
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 five scholarships, each in the amount of $3,000, for a one-time award.
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
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
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
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.

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 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.
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 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