As a proud Italian American my heritage is not just a part of who I am, it shapes the values I live by and the legacy I hope to continue. I am honored to be a member of the Saints Cosmas and Damian Society, a deeply rooted tradition in our community that celebrates faith, food, and culture through an annual Italian street festival. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the festival, an incredible milestone that reflects a century of perseverance, pride, and celebration. For me, it is much more than a celebration; it is a dedication to not let our past disappear. Being involved in the Saints Cosmas and Damian Society has given me a firsthand connection to the cultural traditions that my family, especially my grandfather, worked tirelessly to preserve. He carried these customs on his back ensuring that future generations could continue to experience the beauty and strength of our Italian roots. Watching him devote himself year after year to organizing, serving, and honoring our community taught me what it truly means to be committed. He passed down but also a deep sense of pride and responsibility. I carry that legacy forward with every candle I help light, every procession I walk in, and every conversation I have with someone explaining our festival. These values, determination, resilience, and dedication—are the same principles embodied by Marcello Rosino, and they live in my everyday actions. Whether I am leading my class as President, volunteering in nonprofit organizations, or excelling in the National Honor Society and Italian National Honor Society, I do so with the relentless spirit of those who came before me. My education is not just a path to personal achievement—it’s a tool I plan to use to uplift others and ensure that culture, compassion, and community are never forgotten. As a member of the next generation, I feel a deep responsibility to preserve our traditions and evolve them in ways that keep them alive for years to come. I do not take lightly the opportunity to carry forward the culture that shaped me. My goal is to use my education to serve in roles where I can impact lives—whether through public service, education, or community leadership—and always remain grounded in the values instilled by my past. I am proud to walk in the footsteps of my grandfather, and of generations of Italians whose strength and faith helped build communities. Their sacrifices made it possible for me to dream big. And in honoring their memory, I will ensure those dreams serve a purpose far beyond myself.

Growing up in Everett, Massachusetts, I have always felt a strong connection to my community. Everett is more than just the place I live, it is the community I belong to and love. Throughout my academic journey, I have committed myself to excellence and leadership, striving not only to succeed personally but to uplift those around me. From excelling in the classroom to leading my peers and serving my community, every step I’ve taken has been with the goal of making a lasting, positive impact. My dedication to academic success has been a cornerstone of my high school experience. I have worked hard to maintain a strong academic record, which led to my induction into both the National Honor Society and the Italian National Honor Society. These honors reflect not just my academic achievements, but also my commitment to scholarship, character, leadership, and service. I take great pride in being recognized among students who embody these values, and it has motivated me to continually strive for excellence. Academics aside, one of the most defining aspects of my high school experience has been serving as Class President. This role has given me the opportunity to lead with purpose and to be a voice for my peers. As president, I organized school events, established a scholarship fund, and raised over $50,000 to make our senior prom free for everyone. I took special care to ensure these activities brought students together, built school spirit, and gave back to our local community. I saw firsthand how leadership is not about authority and how it's about service and responsibility. In addition to my role in school, I have always made it a priority to give back through community involvement. I volunteer at various community events like assisting at public celebrations, helping out at charity events and organizing festivals. I am also actively involved in nonprofit organizations that aim to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly those that support youth, education, and families in need. These experiences have taught me the power of compassion and the importance of being present and active in my community. My actions, both academic and extracurricular have been guided by a desire to leave a meaningful legacy. I want my younger siblings, classmates, and community members to see that success isn't just about personal gain and it's about using your strengths to help others. By setting a strong example, I hope to help others in my community to step into leadership roles, to serve with purpose, and to believe that they can make a difference. In every classroom I’ve learned in, every event I’ve helped organize, and every hour I’ve spent volunteering, I’ve carried with me the pride of being from Everett and the responsibility of leaving a positive mark. My journey so far is only the beginning, but I know that the values and experiences I’ve gained will continue to shape the legacy I aim to leave behind.

My name is Sal DiDomenico and I am a first-year college student who believes strongly in the power of community and giving back. Throughout my life, I have been actively involved in leadership and volunteer work that reflects my commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. As class president, I successfully raised $54,000 to establish a scholarship fund that supports graduating seniors pursuing higher education. This accomplishment was particularly meaningful to me because I wanted to create opportunities for students facing financial challenges. In addition to the scholarship fund, I used a portion of the funds to make the senior prom free for over 500 students at Danversport Yacht Club. I felt it was important that everyone could celebrate this milestone without having to worry about the burden of cost or not being in attendance because of the cost. In addition, I also am a volunteer with the DiDomenico Foundation. One of our most notable events is our toy drive. This large-scale event collects and distributes toys to shelters, churches, schools, and other organizations in need. Each year, the toy drive brings joy and hope to children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. Being part of this initiative has taught me the importance of compassion, teamwork, and how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity in the community. I am also actively involved with the Saints Cosmas and Damian Society, which organizes an annual street festival featuring international music artists and promotes Italian American traditions. This festival not only celebrates cultural heritage but also fosters a sense of pride and unity within our community. Through this involvement, I have learned how preserving culture can strengthen community bonds and inspire others to engage and contribute. These experiences have shaped my understanding of service as both a responsibility and a privilege. I have learned that meaningful change often begins with listening, organizing, and acting with empathy. Volunteering has also taught me valuable leadership and communication skills that I will carry forward into my future endeavors. As I continue my education, I plan to stay deeply involved in community service by seeking out new volunteer opportunities and advocating for programs that support underrepresented groups. I am passionate about working towards social equity and hope to use my voice to inspire others to get involved. My goal is to use my skills and resources to help create more equitable and supportive communities, where everyone has the chance to thrive and succeed, no matter their background or circumstances.