As teacher, coach, and advisor, Carlo Mazarese has been an integral part of the Garden City High School for almost 30 years. He is known for expanding the Italian language program within the school and creating the Italian Club, Italian Honor Society, and Lo Stivale, the Italian literary magazine. He has served as coach of the Boys` Varsity Soccer team and led them to countless victories. However, what's more important is the man behind the plan.

As a teacher, Mr. Mazarese possessed a strong passion for learning and a profound dedication to his students. It was with him that most students experienced their first real Italian espresso or witnessed the vitality of Little Italy. More than a coach or educator, he was a beloved figure of high caliber and an excellent leader and inspiration to his students. He understood their intellectual potential and could evoke it. He showed immense patience and encouraged their untainted vivacity to shine with enthusiasm and creativity. "Maz," as he is fondly referred to, is unquestionably one of the most distinguished characters in the history of the Garden City High School. The Italian students of the class of 2009 (the last class he taught at the school) created a scholarship in honor of Mr. Mazarese (pictured here receiving a plaque at this year's high school Italian Festival commemorating the students' honor) in appreciation of his work and dedication.