Annabella De Matteo

Norwalk, Connecticut, May 22, 2025. – Annabella DeMatteo is going to the University of Rhode Island with the help of a $5,000 Ritzzo Family Education Foundation scholarship. The 2025 Norwalk High School graduate is the daughter of Greg and Rosa Libertino DeMatteo of Norwalk . The winner is of Calabrian heritage on both sides of her family. Ms. DeMatteo, a National Honor Society Member and played varsity Field Hockey for the bears.  Committed to excellence in her education she also found time to volunteer in community causes. In the words of one of her hockey coaches “Annabella demonstrates integrity, dedication to excellence and her compassionate nature consistently reflects the same values Mr. Ritzzo exemplified, 

            Jason Ritzzo , grandson of the Foundation’s name sake presented the award along with other members of the Ritzzo family who were on the dais at the school’s award ceremony.

The Foundation’s mission is to enhance secondary educational opportunities for students of Italian American heritage, and to especially fan the flame of education for those with Calabrian heritage

The Foundation was formed to honor the legacy of Michelangelo Rizzo from the little mountain town of Platania in Calabria. Re-named Mike Ritzzo by the US Naturalization Board, the fatherless, 13-year-old, travelled alone to America in 1910. His story symbolizes the struggles and challenges of those who came eager to succeed in the “new world.” This education foundation is established in his memory and in honor of the tremendous work ethic and the commitment to family and community he instilled in his children.

The Ritzzo Family Education Foundation is a 501(c)3 registered in Florida and qualifies as a tax-exempt organization for donations from any US State.

            Donations may be made to remember loved ones and they will be featured on the memorial wall of the Foundation’s website. https://www.ritzzofoundation.org/