The Johnston Lions Club, many people will attest, may be small in numbers but is huge in heart.
That surfaced again Saturday when the JLC maintained its terrific tradition of sponsoring and hosting the always well-attended breakfast after Johnston High School’s annual and awesome Homecoming Parade.
“This is always special,” said Dr. Bernard DiLullo Jr. as he and School Committee Chairman Robert LaFazia enjoyed coffee and some of the eight-item breakfast. “This is another terrific turnout.”
It has been that way for more than a decade, Johnston Town Councilman Robert Civetti, who doubles as JLC treasurer, explained.
“Members and friends of the Johnston Lions Club have donated their time and resources to the JHS student Council for over 15 years and counting,” Civetti said.
Years ago, the JLS began assisting the Student Council by serving breakfast prior to the annual Homecoming game. However, as time evolved the Club became the sole sponsor of the event and now purchases the food, prepares it and serves JHS students, alumni and their families.
“This is quite the breakfast,” was a common cry among countless people who took in the event. “Great menu, great attendance, classic camaraderie … it’s like one huge family reunion.”
As the annual line of march went on, JLC members prepared scrambled eggs, cheese omelet, French toast sticks, hash brown patties, cinnamon rolls, Danish and a choice of coffee or tea.
The JLC members and friends who were instrumental in the success of Saturday’s breakfast were long-time Club President King Lion Joseph, Vice President Joseph Sabetta, CPA; Treasurer/Councilman Robert J. Civetti, CPA; Secretary David Civetti, long-time member and past president “Big Al” Savage, Wendy Buono, Tina Ferro, Carol Savage and future Lion Anthony Andreoli.
Saturday’s breakfast, though, isn’t the only event the JLC does to benefit JHS students.
“We are proud of our (JLC) Scholarship Program,” said Swift. “In June 2021, we awarded scholarships to 10 students who are now attending their respective colleges.”
Those recipients for 2021-2022 are Kayla Aquilante, Leann delRio Franco, Giancarlo Espinal, Olivia Kline, Hannah Kline, Sarah Monahan, Yuvia Morales, Olaitan Olagundoye, Katelyn Simeone and Skyler Stone.
“The scholarships are primarily from the Johnston Lions Armand Muto Scholarship Fund,” Robert Civetti, noted. “The fund was established in memory of Armand Muto back in 1985 and we have presented grants between $150,000 and $175,000 since that time.”
Likewise, the fund is managed by the Rhode Island Foundation and each year the JLC awards scholarships to eligible applicants who must be Johnston residents and graduating high school students who will attend a higher education institution. The scholarships are also renewable through their senior year of college.
“These awards are primarily funded from earnings of the Johnston Lions Armand Muto Scholarship Fund and also from revenue raised by the Club’s fund-raising activities,” Robert Civetti explained. “Also, the awards have totaled between $4,500 and $6,000 on an annual basis.”
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