West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival officials honor individuals each year who unselfishly give their resources and time. Recognized as Honorees are those who were born in West Virginia and have made outstanding contributions to their families, their communities and the state.

Honorees for the 39th annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival are Italian American Man of the Year — Sen. Roman W. Prezioso Jr.; Honorary Italian Man of the Year — WVU girls basketball coach Mike Carey; Italian American Woman of the Year — Raffaella “Folly” (Romano) Basile; Honorary Italian Woman of the Year — Lotus Averil MacDowell; Samuel F. and Lucia D’Annunzio Mother of the Year — Catherine Joan Tiano Mancina; Excellence in Education — Ethel Marie Devono Shorr; Excellence in Education — Dr. Frank D. Devono; Excellence in Education — Gabriel J. Devono, Jr.