The Sons & Daughters of Una Famiglia Lodge #2882 recently held a scholarship dinner on May 13, 2026, to recognize two outstanding local students. Gia Marie Valenti from Nature Coast Tech and Julianna Morrongiello from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic were each awarded a $1000 scholarship.
Una Famiglia President Annmarie Barbaro Guadagnino introduced the winners, highlighting their academic achievements and significant extracurricular activities. Gia Marie Valenti, who will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University to major in pre-physical therapy and minor in exercise science, was a cheerleader, weightlifter, and flag football player. She also volunteered and was involved in her church. Julianna Morrongiello, who will be attending Saint Leo University, played numerous sports, including volleyball and flag football, and was active in HOSA, the Health Occupations for Students of America.
In her scholarship essay, Gia Marie Valenti described the importance of Italian culture in her life, recalling her family gatherings: “Everyone talks over each other with their hands, and somehow they also understand exactly what’s going on. There’s always someone talking too loud. Someone arguing about something completely unnecessary and someone in the kitchen insists that you haven’t eaten enough, even if you’re already on your second plate. Sunday dinners were basically sacred in my family. It’s never just a meal. It’s a whole-day event. The sauce simmers all day. Frank Sinatra is playing in the background.” She also mentioned that in her family, “if something goes missing, immediately. Someone is praying to Saint Anthony, like, he’s all called 24/7.”
Julianna Morrongiello also read her scholarship essay during the dinner. Both students were recognized for their hard work and dedication to their studies and extracurricular activities.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
