Chicago's Renato Turano, a member of the Italian Senate, will be on hand as the Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Lodge #2763 (Order Sons of Italy in America) awards scholarships to two Milwaukee-area high school seniors, Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St.

Turano, whose name is well-known to many Milwaukeeans who see the Senator's bread trucks delivering good, crusty bread to local restaurants and grocery stores, was elected to the Italian Senate in April 2006 as the sole representative for Italian citizens residing in North America. The 2006 election was the first in which senators were elected to represent Italians living abroad.

The $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to Dana Lori Vielmetti of Homestead High School and Stacy L. Oszuscik of Franklin High School. The highly qualified college-bound high school graduating seniors were selected from a field of 23 applicants from the six-county greater Milwaukee area. The winners were selected by a committee comprising Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Clare Fiorenza, UW-Parkside Professor Carmel Ruffolo and noted surgeon Dr. Bruce Massaro.

The awards night is held in conjunction with a brief Sons of Italy members meeting and formal swearing-in ceremony and is open to all, free of charge.

The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. cash bar with snacks and appetizers and piano music by OSIA member Lou Cucunato. The awards presentation ceremony follows.