THE SCANDAL TO THE STUDENTS OF THE FIRST COURSE OF “GIULIO DOUHET” WAS HANDED OVER”

The students of the second year of education personally handed one spadino to each student of the 1st Course. An ideal handover of responsibilities, traditions and values that are passed on among the students as well as a symbol of belonging to the School and the Italian Air Force.

Colonel Prisco Antonio Monaco, Commandant of the School, opened the ceremony with a greeting address in which he wished first and foremost to take stock of the excellent results achieved by the students during the last school year, among which stand out the first places achieved in cultural and sporting competitions at the local and national level. “…results that testify to the validity of the school’s educational offer and confirm the excellence of a teaching staff and a permanent framework that, in a synergistic manner, contribute to the preparation of our young students.”

At the end of his speech, he finally addressed the students: “Take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to you, participate in every activity with commitment and dedication, so that at the end of this experience your preparation and knowledge will allow you to make an informed and mature decision about your future – whether it be in the military or the civilian sphere.”

The presentation by Dr. Anna Oliverio Ferraris, Psychologist and Psychotherapist, touched upon a very current and painful topic in the world of schools, namely bullying and cyberbullying, illustrating the phenomenon, its causes and possible countermeasures.

Air General Umberto Baldi finally took the floor, continuing the discourse of Dr. Ferraris in an ideal way, urging the students to behave in an always correct and consistent manner, so that the actions of the present can always be a source of pride in the future, never a stain to be ashamed of.

The ceremony continued with the awarding of scholarships, donated by Associations, Organizations and families that have always been connected to the School, to the students who distinguished themselves most for curricular, disciplinary and sports merits in the previous school year.

The spadino originates from an ancient seafaring tradition: it was, in fact, a short weapon created for young officers who, on board naval units, could not efficiently perform their duties using the long service sabre. Over time, the spadino therefore became synonymous with “young person” or “apprentice,” spreading as a tradition among other branches of the armed forces.

The Military Air Force School “Giulio Douhet”, which offers the opportunity to take the second-year courses in the classical and scientific disciplines, is currently attended by 37 students of the NADIR Course (in the third and final year of studies), 41 students of the OMEGA Course (in the second year) and 44 students of the 1st Course, for a total of 122 students, of which 44 are girls.