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On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, the Norwood Italian Lodge #1235 hosted its Annual Scholarship Dinner
with nearly 80 guests present at Conrad’s Restaurant in Walpole. President Steve Eosco welcomed
everyone to the festivities. This year’s event was especially meaningful as the awards were presented
as the “Barbara Bilotta Memorial Scholarships”. Barbara, the beloved spouse of lodge Treasurer,
Frank Bilotta, was a dedicated 33-year long member of the Lodge. Scholarship funds donated in her
loving memory funded two $1,000 scholarships. Toni Eosco, Scholarship Chair, greeted the members
and acknowledged the many guests in attendance. She also thanked members, Winne Carfagno and
Linda Renzi, for their work and assistance on the scholarship committee.
Recipients of this year’s awards were Hunter Campagna and Craig J. Herson. Hunter, a graduate of
Norton High School, will pursue his interest in electrical engineering and graphic design at UMass
Dartmouth. He is the grandson of lodge members, Barbara and Nick Campagna, Jr. of Norwood, and the
son of John and Regina Campagna of Norton, MA. Craig, a graduate of Bishop Feehan High School, will
pursue his interest in business law & sports management at Assumption College. Craig is the grandson
of lodge members, Angelo and Janice Valente of Walpole, and son of Erik and Amy Sanford of Plainville, MA.
Following the awarding of the scholarship certificates by Julia Bilotta, granddaughter of Barbara and
Frank Bilotta, Julia then delivered eloquent remarks from her perspective as a former Italian Lodge
scholarship winner 5 years ago. Julia said her grandmother, Barbara, was a staunch supporter of a college
education. Julia now holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.
Julia reflected on how meaningful the scholarship was to her years ago. She noted how valuable cultural
organizations, such as the Italian Lodge, are to the community in supporting youth in their educational
pursuits. She offered solid advice to the award winners. She said there will be tough days; but encouraged
them to remember - that although they do not know all the Italian Lodge members, this Lodge has confidence
in your skills and believes that “You can do it!” The evening concluded with applause and social time.
For more information about the Norwood Italian Lodge #1235 or to become a member, please contact President
Steve Eosco at 781-769-7865 or steve_toni@norwoodlight.com or by viewing the website at www.norwoodsonsofitaly.org
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