Marist Students From Oak Lawn Medal In Competitive National Italian Exam

OAK LAWN, IL — Tessa Schultz and Annie Tortorello, both of Oak Lawn, have medaled in a prestigious national Italian proficiency exam.

The two were among five Marist High School students who earned medals in the 2025 National Italian Exam, a competitive, nationwide assessment of Italian language proficiency sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Italian.

Schultz is a junior at Marist and a graduate of Simmons Middle School, earned a bronze medal in the exam. Tortorello, a senior and graduate of St. Catherine of Alexandria, won a silver.

The other winners were Marist senior Celia Lindokkey, a graduate of Central Middle School in Evergreen Park, earned the top award of a gold medal. Senior Jayda Cantu, a Kerr Middle School alum, earned a silver medal, and Marist junior Kristina Ivanova, a Palos South alum, scored a bronze medal.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements on the National Italian Exam,” said Alessia Zulato, Italian teacher and chair of the World Languages Department at Marist. “Their success highlights the value of learning world languages and the strength of our Italian program. These RedHawks have shown remarkable dedication and academic excellence.”