Carmel-Mantova Student Exchange cancelled

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Students from Carmel and Italy mingled during a gathering at Carmel High School last fall

CARMEL – The Carmel-Mantova connection, alive and well for more than 20 years, has been cancelled due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Two dozen young men and women from Carmel High School were scheduled to visit the small Italian community this month as part of a student exchange but due to the worldwide health crisis, Carmel school officials decided to cancel the learning experience.

Superintendent Andy Irvin explained “due to the outbreak of the virus in northern Italy, we felt it was not prudent to send our students and staff into this potentially harmful situation–one in which we simply cannot ensure the health and well being of all involved.”

Irvin said while he understands students are disappointed, “I would much rather be responsible for that than to expose students and staff. The safety of our children and staff is my top priority.”

Last fall children from Mantova visited Carmel thanks to the program organized by retired educators Philomena Ruggerio, Claudia Montouri and Ann Flynn. The exchange is now under the direction of Felicia DiLeo, John Richichi and Daniel Drebycz.

Elisabetta Gavioli, one of the two chaperones for the Italian students, has returned to Carmel every other year since the program’s inception.

Last fall, Gavioli said the Italian community never got tired of the experience. “The people in Putnam County are wonderful and our kids love the interaction. Over the years, many of the exchange students have become friends. We are an extended family.”

Contacted in Italy, Gavioli was saddened by the news that the spring exchange had been cancelled. “The situation in Italy is under control. The press and media are making the situation worse than it is. Those who have died are mainly the elderly because off other illnesses.”

Gavioli said she understood the school district’s position. “We cannot underestimate the possibility of spreading the infection but our government and health officials are doing much more than in other countries.”

The Italian educator said her students and their parents were “really disappointed because in Mantova there are no affected people. Nevertheless, we understand the responsibilities of those in charge.”




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