Joanne Coccia Lodge #2553

by Anthony N. Finazzo - Scholarship Chairman

1 November 2023
Author: News Editor
Number of views: 954
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At a recent membership meeting, Foundation Scholarship Chairman Anthony Finazzo announced the names of 14 students receiving scholarships for the year 2023 for a grand total of $24,000. The Joanne Coccia Lodge Foundation is proud to award six $2,000 scholarships to students entering college or are in college applying for the first time. Our lodge is also issuing eight continuation scholarships of $1,500 each to students already attending college. The following students are awarded scholarships to the schools they are presently attending:

	Ethan Walden. Ethan will receive THE JOHN COLA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD or $1,500. Ethan was a scholarship recipient in 2022 and is now attending California Baptist University, Fullerton studying for a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science. Ethan has been involved with nonprofits: Ronald McDonald House, Red Shoe Project, Helping Hands and will continue with these organizations while in college. Ethan’s parents are Brian and Gina Walden, grandfather Frank Foglio, family members of our lodge, relatives are Connie and David Ryan, Anna Chase, great aunt Yolanda Sarracino, cousins James and Janet Sarracino, and Leah and Kevin Flaherty. They are proud
	Devin Walden. Devin will receive THE JOANNE COCCIA LODGE #2553 MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD for $1,500. Devin, one of our recipients in 2022, is attending California Baptist University, Fullerton. He aspires to earn a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Music. He has a passion to be a financial advisor. He has a heart to help families become financially secure for all seasons of life. He also has an interest in real estate and investments. Devin has served with non-profit organizations: Santa’s Inc., The Unforgettable and Ronald McDonald House. Devin’s parents are Brian and Gina Walden, grandfather Frank Foglio, family members of our lodge. Relatives are Connie and David Ryan, Anna
	Gianna Rotellini. Gianna will receive THE JOANNE COCCIA LODGE #2553 MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD for $1,500. Gianna was granted a scholarship in 2020. She graduated from Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, CA, with a grade point average of 3.7. Gianna attended Orange Coast College studying astronomy. She is currently a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to earn a Bachelor Degree in Physics with a concentration in Astronomy. She aspires to earn a Master Degree in Astrophysics or Planetary Science. Gianna’s parents are Jennifer and Dave Rotellini. She is the granddaughter of Joanne Sclafani and the late Joseph Sclafani and niece to Anthony, Rosemarie, Pete, Judy Sclafani, and Florence Zerilli who are members of our lodge.
	Devin Guevara. Devin will receive THE RONALD BITONTI and MARTHA NAGY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD for $1,500 Devin has been awarded scholarships in the past. He is appreciative of the continued support from the Joanne Coccia Lodge. Devin is seeking a Bachelor Degree in Communications Studies with an emphasis in Advertising. He is attending California State University, Fullerton. Devin has a college 3.5 GPA. Devin received high remarks regarding his letter of recommendation stating that he has great work ethics and desires to achieve the best. His mother is Michaelynn Minicucci. She is a member of our lodge and our Recording Secretary.
	Benjamin Elliot. Benjamin will receive a JOANNE COCCIA LODGE #2553 MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPAWARD for $1,500. He is attending California State University, Fullerton. He intends to earn a degree in the field of business, concentrating on the marketing aspects of the profession. He is a member of the school hockey team. To support his education, Benjamin is a server and part-time manager at The Lazy Dog restaurant. His hobbies include hockey, public speaking, problem solving and working with teams. He is a member of The Order of DeMolay. Benjamin is a friend of Devin Guevara and Michaelynn Minicucci, both members of our lodge.
	Jessica Ragsac. Jessica will receive a THE ALBERT AND JOANNE COCCIA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD for $1,500. Jessica has been awarded scholarships in the past. She is attending University of California, San Diego to obtain a Bachelor Degree in General Biology and Pre-Medicine including a minor in Human Developmental Science. Jessica plans to pursue a career in medicine, specifically within the field of pediatrics/genetics and maintains a 3.5 grade point average. She is our lodge queen and a junior member. Her parents are Susie and Andre Ragsac along with grandmother Lois Mitchel, all lodge members.
	Isabelle Ragsac. Isabelle will receive a JOANNE COCCIA LODGE #2553 MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD for $1,500. Isabelle aspires to explore the world of classical music and become a professional pianist. She plans to pursue her studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. She also has a passion to play the violin and has participated in multiple events. She intends to earn a Bachelor Degree in Music. She is a junior member of our lodge. Her parents are Susie and Andre Ragsac along with grandmother Lois Mitchel, all lodge members.
	Santiago Mauro Romagnoli will receive a JOANNE COCCIA LODGE #2553 MEMBERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP AWARD for $1,500. Santiago is a graduate of Redlands High School, earning a 3.8 grade point average. He was awarded a scholarship in 2022. He is attending University of California, San Diego studying toward a bachelor degree in the field of Business Psychology. Since Santiago was a little tyke, he was interested in all aspects of bugs (entomology). His hobby is the study of bugs and beekeeping and he owns two Italian-bred hives in his backyard.