Eureka Lodge #1274

Since we could not meet and honor our 2020 Pinochi and Stagnoli scholarship awardees last May, this month’s Il Leone article will introduce them to our members.

Alyssa Camilli graduated from Arcata High School in 2020 with honors and is now attending UC Davis studying Psychology and Sociology. Her accomplishments while in high school include: peer tutor, Sources of Strength mentor, Soroptomist Girl of the Month, Wellesley College Book Club award, AHS German language honor society. She is an artist and was accepted into the Arcata High Arts Institute and her artwork was shown in various local businesses in Arcata.

Upon admittance to UCD Alyssa was accepted into the College of Letters and Science honors program.

She is the daughter of Michelle and Steve Camilli, Jr. of Eureka.

Angelina Gracie Giraud graduated from McKinleyville High and is attending Sonoma State studying Social Work and Psychology.

She served in student government, as a cheerleader and became fluent in Spanish.

Gracie was a four year member of Future Farmers of America and served as chapter President. She earned her FFA State Degree with her SAE project: baking and decorating specialty cakes, cookies and cupcakes. She has since turned this project into a successful business called Tiny House Cakes.

Gracie is the daughter of Anthony and Jenifer Giraud and is the granddaughter of longtime Eureka Lodge #1274 members Dave and Donna Olivieri.

She has helped our lodge by working at the polenta fundraisers and the annual accordion and bocce festivals for many years.

Shante’ Spears graduated from Eureka High. She attends College of the Redwoods and is completing general education requirements leading to studies in psychology and business. She intends to transfer to a four year college in either Arizona, Idaho, or Houston, Texas.

At Eureka High she played on the freshman girls basketball team and served as a cheerleader and student government officer for four years. She also created and led the EHS mindfulness club.

Shante’ is the daughter of Julie Fanucchi and the late Tay Spears. She is the granddaughter of our late Eureka Lodge member Gloria Fanucchi and her husband Joe.

She is the great-granddaughter of Roy Fanucchi and the great grand niece of our member Evo Fanucchi.

Shante’ has helped our lodge by working at the polenta fundraisers over many years.

Despite the pandemic Eureka Lodge will award the Irene and Paul Pinochi and Frank Stagnoli Scholarships this spring. Please remind your grandchildren or friends with children of Italian descent that application materials are available now from their high school counselors or by calling Dianne Luzzi at 442-8812 to have an application sent directly to them.