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.

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, September 11, 9, resident in Bardolino (VR) - For having managed, through poetry, to express feelings, fears, and dreams common to young people her age. And for having turned it into an opportunity for growth by engaging with and engaging so many other young people.
  Jade Baltieri, February 17, 2, resident in Caldiero (VR) - For her courage in facing osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare and still little-known genetic disease. Thanks to her smile and energy, she became the mascot for a major sporting event supporting research.
  Michael Barbatelli, December 20, 12, resident in Appignano (MC) - For his continued volunteer work for his hometown. A testament to the resilience of the communities that populate Italian villages.
  Nicholas Bartolacelli, 30/11/2006, resident of Serramazzoni (MO) - For having put his computer skills to the service of a valuable social utility: a program that makes it easier for dyslexics to read a musical score.
  Thomas Caligari, March 20, 3, 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 so is his strong social awareness.
• Gabriele Ciancuto, September 10, 9, resident in Amelia (TR) - For the spontaneity and tenacity with which she tries to inspire young children to love science. She has written books for children, which address challenging subjects and topics in simple language.
  Francis DeMarco, November 19, 11, resident of Reggio Calabria - For rescuing a married couple from drowning. The rescue required courage and timing given the rough sea conditions.
  Georgia Fabris, April 21, 4, resident in Trieste - For the naturalness with which she offers friendship and support to classmates in need. Her generous support actively contributes to their acceptance and integration.
  Camilla Aurora Fanelli, March 24, 3, resident in Milan - For her constant volunteer work within a penitentiary institution. A testament to solidarity as coach of an inmate volleyball team.
  Richard Folli Ruani, February 19, 2, resident in Imola (BO) - For being able to transform, at such a young age, his passion for jellyfish and sea sponges into a civic commitment to the protection of the marine ecosystem, so important for the safeguarding of the planet itself.
• Erik Kokoshi, April 21, 4, resident of Verona - For the solidarity and sensitivity shown by reading for a blind neighbor. The naturalness of her gesture underscores 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, July 25, 7, resident of Fossacesia (CH) - For his prompt response to danger, saving an injured roe deer that had fallen into the sea. A courageous gesture that expresses respect for all 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 pass on to the little ones the best values ​​learned through practicing judo.
• Maria Letizia Mello, January 16, 1, resident in San Pietro in Lama (LE) - For her volunteer work helping the elderly and lonely in her community. A commitment she began at a very young age, continued during the pandemic, and even afterward, carving out time for her studies for a military career.
• Beatrice Orlando, January 23, 1, resident in Asti - For the dedication and generosity with which he brings his music to the oncology ward of the city hospital. The strings of his harp accompany patients and healthcare workers during the long days of treatment.
• Claudia Pais, July 31, 7, resident in Sassari - For her volunteer work today, which she dedicates to younger children, after receiving help during a difficult period in her own life.
• Bianca Perrone, January 14, 1, resident in Trepuzzi (LE) - For the tenacity with which she faces the difficulties of those who cannot see. With her zest for life, she has transformed many problems into strengths. The YouTube channel "Bianca, the Butterfly Fairy" testifies to the essential value of diversity.
• Francesco Pratesi, 7/2/2007, resident in Greve in Chianti (FI) - For the enthusiasm and expertise 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 she studies biology and the generosity with which she 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, April 15, 4, resident in Rome - For the determination and grit with which she seeks to engage her peers in issues of legality and the fight against the mafia. Her civic commitment also aims to promote the participation of young people in challenging socio-cultural contexts.
• Chiara Runfolo, 3/2/2008, resident in Palermo - For the tenacity with which she acts as an interpreter of social issues in her neighborhood and for her commitment to the children she looks after after school.
• Serena Simonato, 11/12/2006, resident of Cavenago di Brianza (MB) - For the thoughtful and concrete assistance she provides to the homeless. Her ability to listen and welcome the most vulnerable has allowed her to become an example for other volunteers.
• Diego Vergani, June 3, 6, resident in Lentate sul Seveso (MB) - For the strength of spirit with which he is facing his illness. His great passion for music has become the energy that fuels his resilience.
• Marta Virdis, July 9, 7, resident of Villanova Monteleone (SS) - For her generosity and the strength of her volunteer work. The energy with which she dedicates herself to the most vulnerable is contagious and a driving force in the community.
• David Zilli, December 14, 12, resident of Osio Sopra (BG) - For inventing a device capable of assisting in recharging cochlear implants. This invention earned him significant international recognition.