The Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan (IACCM) proudly announced the results of its 2024 scholarship competition at its monthly meeting on June 5 at the Italian American Cultural Center. The Honorable Joseph Toia, Macomb County Circuit Court, has been chairman of the IACCM Scholarship Committee for more than twenty years and once again presided over the awards presentations. 

This year a total of twenty-four applications were received, and $16,000 in scholarships were awarded to ten talented young people. Over the past forty years, the IACCM has awarded $600,000 in scholarships.

This year two $2000 scholarships were awarded, to high school student Giovanni DiGiorgio and to college student Carlina Galli. Giovanni is the son of Frank and Vincene Digiorgio. Carlina is the daughter of Daniel and Gina Galli.

The other winners of $1500 scholarships are Luca Polidori (son of Michael and Lisa Polidori and grandson of Santino Polidori), JohnPaul DiLiddo (son of Paolo and Marlene DiLiddo), Isabella Burke (daughter of Matthew and Jennifer Burke), Marco Morreale (son of Antonio and Stefania Morreale), Antonio Morreale (son of Antonio and Stefania Morreale), Dianna Palazzolo (daughter of Vito and Lynn Palazzolo), Abigail Cunningham (daughter of James Cunningham and Annalisa Rubino), and Adrianna Lucido (daughter of Tom and Maria Lucido).

The main source of funding for the scholarships is an annual golf outing that is well attended and supported by the IACCM membership who recognize and value the importance of honoring and rewarding deserving young Italian Americans for their achievements.

Scholarship awards are presented to outstanding students with excellent academic achievements as well as community and athletic accomplishments. To be eligible to apply and compete for a scholarship, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

1. A) Applicant must be of Italian ancestry.
2. B) Applicant must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student attending an accredited college or university and working toward a two- or four-year degree.
3. C) Applicant must be domiciled in the state of Michigan.
4. D) Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Congratulations to all the winners and their families.