Brien and Sarah Alberione, IACO scholarship committee members Joyce Annese and Dominic Candelieri.

IACO President Leandra Jordan along with 2023 winners Danielle O’Brien and Sarah Alberione, IACO scholarship committee members Joyce Annese and Dominic Candelieri.

Silvia Montillo reading her scholarship essay at the “Spirit of Italian Culture” scholarship awards dinner.

Gianvito Montillo reading his scholarship essay at the “Spirit of Italian Culture” scholarship awards dinner.

2019 Scholarship Recipient

Carolyn Bresher

2018 Scholarship Recipients

Brook Valicenti
Katherine Gianna Kupolis
Caitlin O’Brier

2020 Scholarship Recipient

Gianna Giannandrea