Vito Marcello Fund an Idea Grant
NYSAFLT is pleased to announce that $125 will be awarded to a NYSAFLT Rochester area member to support projects and teacher efforts that are related to the improvement and/or expansion of the instructional or extra-curricular program of a class, school or school district.
Vito Marcello, for whom the award is named, always took great professional satisfaction in bringing together teachers from the Rochester area to learn and to share with each other. For decades he was a member of the Rochester Regional Conference Planning Committee. He served as treasurer and promoted a quality program of enrichment and information for the World Language teachers of western New York. As a teacher of French and Italian at McQuaid Jesuit High School, he was engaging, personable, and eager to help his students find joy in studying languages.
To apply, you must be a NYSAFLT member in good standing for three years. Applications are available on the NYSAFLT Members-only site.
2023
Aminta Romaguera of Caledonia-Mumford HS
Aminta will use the funds to make traditional Vejigante masks with her students as they learn about how the Taíno and African cultures helped shape Puerto Rican culture. A Vejigante mask is a traditional mask that ancestors would wear during celebrations. They are now worn at festivals and parades around the island.
2020
Michelle Walpole, Penfield HS
Michelle used the funding to support her Pasos para Aprender a Leer project, which encourages sophomores and freshmen to gain confidence in reading independently in the target language.
2018
Mark Critelli, Pittsford CSD
Mark purchased a Lock Out Kit for his classroom!
2017
Melanie Thomas, Spencerport CSD
Melanie purchased easy readers to implement with her students as well as books for her class library that are used by the district's Hispanic Honor Society students. This group offers FVR (Free Voluntary Reading) meetings twice a month.
2015
Jennifer Colbert,
Canandaigua CSD
Jennifer used the award money toward Foreign Language Week activities which connected older WL students with younger students and the school community.
2011
Claudia Pippin, Penfield HS
Claudia purchased cultural posters that were the works of Spanish painters for a Level 5 art unit she created.
2010
FIRST VITO MARCELLO FUND AN IDEA AWARD
Elizabeth Popek, Eastridge HS
Elizabeth used the award money to provide a salsa dancing seminar for her Spanish club and classes.
