A Millburn High School junior has been recognized for her outstanding contribution in a contest celebrating Italian culture and history. Maria Iodice, a student at Millburn High School, received a monetary prize and special recognition from the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee (IH&CC) of New York. 

Her winning essay focused on Giovanni da Verrazzano, the explorer who first sailed into New York Bay 500 years ago, as part of a contest commemorating the anniversary. The IH&CC of New York has spent over 40 years organizing events, concerts, exhibits, and lectures to highlight the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans.