Awards and Scholarships Presented to 18 Young Talents at COEMI Srl Headquarters
Priolo Gargallo, July 24, 2025 – The award ceremony of the first edition of the “Giuseppe Prestigiacomo” Scholarship was held with great participation and human warmth, established by VED and COEMI in memory of the founder of the industrial group, a key figure for generations of employees and a symbol of vision, ethics, and dedication.
The initiative, created to recognize young people who distinguished themselves with excellent academic results, is dedicated both to the children of employees of the two companies and to residents of the municipalities of Priolo Gargallo and Melilli, reaffirming the historical bond that VED and COEMI maintain with the local community.
The ceremony, held in the Conference Hall of the COEMI headquarters, was attended by the selected candidates, who were warmly welcomed by the entire company management.
The event was opened by the welcome speech of President Maria Pia Prestigiacomo, who emotionally recalled the figure of Giuseppe Prestigiacomo, honoring his legacy as a strong supporter of young people, encouraging personal development from education to professional specialization, and highlighting that this day was celebrated in his memory to honor the commitment and merit of the young “Protagonists of the Future” in a historical moment of great change that will shape the professions of tomorrow.
Also present were Priolo’s Mayor, Dr. Pippo Gianni, and the President of Confindustria, Eng. Gian Piero Reale, who congratulated the initiative, confirming the innovative profile of entrepreneur Giuseppe Prestigiacomo and recalling the values that inspired this project.
During the ceremony, certificates of merit and individual scholarships were awarded, accompanied by the announcement of each candidate’s academic title and field of study. The young participants were also given the opportunity to share their future goals, dreams, and aspirations, showcasing diverse paths all united by a common thread: passion and commitment.
Among the awardees were graduates with top honors (100 cum laude and 110 cum laude), with degrees ranging from medicine to psychology, from environmental sciences to design, from philosophy to chemistry, reflecting a wealth of talent and a diversity of visions for the future.
The ceremony concluded with warm wishes for a bright and fulfilling future for all participants.
Awardees present at the ceremony:
| 1 | Alessandra Monterosso | Siracusa | Child of COEMI employee | Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology |
| 2 | Federico Rigano | Catania | Child of COEMI employee | Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery |
| 3 | Sofia Maria Barbirotto | Siracusa | Child of COEMI employee | High School Diploma, Scientific Lyceum |
| 4 | Maria Amara | Augusta | Child of COEMI employee | Master’s Degree in Philosophical Sciences |
| 5 | Giorgia Coniglio | Priolo G. | Master’s Degree in Business Management | |
| 6 | Melissa La Spina | Priolo G. | Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication Design | |
| 7 | Teresa La Rosa | Priolo G. | Master’s Degree in Environmental Biology | |
| 8 | Alessandro Messina | Priolo G. | High School Diploma in Computer Science and Telecommunications | |
| 9 | Greta Bertone | Priolo G. | Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery | |
| 10 | Benedetta Lanza | Melilli | Master’s Degree in Chemical Sciences | |
| 11 | Maryviol De Bernardi | Melilli | Master’s Degree in Psychology | |
| 12 | Maria Rita Ruta | Melilli | Master’s Degree in History and Culture of Mediterranean Countries |
The initiative will continue with a second award ceremony scheduled for September 2025, dedicated to candidates who could not attend the July event.
| 13 | Sara Caravello | Siracusa | Child of COEMI employee | High School Diploma, Liceo Scientifico Einaudi |
| 14 | Beatrice Rosa | Siracusa | Child of VED employee | Master’s Degree – Health Biology |
| 15 | Fabiana Radinieri | Priolo G. | Child of VED employee | Master’s Degree – Pedagogical Sciences |
| 16 | Massimiliano Vanacore | Priolo G. | Master’s Degree – Sports Science and Techniques – LM68 | |
| 17 | Mara Angela Felice | Priolo G. | Master’s in European Affairs | |
| 18 | Manuela Foti | Melilli | Master’s Degree – Social Policies and Services |
