Josiah Quincy Elementary Principal Wins Pirandello Lyceum Award

Josiah Quincy Elementary School Principal Simon Siu-Wah Ho has been awarded the President’s Award from the Pirandello Lyceum, an educational institute aimed at encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian culture among all people. Principal Ho is one of eight I Migliori in Mens et Gesta (The Best in Mind and Deeds) Award winners in 2012 and the first Chinese American to receive the award.

Principal Ho is a native of Hong Kong, China, where he completed his secondary education. Simon moved to Italy where he would live and study for four years. There, he learned the language and culture of Italy. But the award, according to Ho, means a lot to him because it shows an understanding and appreciation for other cultures – something he brings with him to work everyday at Josiah Quincy Elementary School.

“Our school is becoming more and more diverse,” said Ho in a phone interview. “Even though the school is 56 percent Chinese… it is great to understand other cultures.”