A couple of facsimile divas, a piano, 432 well-entertained and -fed guests, one outstanding citizen and, most importantly, 19 students of Italian descent awarded more than $26,000 in scholarships and gifts. Held Saturday at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, the 19th annual Sons of Italy Lodge 2738 Scholarship and Citizen of the Year Awards Gala was once again an elaborately produced celebration of Italian culture, history and, above all, educational advancement.

Themed "2 Divas and a Piano" to reflect the evening's entertainment, a fantastic tribute to Elton John and Cher, the gala also saw Jerry Carleo, recently retired from the information technology field, selected as the lodge's Italian Citizen of the Year. "This is an incredible honor for me and my family," Carleo said. "Everyone who participates makes this an extraordinary lodge, an extraordinary foundation, and we've done a lot of good stuff in Pueblo."