District 88 students participate in Village of Addison Sister Cities student-exchange program with Triggiano, Italy

From Oct. 9 to 17, Addison Trail hosted a group of students and adults from Italy as part of the Village of Addison Sister Cities student-exchange program with Triggiano, Italy. An agreement signed in 2004 was to encourage friendship and understanding between Addison and Triggiano. Addison Trail students will travel to Italy this spring as part of the program.

During their visit, the students from Italy shadowed Addison Trail pupils, toured local sights and participated in fun outings. Special events included:

  • A performance by GRUPPO SBANDIERATORI E MUSICI DEL PALIO DEL NIBALLO DI FAENZA- RAVENNA- ITALY (RIONE BIANCO), which consists of flag throwers and musicians, during the boys soccer game on Oct. 12 (To view a photo gallery from the event, click on the image above, or go to https://dupage88.net/site/page/15823.)

  • Presenting to Addison Trail students about Italian culture

  • A movie night at Marcus Addison Cinema

  • An evening at Dave & Buster’s in Addison (pictured above, with gift bags from the Village of Addison)

Fifty languages are represented among District 88 families, and about half of the students at Addison Trail and Willowbrook speak a language other than English at home. The district embraces that diversity as an asset and offers students in the highest-level language classes capstone opportunities, where they travel abroad to advance language skills, experience new cultures and extend the classroom to the real world.

The Village of Addison Sister Cities Committee is made up of volunteers and is always looking for new members to ensure these experiences continue. If you are interested in joining the committee, or for more information, contact Marianne Fotopoulos with the Village of Addison at mfotopoulos@addison-il.org.