Scholarship Opportunities for 2026
Sentieri Italiani currently has four scholarships available next year. To apply for any one of them, you must submit a short essay of 100 words or less on the subjects indicated below. All applications must be received for review by December 31, 2025. All scholarships must be used towards a course during the 2026 school year. Please email your essays to daniela@sentieri.com.
Thank you for helping Sentieri honor and remember all who have had an impact on Daniela’s life.
The Lina Tonello Scholarship —
My Mother
On September 27, 2009, Daniela Cavallero’s mother passed away. Lina Tonello was a woman who strongly encouraged Daniela throughout her life. This inspiration and support led Daniela to open the Italian school known to all of us as Sentieri Italiani. In 2009, to honor her mother’s memory, Daniela had instituted the first scholarship offered for an Italian course at Sentieri Italiani.
The upcoming scholarship’s requirements to apply are for a current or potential student to submit a brief essay of 100 words or less about his or her own mother (in Italian or English).
The Celeste Martin Scholarship —
My Italian-American Family
Celeste Martin was a dear friend of Daniela’s, who passed away on August 11, 2019. Daniela never met a more gentle and generous person in her life! Celeste always had a smile on her face, no matter what was happening. Daniela will always treasure their moments together. In her honor, Sentieri has created the Celeste Martin Scholarship to be awarded to a female Italian-American student.
To apply for this scholarship, please submit a brief essay of 100 words or less (in Italian or English) about growing up in an Italian-American family.
The Luna Cavallero Scholarship —
My Pet, My Friend
Luna discreetly entered Daniela’s life in 2002. She was Daniela’s first pet and brought much joy into her life as a gentle, loving and loyal companion. Daniela often brought Luna to Sentieri, where she soon became a favorite presence. (Maybe more than Daniela herself?!) Luna understood Italian, even if she was too shy to speak it. Luna discreetly crossed over the rainbow bridge on August 17, 2020.
The Ronald Combs Scholarship —
The Music of My Heart
Ronald Thomas Combs passed away in January 2024. At Northeastern Illinois University, he served as Chair of the Vocal Department and taught Opera Workshop, Music History and Vocal Pedagogy. A prolific composer, he created nine operas along with numerous songs, oratorios, cantatas and instrumental works. Even in retirement, Ron continued to share his passion for music by teaching voice and composition. During this time, he also discovered a deep love for the Italian language and culture. He became a dedicated student at Sentieri and a very dear friend. He often said that the Italian language was “the music of his heart.”
To celebrate his legacy, Sentieri is establishing The Ronald Combs Scholarship. To apply for this scholarship, please submit a brief essay of 100 words or less (in Italian or English) regarding how music enhances your life.