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.”
