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The Norwood Italian Lodge #1235, a local chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, held its Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner on June 3, 2026, at the VFW Post on Dean Street in Norwood. Norwood Lodge President, Steve Eosco, greeted members and guests who attended the event and conducted a very brief business meeting. 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, as well as thanking lodge volunteers who helped to set up the hall. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner buffet catered by Conrad's Restaurant of Norwood, followed by dessert and social time.
The Italian Lodge has a long history of supporting youth, education, and Italian culture. Through many hours of volunteer work from its lodge members, sufficient funds are raised to support two $1,000 Scholarships each year. Committee member, Winnie Carfagno, made the first award presentation to Bella Coras, a graduate of Norwood High School. Bella is the daughter of lodge member Gina Coras and her husband, Jason. Bella plans to attend the University of New Hampshire with current interests in business, marketing, and management. She hopes her studies will include a semester abroad in Italy where she previously enjoyed a visit to meet with relatives living there.
Barbara Campagna made the second scholarship announcement regarding Allegra Franco, a graduate of Needham High School. Allegra is the daughter of lodge member Melanie Franco and her husband Darren of Needham, and the granddaughter of George and Diana Franco, longtime members of the lodge. Although Allegra could not attend in person, her parents arranged a short video whereby all guests could see and hear Allegra's grateful remarks on the viewing screen. Allegra's certificate was presented to her proud parents. Allegra will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison with interests in kinesiology and health professionals' area.
Lodge members congratulated both students on their excellent academic records and outstanding athletic and extracurricular achievements. The awardees earned high praise from their coaches, teachers, and counselors. Their essay materials emphasized how much they valued their strong family backgrounds and expressed their love of Italian culture and the family traditions passed down to them through grandparents. Lodge members wished them success in their new challenges and endeavors.
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.
*Grateful acknowledgment to Rosa Rondinelli for obtaining the Home Depot donation of ten pretty, pink dianthus plants for table centerpieces.
*Grateful acknowledgment to Chris Bartucca for supplying decaf coffee from Honey Dew.
*Thank you to all who helped to set up and clean up the hall afterwards.
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