The Scolaro Scholarship

Cavaliere Professoressa Lyn "Linda" Scolaro is a retired Italian educator with a remarkable 40-year career, primarily serving Prospect High School, as well as Mother Guerin and Resurrection High Schools. In 2019, she was honored with the Ordine della Stella d'Italia, earning the title Cavaliere Ufficiale by the Italian Government for her significant contributions to the promotion of Italian language and culture.

At Prospect High School, Cavaliere Scolaro made an indelible mark. Her AP Italian class was awarded a $100,000 grant from Frantoi Redoro in Grezzana (Verona) in 2016, allowing students to integrate Italian language skills with career goals, particularly through their collaboration with the olive oil industry. She also led her Italian 4 Honors class in creating a bilingual visitor's guide for the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. 

Cavaliere Scolaro’s commitment to career pathways extended beyond high school. She piloted a work-study program in collaboration with Idea Verona and the Arena di Verona for college students pursuing careers in vocal music, drama, marketing, and orchestra. 

Beyond her classroom, she was a regular presenter at conferences and a passionate advocate for Italian education, representing the Italian language during Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill. She contributed to multiple publications, including Fra Noi, the North American supplement of In.it, and the book Italians in Chicago.

Her dedication to education and Italian culture has earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Service Award from the National AATI, the Leonardo DaVinci Award for Education, and the Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award. At Prospect High School, her innovative teaching methods, such as teaching students to "learn smarter, not harder," have left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of students and educators alike.

Cavaliere Scolaro’s impact continues to be felt, and her legacy is honored with a scholarship in her name, recognizing her decades of dedication to Italian language education and student success.