By Jessica Dunn
On October 24, the University of Connecticut’s Early College Experience (ECE) Program Office along with UConn ECE Italian Faculty Coordinator, Dr. Tina Chiappetta-Miller, hosted the highly 
anticipated 3rd annual Italian Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl. The event, which took place at UConn’s Storrs campus in the Student Union Theatre, set a record for participation. Over 100 students from six high schools across Connecticut came together for a day of competitive fun, language immersion, and cultural celebration.
At this year’s event we welcomed students from Bristol Central High School, Newington High School, Plainville High School, Holy Cross High School, Torrington High School, and Southington High School. After the welcoming remarks, the students broke up into several small groups to sit in on Italian language classes with UConn graduate teaching assistants. This unique opportunity to experience college learning in an authentic college environment is a highlight of the partnership between UConn’s ECE program and Connecticut high schools.
After lunch, the head-to-head showdown of the Quiz Bowl took center stage in the theatre, where the atmosphere was electric. Excitement among the students was clear as teams answered questions covering everything from grammar and vocabulary to Italian history and geography. The competition was tight and in the end a tiebreaker was needed to separate 2nd and 3rd place.
Holy Cross High School finished in first place, Bristol Central High School in second, and third place went to Plainville High School. The MVP round was also quite lively, with Luis Hysenllari of Plainville High School taking home the medal.
UConn ECE Italian Immersion Day & Quiz Bowl serves as an important opportunity for high school students to deepen their understanding of the culture while strengthening their language skills in Italian. With about 15 high schools in Connecticut offering ECE Italian as part of their curriculum this year, it was inspiring to see so many students and instructors in attendance, celebrating their shared 
passion for the language.
We are so pleased that this event continues to grow in popularity. As part of our mission to foster a strong community of students and educators dedicated to advancing their understanding of Italian language and culture, we look forward to bringing it to you every year. The experience is not only an academic challenge but also an unforgettable cultural exchange that leaves participants with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of Italian.
Congratulations to the 2024 winners and many thanks to all this year’s participants.
instructors from 12 different UConn ECE high school partners from across the state. We were also joined by UConn Avery Point and Storrs Administrators, faculty, and staff, and a very special Guest of Honor, Jonathan XV! 
These sessions helped students dive deep into the academic topics related to maritime studies, engineering, and more setting them up for the afternoon’s hands-on competition. 
and The Morgan School placed in two of the four heats, Daniel Hand High School broke their streak and brought home the Cardboard Trophy as the winners of the Championship Race! Daniel Hand High School’s Usain Boat set the record for the fastest completion time during the initial heats, and then took first in the Championship race as well. They will display the Cardboard Trophy until next year, when a plaque with their school and boat name will be affixed to the trophy, and then be passed along to the 2025 Champions!
