An energetic and yet elegant atmosphere characterized the party, hosted once again at Cipriani 42nd [2] Street, with hundreds of guests in attendance. The evening was filled with music, good food, and speeches by some of the school’s most important figures, underlining the importance of having a bilingual and bicultural school as well as the connection between the Italian and American communities. 


After renditions of various national and European anthems performed by the students, the dinner started, proving once more Cipriani’s excellent food and service. 

Piera Palazzolo [3], the Senior Vice President of Marketing underscored the importance of a school that “applies the American practicality and the European traditional way of studying the humanities, creating an excellent bilingual and bicultural combination that prepares students to be open-minded.”

However, the highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new La Scuola [4] that will be housed at 432 West 58th St., near Columbus Circle, in order to accommodate an increased number of students, from 300 to 700.

The new building, which will feature 28 new classrooms, a gymnasium, a 220-seat theater, a library, and increased space for the students’ exhibitions, will be close to one of the most prestigious residential areas in Manhattan.

With the new facility, the level of excellence of the school is only expected to rise, allowing its graduates to enter the most renowned American and international universities.

The School’s Principal Maria Palandra [5] expressed her pride over the expansion project, saying that it will be an opportunity to create a new school that will be even more suitable for the 21st century’s revolution, “an environment which will allow the students to have more technological facilities, as well as more spaces for outdoor and indoor activities and a healthy cafeteria. It’s a duty for me as a principal,” she continued, “to constantly improve not only the academic program, but also the structure where the students study.”

Mr. Carlo Mantica, Chief Operating Office and Co-Head of the School expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am very excited about the new school. I think it is going to be a great opportunity for all of the students. Not only is it a new place where we can learn and have more extracurricular activities, it is also a good place for the La Scuola name to grow. 

I am especially happy about that because as a senior I love my school and want it to do better so I am happy that this new school gives us the opportunity to grow and grow.”

Adding to the special night was the presence of the new Consul General Francesco Genuardi [6], just five days after his arrival in New York, saying, “It’s a wonderful experience for me, such an honor: after just five days in New York City, I’m here invited at this wonderful gala and I truly believe that the Scuola Italiana is really one of the most important Italian institutions in New York.

I think they’re facing big challenges and we are ready to support them. What really strikes me is this passion and the fact that it’s a true and unique combination between the Italian spirit, the Italian anima, and the American spirit, l’anima Americana. It is absolutely like a big family. It’s like a team, it’s like a family; we are in it, ci crediamo. Viva la Scuola d’Italia!” 

The Gala this year in particular was considered a special one. “This year is different,” Chairman of the Board Stefano Acunto [7] said.

“We have a new building, a 102,000-square-foot building, 14 stories. We have a commitment this year, more than ever before, to harnessing the academics of the school, to refining every single aspect of what we do.” He also remarked at the fact that what distinguishes the school from the others is its level of italianità—that, alongside its excellent curriculum of study and the support of both the students’ parents and some important sponsors—makes La Scuola the excellent institution it is today.



Among the many guests and speakers the honorees included President of Italian Chamber Alberto Milani and former student of la Scuola D’italia and Internist and Gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph L. Tromba [8]. 

“The Scuola d’Italia for me is a very important part of my professional experience and also just an emotional experience for me. From day one many years ago when the school started I soon realized that it was a very important part of the Italian American and Italian experience here in New York,” said Dr. Tromba. 

La Scuola d’Italia [4] is an independent and private bilingual English/Italian educational institution, from nursery through High School (Liceo Scientifico) located in the heart of Manhattan.