Not only is this going to be a “sizzling” year for the Padua students, but also for Signor Pellegrini as he celebrates 40 years of teaching Italian at Padua Academy. Signor has said “that teaching at Padua all these years have been a privilege because it has been the fulfillment of my passion.” He states that teaching the Italian language and culture to the young ladies of Padua has been a wonderful experience in his life. Whether it be learning about the food, geography, or the online Italian newspapers, Signor Pellegrini hopes to foster his students to have a new appreciation for the Italian culture. “This is the passion of my life,” said Signor.

    Signor Pellegrini has been teaching at Padua since 1976. Though ironically, he never intended to become a teacher at all. Signor studied languages and hoped to work in diplomacy, specifically with the United Nations. “But as fate would have it, there was an opening at Padua to teach Italian and Spanish,” said Signor. “Father Robert contacted my mother, and she urged me to apply at Padua and that’s how it came to be.” Signor continued on saying that he thought of teaching as an option; it was fate that brought him to Padua.  

    Teaching at an all girls school never intimidated Signor, but he was a bit apprehensive at the idea at first. “Obviously, it was going to be a very new experienced.” Signor Pellegrini commented. He stated that he never becomes tired of teaching girls all day. “The challenge, of course, is the personality of each group and being able to address each group.” He believes that this is true despite genders, since Signor Pellegrini also teaches the exchange boys from Salesianum.

    Over his forty years at Padua, Signor Pellegrini says, “I would certainly like to think that my teaching skills have improved.” He said that as a young teacher, he was trying to innovate his skills to see what would be the best method to use to be able to connect with his students.  Since he has been teaching, Signor has been trying to develop the best way to address his students with their needs on an academic level and a social level. Signor tries to enrich his students with their education while at Padua. For the Italian program at Padua, Signor Pellegrini hopes that the program continues to grow. “I have been very encouraged lately with the numbers being as they are. I especially from our parish St. Anthony, where the Italian ethnicity is so important.”

    Signor Pellegrini is very gracious to Padua for many through his forty years here; one of the things he is most gracious about meeting his wife at Padua. “It was here, during my first year, I met my wonderful wife, who was the biology teacher,” commented Signor. “I will always be grateful for Padua being the place where I met my wife.” Signor Pellegrini has experienced a lot here at Padua and is probably impending for more excitement to come. Buona fortuna Signor Pellegrini.