YOUTH MEMBERS

 

2023 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

 

GIULIA FERNANDEZ is the daughter of Cara Giacomazzi-Fernandez and Mark Fernandez, granddaughter of Jackie Giacomazzi, and the late Don Giacomazzi, and great-granddaughter of the late Fred & Lilia Giacomazzi and Jacob & Ann Giglio.  She will graduate in May from Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, CA. with honors.

Through the years, she has maintained good grades, as well as, competing in her undefeated high school soccer team, as well as club soccer, being captain of her teams several times. She has volunteered in various community charities, including taking a trip to Texas to help repair houses destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.  (She put up drywall from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.) She also helped with the first-year orientation of students at Saint Francis, welcomed freshmen in a shadow program, volunteered her services & helped fill over 1000 boxes of produce to be given to low-income families, coached elementary school girls & boys how to play various team sports as a camp counselor, teaching them how to work together as a team.  As the captain of the DeAnza Force Soccer Club, Giulia led 25 girls in practice games, & attended showcases in San Diego, Las Vegas & Davis.  Giulia presently is employed several hours a week at Bay Club, Courtside as a sales associate.

Giulia was initiated into the Hanford Lodge on September 14, 2005, when she was four months old.  Even though she lives several hours away from Hanford, she has participated in several fundraising events and activities through the years.  When asked “What My Italian Heritage Means to Me”, she replied: “...All of my family members’ dedication to the Sons of Italy and the leadership they have been a part of in the Italian-American community has inspired me.  My mother, Cara, was an active member, serving as the Charter President of the Junior Member group.  The Sons of Italy has helped me learn more about our Italian culture; but another way I have learned to appreciate my Italian heritage is through food.  I have memories of making ravioli with my mother, Nanna, Nonni and other family members and enjoying the meals on holidays.  As a member of the Sons of Italy, I am proud to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before me and to pass the traditions of our culture to future generations.”

 “As of right now, I do not know “what I want to be when I grow up,” but I am excited to study the field of business, and be ready to find a path after my academic career is over.”  Giulia has been accepted to several colleges and universities, but has not accepted one at this writing.  Best wishes to Giulia!!

 

HANNA HAGEBOECK, the daughter of Gina Giacomazzi Hageboeck and Bill Hageboeck, Hanna Kathryn Hageboeck is also the granddaughter of Jackie Giacomazzi and the late Don Giacomazzi and the great-granddaughter of the late Fred & Llilia Giacomazzi and Jacob & Ann Giglio.  She will be a 2023 graduate of Acalanes High School, in Lafayette, CA with honors.  During her high school career, Hanna has been involved in many extra-curricular activities & sports including: Editor of the school’s yearbook, head photographer, competed in both volleyball and Lacrosse.  She was honored by receiving many awards:  President’s Volunteer Service, Alex McLin Award for Excellence in Sportsmanship and Athletic Achievement, Most Valuable Player and Scholar Athlete.  Hanna was also a member of a freshman orientation team, guiding new students.  She has been a member of the Girl Scouts of America since the age of five; to receive her Gold Award, she is presently working on a project to help children with severe disabilities, facilitating a sensory garden.

When Hanna was three months old (9/14/2005), she was initiated into the Hanford.  When asked: “What My Italian Heritage Means to Me”, she replied: “The first thing that comes to my mind is the abundance of relatives and friends it brings.  Although I live out of town, I visit Hanford several times a year & have worked with my Nanna on several Hanford Lodge projects such as: putting labels on sauce containers, shopping for Christmas gifts for junior members, etc.  I really loved participating in bocce ball tournaments at Burris Park and attending many spaghetti dinners in October. One fun fact is that my mom represented the Hanford Lodge and was Miss America in the 1983 Grand Lodge Queen Court.  She was rewarded by riding on a float in the Rose Parade.”

“One of our family’s traditions is to make ravioli.  From a young age, I learned how to make and roll the dough.  We enjoy these at Christmas dinner each year.  When I was in middle school, I was able to share my ravioli-making knowledge by giving a live demonstration to my class!!  I brought the finished product and the class enjoyed the ravioli!  For an ancestor report, I dressed up as my great-great-grandfather, Miro Curti, and gave a presentation detailing his journey to America from Albomico, Italy, to San Francisco in 1906.  He was alone and 19 years old.  I am very inspired by his bravery!”

“One of my main goals in my future college experience is to study abroad in Italy, immersing myself in the Italian culture and beginning my journey to learn the Italian language.”

Hanna has not selected a college as yet, but has been accepted by many.  She plans to major in Business Management.  Good luck with your future endeavors, Hanna!!!

 

 

 

 

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