My name is Katherine Perry, Kate for short, and I am a senior at Cape Henlopen High School. I am a fifth-generation Italian American on my mom’s side (the Perry side), and on my dad’s side (though the generation may not be the same).

I have never thought about this concept much before nor took an interest in it till recently. I never knew that I had a great-great grandfather who emigrated from Italy to start a new life here, until a few years ago when my mom told me the story behind the ship picture hanging in my grandparents’ home. It was the ship my great-great grandfather had traveled on during his journey to the United States.