The deadline for application to the John O. Pastore Cultural Travel Scholarship, offered by Newport Festa Italiana (NFI), has been extended to Tuesday, May 29. In conjunction with the Newport/ Imperia, Italy Sister City exchange, NFI provides cultural travel scholarships to two high school students who will be entering their sophomore, junior or senior year (10th, 11th, or 12th) of high school on Aquidneck Island in September of 2012.

Students will accompany the delegation from the Newport City Council on a visit to Imperia during the second week of September, 2012. Students will stay with a host family while attending some of the cultural events offered by the city of Imperia. A chaperone will accompany the students during the trip to and from Italy and will be available at any time while the students are living with the families.

Air fare, insurance and the chaperone will be provided by the Newport Festa Italiana committee. Students are responsible for their own spending money. All applicants must have, or be able to obtain, a valid passport prior to September 1, 2012.

All candidates must agree to a personal interview with the scholarship committee and be willing to participate in some Newport Festa Italiana activities after returning from Imperia.

Applications may be found in the offices of the guidance personnel or principals of the three Aquidneck Island high schools.

All completed applications must be sent to: Shirley Ripa, 6 Almy Court, Newport, RI, 02840 by May 29, 2012. For further information, email Sandra J. Flowers (sjflowersphd@yahoo.com).