A look back at 160 years of Gioberti High School: "Inclusivity has been a necessity throughout its history"
Unveiling the Timeless Grandeur of the Venerable Gioberti Lyceum
Back in 1865, the Melting Pot of Unified Italy's Education, led by Minister Lamarmora, ignited the birth of the first 68 classical lyceums. Two glorious beacons emerged from this education revolution in Turin—Gioberti and Cavour. Both have not only survived the test of time but claimed their standing as the city's cornerstones and beacons of tradition and progress. Today, Gioberti stands tall amidst the old and new, ready to rekindle its legacy and tackle the challenges ahead.
A Date to Remember
On the very grounds where luminaries like Piero Gobetti, Leone Ginzburg, and Gianni Vattimo once walked, on Wednesday, June 4 at 4:45 pm, the school will host its entire community in the grand auditorium to commemorate its 160th anniversary. Local dignitaries, including Mayor Stefano Lo Russo, and esteemed former students such as Walter Barberis, Massimo Lajolo, Pietro Villa, and Gianni Oliva are expected to attend.
Bonds that Last a Lifetime
After stepping through Gioberti's hallowed doors, many rarely leave, opting to teach and study for the rest of their lives. Families born within its walls often return across generations. Under the window of room 3A, you can still find a touching dedication from Renzo Dolcetti and Vittoria Corazza, two young lovebirds from 1959. Their daughter and grandson rediscovered it three decades and a few years later, respectively. Their heartwarming story testifies to the emotional connection many people feel towards this esteemed institution—a place they consider home. "We felt inextricably attached to it," says Paola, a Greek Literature professor at the University of Turin, who plans to attend the celebration with her entire family. "My mother still keeps the magazines from the '50s," she adds, perhaps she'll bring them or donate them to the school's archive.
Lifeblood of Gioberti—Empathy and Humanity
"They know what they're getting themselves into when they join us at Gioberti." What does it mean? "An inclusive and welcoming environment, where students feel secure." For Principal Miriam Pescatore, who has served for five years, the essence of Gioberti boils down to these simple yet powerful words: "Empathy and humanity." Welcoming the world with open arms and acknowledging the struggles of others is the heart and soul of Gioberti. "Putting the students first isn't just a catchphrase," Principal Pescatore stresses. Retired Vice-Principal Anna Maria Maggi, who spent 34 years in service before retiring in 2020, also echoes this sentiment. Witnessing generations pass through these halls, she can see the spirit of Gioberti reflected in its dedication to fostering human connections and empowering students to shape the world.
A School of Innovation within Tradition
Currently, Gioberti caters to approximately 1,300 students—500 studying in the classical high school and 700 in the linguistic one. While these courses maintain their distinct identities, they often converge and cross-pollinate, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and progress. Principal Pescatore refers to this as a "beneficial osmosis." In the early '90s, former principal Angela Suppo championed the creation of a linguistic section within the classical syllabus, bucking the norm in favor of innovation—and Gioberti was one of the pioneers. Additionally, the school was a trailblazer in its early adoption of English language studies for all five years, emphasizing the importance of linguistic mastery in a globalized world. Today, they've introduced a digital course, entitled "Digital Curriculum and Citizenship," allowing students to explore the power of artificial intelligence while grappling with the ethical and social implications of this technology.
Legacy—A Challenge and a Promise
Gioberti stands on the shoulders of giants and bears the burden of its legacy. "We must live up to this burden of responsibility," reflects Principal Pescatore. "We are not just another school; this name has been built over time." The school's future challenges include embracing the digital era and empowering students to navigate it responsibly while fostering compassion and empathy amidst the ever-increasing complexities of the world. The road ahead may be arduous, but with a rich history and a steadfast commitment to human connection, Gioberti continues to forge its path as a beacon of progress and tradition in Turin.
- Attending Gioberti's 160th anniversary commemoration on June 4, former students like Walter Barberis, Massimo Lajolo, Pietro Villa, and Gianni Oliva are expected to share their personal growth and learning experiences, showcasing a lifelong attachment to the institution that fostered their education-and-self-development and contributed to their personal-growth.
- Gioberti's commitment to empathy and humanity is not just a philosophy; it translates into an average student environment where each individual feels secure and valued, encouraging an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and personal development.
