Italian Club Connects With Community Through Language and Culture

Southampton High School Italian Club members recently took their love of Italian language and culture beyond the classroom through community outreach, cultural experiences and fundraising efforts.

Led by Italian teacher Mitti Abbadessa, the club partnered with the Italian American Association of the Hamptons to offer free Italian language lessons to adults at the Hampton Bays Public Library. The classes were held every Monday in September and October, with the October sessions coinciding with Italian Heritage Month.

Four senior officers of the club prepared and assembled instructional materials for the lessons, while Abbadessa led the classes. 

What began several years ago as a student-led fundraising initiative has since grown into a meaningful partnership with the Italian American Association. In recognition of the club’s efforts, the association provided a donation to support the students’ upcoming cultural experiences. The partnership has also provided opportunities for student recognition. The association awarded scholarships to members of the Class of 2026.  

The club is now looking ahead to a December trip to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Members are also fundraising for an anticipated 2028 trip to France and Italy, where they will have the opportunity to further immerse themselves in the language, history and culture. In addition, the club is exploring opportunities to bring their outreach efforts to local senior centers during the holiday season, potentially through student field trips.