OSCEOLA COUNTY LODGE #2523 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTs 2025-2026

It is our honor to recognize Alyssa Brooke Vargo, a proud Floridian born in Celebration and now a distinguished student of Harmony High School. On May 20th, she will graduate alongside her peers, completing four exceptional years marked by academic excellence and unwavering dedication.

Alyssa stands among the top of her class, holding a 4.0 unweighted GPA, outstanding PSAT, SAT, and ACT scores, and a weighted GPA of 4.31 earned through rigorous Honors and AP coursework. Ranked 66th out of 663 students, she has demonstrated both brilliance and discipline. Her academic journey will continue at Valencia College, where she plans to major in accounting and finance, before transferring to the University of Central Florida to complete her degree.

Beyond the classroom, Alyssa has embraced a life of involvement and service. She has been a committed athlete in volleyballand track and field, a volunteer at Harmony Middle School, and a summer volleyball club coach. Her coaches and teachers describe her as a young woman of exceptional character, integrity, curiosity, and maturity, a leader who inspires others through her actions and her grace.

Dr. Morgan Aguilar, her Marine Science instructor, praised Alyssa’s commitment to excellence and her disciplined approach to learning. Her Math and Science Coach, Jill Costa, spoke of Alyssa’s reliability, her joyful willingness to help at school events, and her tireless support of both middle and high school athletics. Whether coaching, organizing banquets, setting up, or cleaning up, Alyssa serves with a smile and a spirit of teamwork that lifts everyone around her.

Alyssa’s Italian heritage holds deep meaning for her. She believes in family first, in honoring the sacrifices of her ancestors, and in cherishing the traditions passed down through generations. She spoke of the importance of shared meals, of respect, and of the bonds that strengthen families and communities. Her compassion shines through in the care she offered a grieving neighbor, and in the love she carries for her grandmother whose recipes, wisdom, and strength continue to guide her.

Alyssa embodies what it means to be an Italian‑American resilient, loyal, family centered, and proud of the heritage that shapes her future.

Today, the Osceola County Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy proudly awards Alyssa Brooke Vargo the 2025–2026 College/University Scholarship of $1,000, along with the Dante Medal, in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and exemplary character.

Alyssa, we know you will continue to make us proud on graduation day and in all the years ahead.

Jacob Michael Costa or “Jake” to his friends, was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania presently lives in Harmony where he will graduate on Wednesday, May 20th. He has one sibling, Abby. While attending Harmony, Jacob has been involved in Football, Weight Lifting, and Landscaping. He has volunteered at the sheriff’s office through the Harmony Community School. Presently, Jacob has his own landscaping company.

Jacob has been accepted to Valencia and plans to attend the First Response Training Group to become an EMT/Fire Fighter. Jacob believes in hard work, commitment and respect for family. He has received this through his parent’s teachings and the importance of his Italian heritage. Jake has come to us with great letters of recommendations, one being from a retired Army LTC who served troops in Germany and South Korea and taught young adults in a military college for three years. His observations of Jake tell us of his high character, he works hard and looks for challenges. He is a highly motivated individual. He is thoughtful, and a truly good person who will succeed at his desired career as a Fireman/EMT. 

Another letter from his Marine Science Instructor spoke of his loyalty, and level of dedication and perseverance. He sets examples for his peers in and out of the classroom, and is a true role model demonstrating maturity, respect and responsibility. 

Jake’s essay, spoke of how Italian-American families find time to spend together for holidays, Sunday dinners and various celebrations, he spoke of respect for the older family members and how important grandparents are to Italian American families. Giving the older generation respect helps to keep family history alive when they tell their stories to their grandchildren or great grandchildren. He mentioned hard work and how so many succeeded in the family working hard. Lastly, he wrote about the importance of food in family life. Sharing meals is sharing time together, talking and not being on your phones. Jake stated, it’s important to stay connected. At the dinner table you are all connected.

Jacob we wish you well in your next role as a student learning to become a firefighter/EMT and we hope we can stay connected with you through the Sons of Italy here in Osceola County or wherever your travels take you in your future. Your heritage will always be part of you and what makes you the person you will grown up to be. 

We are so proud to award you $1,000 to First Response Training Group and place this Dante medal on you for your excellence in high school.