FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC – September 14, 2004) Antonella Albano of Naples, Fl, teacher of Italian language and culture at Gulf Coast High School (Collier County School District), is the recipient of the second annual National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Teacher of the Year Award. Albano will be recognized at the NIAF’s 29th Anniversary Awards convention weekend, October 15-16 at the Hilton Washington & Towers, Washington, D.C.

The NIAF Teacher of the Year Award honors an educator at the elementary or secondary level who has shown dedication to the teaching of Italian and demonstrates an ability to inspire a love of learning the Italian language and culture in students of any background.

“Bringing one’s passion, love and dedication to the teaching of the Italian language is a gift that I share with my students. It brings me the greatest joy when I see my students succeed,” Albano said.

Albano will receive a continuing education stipend for study in Italy, at either the University of Siena or the University of Perugia, in a specialized course designed for teachers of the Italian language for foreigners, “Corso di Aggiornamento per Insegnanti All’Estero” (Refresher Course for Foreign Teachers), during the summer of 2005. She will also have the opportunity to present a paper or serve on a panel at the conference of the American Association of Teachers of Italian in Chicago, Ill, November 19-21, 2004.

During the gala awards convention weekend, NIAF will also feature conferences, exhibits, the traditional celebrity luncheon and auction, and a seminar on tourism. Visit www.niaf.org for updates during gala weekend.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Learn more about our programs and events by visiting www.niaf.org .