Standard-bearers of the Republic 2025: two girls from Campania awarded by Mattarella

The president of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has conferred 29 Certificates of Honor of “Standard Bearer of the Republic” to young people who distinguished themselves in 2024 for scholastic, cultural, sporting and social merits, as well as for acts of altruism, solidarity and civic commitment.

A symbolic recognition that intends to enhance the positive example of a generation often capable of facing contemporary challenges with courage and a sense of responsibility.

In addition to the individual honours, there were also four plaques for collective initiatives, in the name of the values ​​of solidarity, inclusion and hospitality.

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Among the most touching stories awarded this year, those of two girls from Campania, symbol of resilience and generosity.

Angela Calise, from Caserta: the courage of resilience

Born on September 26, 2005, Angela Calise received the certificate for the extraordinary strength demonstrated in facing the family and personal difficulties that marked his young life.

La loss of father , mother's illness they did not bend her, but pushed her to open up even more to others, offering her help with altruism and sensitivity. Hers is a living testimony of how pain, if faced with courage, can transform into positive energy at the service of the community.

Sara Cozzolino, from Naples: sport as a tool for inclusion

Born on August 30, 2007, Sarah Cozzolino is a Italian taekwondo champion, but it is her commitment off the mat that earned her the title of Standard Bearer.

In his free time, he trains with passion and dedication children with disabilities in his neighborhood, using sport as a vehicle for inclusion, growth and social transformation. His example demonstrates how talent, combined with solidarity, can become a force capable of breaking down any barrier.

The stories of Angela and Sara join those of many other young Italians who every day, with small or large gestures, contribute to building a more just, empathetic and supportive societyThe Standard Bearers of the Republic are not isolated heroes, but witnesses of a generation that wants to make a difference.

The standard-bearers of the Republic

Here is the list and the reasons for the new honorees awarded by the Head of State:

• Magdalene Albiero, 11/9/2007, resident in Bardolino (VR) – For having succeeded, with poetry, in expressing feelings, fears, dreams that are common to kids her age. And for having made it an opportunity for growth by dialoguing and involving many other young people.
  Jade Baltieri, 17/2/2008, resident in Caldiero (VR) – For the courage with which she faces osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare and still little-known genetic disease. Thanks to her smile and energy, she has become the mascot of an important sporting event in support of research.
  Michael Barbatelli, 20/12/2006, resident in Appignano (MC) – For his continued commitment as a volunteer in favor of his country. A testimony to the resilience of the communities that populate Italian villages.
  Nicholas Bartolacelli, 30/11/2006, resident in Serramazzoni (MO) – For having put his computer skills at the service of a valuable social utility: a program that makes it easier for dyslexics to read a musical score.
  Thomas Caligari, 20/3/2006, resident in Cressa (NO) – For having created an artificial intelligence device that allows for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. His passion for technology is great, but his social sensitivity is also strong.
• Gabriele Ciancuto, 10/9/2011, resident in Amelia (TR) – For the spontaneity, and at the same time the tenacity, with which he tries to get the little ones passionate about science. He has written books aimed at children, in which he deals with challenging subjects and topics in simple language.
  Francis DeMarco, 19/11/2006, resident in Reggio Calabria – For having rescued a married couple who were at risk of drowning. The rescue required courage and timing given the bad sea conditions.
  Georgia Fabris, 21/4/2010, resident in Trieste – For the naturalness with which he offers friendship and support to classmates in difficulty. His generous support actively contributes to acceptance and integration.
  Camilla Aurora Fanelli, 24/3/2004, resident in Milan – For her constant commitment as a volunteer in a penitentiary institution. Witness of solidarity in the role of coach of a volleyball team of prisoners.
  Richard Folli Ruani, 19/2/2011, resident in Imola (BO) – For having been able to transform, at such a young age, his passion for jellyfish and marine sponges into a civic commitment for the protection of the marine ecosystem, so important for the safeguarding of the planet itself.
• Erik Kokoshi, 21/4/2013, resident in Verona – For the solidarity and sensitivity shown by reading for a blind neighbor. The naturalness of her gesture underlines the extraordinary value of friendship, capable of overcoming any barrier, even generational ones.
• Edward Levanja, 27/7/2012, resident in Monterotondo (Rome) – For the generous and concrete commitment to inclusion carried out through the practice of baskin.
• Samuel Massa, 25/7/2009, resident in Fossacesia (CH) – For the promptness with which he faced the danger by saving a wounded roe deer, which had ended up in the sea. A courageous gesture that expresses respect for every form of life.
• Francesco Mazza, 14/6/2008, resident in Lamezia Terme (CZ) – For his commitment as an athlete, instructor and volunteer, with which he managed to transmit to the little ones the best values ​​learned by practicing judo.
• Maria Letizia Mello, 16/1/2006, resident in San Pietro in Lama (LE) – For her voluntary work in favor of the elderly and lonely people of her community. A commitment that began when she was very young, continued during the pandemic and even after, carving out time for her studies for a military career.
• Beatrice Orlando, 23/1/2006, resident in Asti – For the dedication and generosity with which he brings his music to the oncology department of the city hospital. The strings of his harp accompany patients and healthcare workers during the long days of treatment.
• Claudia Pais, 31/7/2006, resident in Sassari – For the volunteer commitment that she now pours into the benefit of younger children, after having received help during a difficult period in her life.
• Bianca Perrone, 14/1/2013, resident in Trepuzzi (LE) – For the tenacity with which she faces the difficulties of those who cannot see. With her joy of living she has transformed many problems into strengths. The YouTube channel “Bianca, la fata delle farfalle” bears witness to the indispensable value of diversity.
• Francesco Pratesi, 7/2/2007, resident in Greve in Chianti (FI) – For the enthusiasm and competence with which he helped the Red Cross improve its services, through the creation of a new computer program.
• Julius Prodan, 14/8/2007, resident in Trieste – For the passion with which he studies biology and the generosity with which he tries to introduce it to younger children, using simple and fun demonstrations.
• Niccolo Ricci, 5/2/2009, resident in Carrara – For having, without hesitation, performed a difficult maneuver to clear the airways, saving the life of a school assistant who was at risk of suffocation.
• Martina Romiti, 15/4/2006, resident in Rome – For the determination and grit with which he tries to interest his peers in the issues of legality and the fight against the mafia. His civil commitment also aims to promote the participation of young people in difficult socio-cultural contexts.
• Chiara Runfolo, 3/2/2008, resident in Palermo – For the tenacity with which she interprets social issues in her neighborhood and for her commitment to the children she follows after school.
• Serena Simonato, 11/12/2006, resident in Cavenago di Brianza (MB) – For the mature and concrete help she provides to homeless people. Her ability to listen and welcome the most vulnerable has allowed her to become an example for other volunteers.
• Diego Vergani, 3/6/2010, resident in Lentate sul Seveso (MB) – For the strength of mind with which he is facing the disease. His great passion for music has become energy that fuels his resilience.
• Marta Virdis, 9/7/2005, resident in Villanova Monteleone (SS) – For the generosity and strength of her commitment as a volunteer. The energy with which she dedicates herself to the most fragile is contagious and constitutes a driving force in the community.
• David Zilli, 14/12/2011, resident in Osio Sopra (BG) – For having invented a device capable of providing assistance in recharging cochlear implants. The idea earned him important international recognition.