The Sons of Italy, Akron Lodge 685 held its initiation/scholarship dinner on May 2 at The Venue in Tallmadge. Scholarship recipients are selected by a committee that reviews GPA, recommendations, accomplishments and activities, and essays on their career choice and their Italian heritage. Zachary Conti, son of John and Andrea Conti, was awarded a scholarship in memory of past president Norm Ross.

Zachary is graduating from Ohio State University and will attend graduate school at American University majoring in public policy and administration. Kimberly Kramer, daughter of Nicole Smith, will be graduating from Green High School and attend Ohio Northern University majoring in pre-veterinary. Her scholarship is funded by a donation from Guido and Rose Margida and Peter and Diane Kalgreen in memory of Henry and Civita Noethen. Eleven new members were inducted.