Italian Students Win National Literary Award on Animal Respect and Anti-Abandonment
Gianna Folladore, from the middle school “Della Torre” in Gradisca d’Isonzo (Gorizia), is the winner of the national literary award “Amici di Paco”, dedicated to writings about love and respect for animals. Behind her are Damiano Pettazzoni, from the middle school “Ferrari” in Filattiera (Massa Carrara); then Roberto Panetta from the middle school “Bartoletti” in Costacciaro (Perugia).
Results and Awards
The special prize for schools in Desenzano went to Nicola Barziza of the middle school “Catullo” in Desenzano. This was the verdict of the jury, which concluded this edition of the prize—marked by extraordinary participation—with a focus on raising awareness among middle school students across Italy about the issue of abandoned dogs.
This initiative was directed by Diana Lanciotti and her team, involving as many as 8,500 students from all over Italy. The award ceremony, held at the Celesti auditorium in Desenzano, was attended by assessors Marchioni and Farinelli, numerous animal rights advocates, teachers, and students.
During the ceremony, a TV spot against dog abandonment was also shown, featuring Paco himself, the now-famous dog who, years ago, inspired the creation of the eponymous Fund, based in Desenzano. The association raises funds through its bank account (number 45840 at Banca Popolare di Verona in Desenzano, or postal account 15085251).
Results and Consequences
“Overall,” recalled Diana Lanciotti, “6,582 themes were received from equally wonderful students, a significant leap forward. Last year, the submissions numbered 5,300. All the entries were excellent, demonstrating a genuine awareness of the lack of respect for animals. It strongly highlights the extraordinary work done at schools by teachers to help students understand the deeper meaning of concepts like respect, solidarity, suffering, and understanding. And the results have been exceptional.”
The first prize? A scholarship of one million five hundred thousand euros and a commemorative medal. The second prize also awarded one million five hundred thousand euros, while the third was one million euros. The special award for Desenzano resident Nicola Barziza was one million euros, a medal, and a certificate. Lastly, special mentions went to Professor Giuliana Richer (middle school of Gradisca d’Isonzo), the students of the first A class at Ferrari middle school in Filattiera, those of the first C at Bartoletti in Costacciaro, Marco Serafini (first A class) at Catullo in Desenzano, as well as the students of first A and teacher Anna Maria Gattono, also from Catullo.
Activities and Goals of the Association
The Amici di Paco Fund, founded three years ago by the idea of Diana Lanciotti and her husband Gianni Errico, has so far created a publishing house, launched print and radio-TV campaigns against abandonment, and organized the literary prize. Every year, thanks to the generosity of its supporters, it donates over 100,000 meals to kennels and shelters.