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The Norwood Italian Lodge #1235, a local chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, recently held its Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner on June 4, 2025, at Conrad’s Restaurant in Walpole. Norwood Lodge President, Steve Eosco, greeted members and guests who attended the event. Scholarship Chairwoman, Toni Eosco, made several introductions, and acknowledged lodge members, Barbara Campagna and Winnie Carfagno, for their volunteer work on the lodge’s scholarship committee. Toni Eosco also recognized guest speaker, Joe Andruzzi – former NFL guard, Denise Furnari, Ex-officio of Massachusetts Grand Lodge Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and George Franco, Ex-officio of the Norwood Italian Lodge as well as his wife Diana who oversees the lodge’s website. Scholarship award presentations took place after a delicious dinner buffet.
The Italian Lodge has a long history of supporting youth, education, and Italian culture. Through the volunteer work of its members to raise funds, and through the addition of memorial funds and other generous donations, the Norwood Italian Lodge #1235 awards two $1,000 Scholarships each year. Committee member, Barbara Campagna, made the first award presentation to Pauline Cordani, a graduate of Norwood High School. Pauline is the daughter of Vicky and Richard Cordani, and the granddaughter of lodge members Frank and Barbara Fruci of Norwood. Pauline will attend the University of Miami with her first semester abroad in Italy.
Winnie Carfagno made the second scholarship presentation to Morgan Naumann, also a graduate of Norwood High School. Morgan is the daughter of William and Gina Naumann and the granddaughter of lodge member, Mary Ann Naumann. Morgan will attend the University of New Hampshire.
Lodge members congratulated both students on their excellent academic records and outstanding athletic and extracurricular achievements. They earned high praise from their coaches, teachers and counselors. Lodge members wished them success in their new challenges and endeavors. In their application materials, both awardees expressed how much they valued their ancestor’s hard work and their Italian family traditions.
After the scholarship presentations, guest speaker Joe Andruzzi, who has Sicilian ancestry, shared inspiring remarks related to his personal life story as a former NFL guard, his experience as a New England Patriots player for five seasons earning three Super Bowl rings, as a father, and as a stage four cancer survivor. Realizing the impact that cancer diagnoses can have on patients’ lives, he started the Joe Andruzzi Foundation that provides support to cancer patients in the New England area. Joe took numerous questions from the audience. He graciously let guests place his large, sparkling Superbowl ring on their finger for photo ops as well. Members and guests had a great time and enjoyed an informal social afterwards with Joe, the scholarship awardees and their families.
For information about Norwood Italian Lodge membership please contact President, Steve Eosco, at 781-769-7865 or visit the lodge Facebook page at Norwood Italian Lodge #1235 Sons and Daughters of Italy to learn more about the Lodge.
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