On May 27, 2026, the Italian Honor Society of North Arlington High School had its first poetry contest held in the cafeteria. A total of 8 students recited poems in Italian: Patrick Barbara, Karla Flores, Jestin Henriquez, Jennyfer Jadan, Emely Perez, Ana Pompei, Amanda Torrico and Angelina Zeas.
All of the members did an amazing job. The presentations were enhanced with images associated with each poem and music as well. The top three scores were determined by a panel of 4 judges: Mr. Mills, Ms. Bulmer, Mrs. Albuquerque and Mr. Cagnacci. An oral presentation rubric with various categories such as enunciation, posture and eye contact was used to assess each presentation. At the end of this very special event, the judges reviewed all of the scores and determined the top three: First place went to Amanda Torrico, Second place went to Angelina Zeas and Third place was awarded to Patrick Barbara!
Congratulations to all of the participants and a very special thank you to Mrs. Paola Turano, the Italian Honor Society Advisor, for organizing this unique activity spotlighting members of the Societa Onoraria Italica! Thank you to our administrators as well, Mr. Patrick Bott (Principal) and Mr. Kenny (Assistant Principal), for all of their support.
We hope that this will be the first of many recitals in Italian!
Bravo to all!