The 2026 UConn Italian Multimedia Contest

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By Dr. Tina Chiappetta-Miller , Associate Professor In-Residence, Literatures, Cultures, and Languages and UConn ECE Italian Literature and Cultural Studies Faculty Coordinator

 

Now, in its third year, the UConn ECE Italian Multimedia Contest continues to offer students of Italian an original, engaging, and creative way to apply their language skills. This year’s theme, “Il linguaggio del…vero io” (“The language of… my true self ”) struck a special chord with the high school participants. The theme inspired more than 35 submissions that explored students’ intimate feelings and lived experiences.

 

Students responded in a wide range of creative formats, including poems, drawings, photo col­lages, and even an original song, which earned an honorable mention. This year’s winners expressed deeply personal images of their complex identi­ties, highlighting the intersection of cultures that shape who they are.

 

The contest jury, composed of Professor Federica Anichi­ni’s 10th grade class at the Istituto Agrario in Florence, Italy, were very impressed with this year’s submissions. Students Ettore, Viola, and Niccolò stepped up to record an enthusiastic video announcing the winners.

 

The best part about the “Il linguaggio di…” contest is that it showcases the strength and vitality of high school Italian programs across Connecticut while reinforcing UConn ECE’s connection and commitment to language learning and creative expression.

 

1st place: Virginia Akide Ndunge of Holy Cross High School with her essay, “Troppo, Non Abbastanza” (“Too much, not enough”) and her original collage “Sono Abbas­tanza” (“I am enough”).

 

2nd place: Jose Taveras of Bristol Central High School with his poem and photo collage, “Il mio cuore” (“My heart”).

 

3rd place: Isabella Cacnahuaray of Holy Cross High School with her poem “Mio Mondo Pieno di Somiglianza” (“My world full of similarities”) and drawing, “La Bellezza della Cultura” (“The beauty of culture”)

 

Honorable Mention: Emersyn Miller of Staples High School for her original song, “Scopri chi sono” (“Discover who I am”).