Ignite: Sounds of Hope - Leonardo Da Vinci Academy Gala Benefits the Neuro

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Story and Photos by Alena Hamlett

On Friday, April 11, 2025, Leonardo DaVinci Academy in RDP hosted Ignite: Sounds of Hope, a magical semi-formal gala dedicated to raising awareness and support for the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro). Staff and volunteers beautifully transformed the school gymnasium into an enchanting space filled with fairy lights, making the evening unforgettable.

Principal Nada Sammarco and teacher Sabrina Gavita.

This year, over 250 students, staff, and alumni volunteered their time and talents to make the event successful. With incredible support from the community, LDVA proudly surpassed its fundraising goal of $20,000, raising a total of $24,745!

Since 2016, LDVA has raised over $100,000 in support of The Neuro, and this year’s event was the culmination of a week of Brain Awareness Week activities. Students participated in engaging lessons and workshops offered by McGill-based organizations such as Let’s Talk Science and Brain Reach, which deepened their understanding of the human brain and the importance of brain health.

The aim of the Ignite: Sounds of Hope Gala was to: raise awareness about brain-related illnesses; encourage and inspire our community members to take action and support an important cause; demonstrate to students how we can all make a positive difference; provide hope and support to family members of loved ones in need of lifesaving neurological treatments; and honor the memory of those we've lost and celebrate those who continue to fight.

This year's event featured an evening of talent, spirit, and energy. Salsa  dancers Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali captivated the audience with a fast-paced, high-energy routine, setting the night's tone. Magician Raphael La Ferrara (Raphie), joined by DJ LV, delivered a mesmerizing magic show that both thrilled and amazed, leaving the audience in awe.

The talented students of Leonardo DaVinci Academy took center stage with a series of dynamic and creative performances. They brought the audience to their feet with passion and enthusiasm, delivering a wide array of routines that truly highlighted their commitment to the cause of the LDVA community.

The evening’s performances included: A theatrical skit (Grades 3 to 6), script prepared by  . Vanessa Martin, Chelsea Meti  and Nadia Sammarco; "Greatest Show" Dance – Filles Actives (Grade 6),  choreographed by  Anna-Maria Parente and Sabrina Gavita;  African Drumming (Grade 5 and 6 Boys), arranged by  Vitalem Alriche; Italian Hip-Hop Dance (Grades 3 to 6), choreographed by Fabiana Lapolla; Drumming Sing-Along, performed by Alumni Adriano Cervini ( two songs); French Musical Performance (Grades 3 to 5), conducted by Nadia Sammarco; "Harry Potter" Themed Dance (Grade 5), choreographed by Michelle Di Meo; Greek Dance (Grades 3 to 5), choreographed by Bessie Pantelios and Catherine Tsitsovas; Charleston Dance (Grade 5), choreographed by  Emilia Martinez; Drum Battle, with  alumni Adriano Cervini vs. Jordano Pasquino (Class of 2025); Choir Performance (Grades 3to 6), conducted by Vitalem Alriche; "Grease" Musical Performance (Grade 6), choreographed by Emilia Martinez and the Finale Performance; music mixed and created by alumni Justyn Rakowski with AI support.

The administration of Leonardo DaVinci Academy would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the LDVA Neuro Gala 2025: Ignite – Sounds of Hope.

A special thank you goes out to the dedicated staff members who poured countless hours into planning and executing the event — your commitment and creativity brought the vision to life.

LDVA gratefully acknowledges: Dancers Adriano Ieropoli and Samantha Scali, magician Raphael La Ferrara and DJ LV, for lending their talent and energy to the night; videographer John Abarno, for capturing these unforgettable moments that we will cherish for years; Kevin from MIRA and David from Mix Entertainment, thank you for your support, patience, and collaboration in turning our vision into pure magic!

Watch this fabulous report from CityNews Montreal.



 





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