A Weirton restaurateur had some inspiring words to a collection of local graduates: “The American dream is still alive.” The Undo’s Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival named Dewey Guida, owner of Dee Jay’s BBQ Ribs, as its Italian-American of the Year for 2021 Wednesday night. At their media night Wednesday, the festival board also recognized 12 students with $1,000 scholarships.

Guida spoke before a gathered crowd of students, parents, board members, and friends to advise the graduates not to get disillusioned with the “American dream,” as the living Italian community thrives, thanks to the ambitions of their ancestors who chased that dream.