The Order of Sons of Italy in America's Milwaukee chapter -- Filippo Mazzei Lodge -- awards its annual scholarships on Wednesday night. To get you there, the lodge has transformed the event into a family affair.

Judges reviewed more than 30 applications from the surrounding six counties and selected two local winners for the two $1,500 college scholarships: Michael Montenero of Waukesha South High School and John LaDien of Marquette High School in Milwaukee.

"All applicants were judged based on academics, community involvement, financial need as well as a written commentary on their Italian-American heritage and culture," explains attorney Frank Schiro, founder and president of the Filippo Mazzei Milwaukee Chapter.

Wednesday's event includes a performance by MPS' Victory Italian Immersion School children's choir and a speech by Dr. Piero Antuono, professor of Neurology and Director of the Dementia Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Antuono, a native of Florence, Italy, reviews grants for the Italian Ministry for Education and Research and contributes to The Italian Times newspaper. He also coordinates monthly pizza dinners for ex-pat Italians living in and around Milwaukee.

The Mazzei Lodge also offers a free buffet of Italian spuntini -- or snacks -- including cocktail sandwiches and pizza.

OSIA, founded in 1905, is the largest and oldest organization for men and women of Italian descent in the nation. With over 700 chapters and 26 million members, OSIA encourages studying the Italian language, preserving Italian tradition, and promoting closer Italian American cultural relations.

The scholarship award event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Italian Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.