HONOR GUILD INDUCTEES — Members of the Italian American Cultural Club celebrated the group’s 100th anniversary May 18 at the St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville. This year, five individuals were selected to be inducted into the club’s Honor Guild, with one inductee selected to be the recipient of the Spirit of Italia Award, after the audience’s votes were cast. The inductees included, from left, Ed Laman, Rita Carapellotti, Domenick Mucci, Francesca Carinci and Reno Saccoccia. The winner of the Spirit award was Carapellotti. -- Julie Stenger

WINTERSVILLE — It began several decades ago. A group of Italian immigrants came to the city of Steubenville, making it their home away from home. These particular individuals were filled with passion …. passion for preserving their cultural identity within America, within Ohio, within Steubenville.

And they chose to do so through the theater. A group of these men and women started a club that became known as the Steubenville Dramatic Club. The year was 1925.

The members of the Steubenville Dramatic Club would begin captivating audiences. They performed Italian plays and operas, such as “Otello,” and “La Locandiera.” They performed in the cities of Steubenville, Wheeling and Columbus, loving what they did while raising money for churches, Red Cross societies and other causes — in America and in Italy.

But war would cause a pause in the dramatic club. Time passed until the group was able to re-emerge in the 1950s. They were no longer referred to as the Steubenville Dramatic Club. Instead, they became known as the Italian American Cultural Club.

This year, the club is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Its members are paying tribute to the ones who started it all a century ago. They are honoring those who are currently a part of this special group. And they are looking to future generations to carry on the passion they have toward their heritage.

On May 18, those in the IACC gathered at the St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville for a special 100th-anniversary dinner and award ceremony.

Hosted by club President Frankie DiCarlantonio, the event included a Campo Italiano presentation and a live children’s performance, followed by a buffet-style meal served by Undo’s. DiCarlantonio welcomed those in attendance, saying, “Tonight, we gather to honor a century of tradition, heritage and community — a milestone that reflects the heart and soul of our Italian American identity.”

“Since 1925, our club has been a beacon of culture, family and pride,” DiCarlantonio continued. “From lively festivals and elegant dinners to our cherished traditions like Campo Italiano and the scholarship program, every event has carried the spirit of our ancestors and passed it lovingly to the next generation. Tonight is a tribute to all who came before us — who brought their dreams, values and culture to a new land — and to all of us who carry their legacy forward with pride and purpose. Together, we reaffirm our mission: Keeping the culture alive. Here’s to the memories, the milestones and the generations yet to come.”

Video messages were played with personal remarks coming from Ohio Sen. John Husted, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.

Officials held the presentation of the Italian American Honor Guild Awards, in which five individuals were selected to be inducted into the newly-named Italian American Honor Guild. Each was recognized for their contributions to the community, with one to be named as this year’s Spirit of Italia Award winner.

Inductees included Francesca Carinci, Rita Carapellotti, Ed Laman, Domenick Mucci and Reno Saccoccia. The winner of this year’s Spirit of Italia Award was Carapellotti, following the audience’s vote. She thanked everyone for having been selected the first recipient of such an honor.

Following the Honor Guild presentation, three former members of the club were honored posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Those honored were the Rev. Edmundo Stabene, Rick Pastre and Dr. John Metcalf. The families of Metcalf and Pastre spoke to the audience, thanking the club for paying tribute and honoring their loved ones.

Carmella Gentile was honored for the founding of Campo Italiano, as was Mary Ann Patrizio honored for being the longest active living member of the club. Officials said they are looking forward to the club being able to celebrate its next 100 years in Steubenville.