Milford Student Receives Prestigious Lions Club Award

MILFORD, MA — A senior at Milford High School received a prestigious award last month.

Avalina DiGiallonardo was awarded the Lions Club District 33A 21st Century Young Ambassador Award. The student was chosen from the 49 Central Massachusetts Lions Clubs that make up the district.

DiGiallonardo was presented the award at the Lions Club Regional meeting on Feb. 21 in Southbridge. It's presented to students with outstanding accomplishments in community service, leadership or scholastic achievements.

DiGiallonardo is involved in a number of community activities, including serving as vice president of Milford High School's Best Buddies Program. She attended a leadership conference at Indiana University last summer as part of the program.

“Avalina is an exceptional student leader. As Vice President of Best Buddies, she has devoted countless hours to volunteering to individuals with intellectual disabilities and actively participates in multiple Unified Sports and Special Olympics programs, building meaningful connections through teamwork and compassion,” said Special Education Teacher and Best Buddies Advisor Dr. Lexi Forgit. “Her passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others makes her an inspiring role model for everyone. Avalina is an outstanding young woman whose enthusiasm to promote inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities has greatly improved our school community.”

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The school district said DiGiallonardo has spent hundreds of hours volunteering through Special Olympics, Unified Sports and Best Buddies. She’s also been an active fundraiser for the Polar Plunge at Milford High School last March, which was in support of the Special Olympics.

In addition to those achievements, DiGiallonardo is a varsity athlete and Honor Roll student. After graduating, she will enroll at Westfield State University, while majoring in Special Education and playing lacrosse.

“Avalina is an extraordinary leader and we are so pleased to see the Lions Club recognize and honor her. She has already made a tremendous impact at a very young age and I have no doubt that her contributions to our society will only grow as she comes into adulthood," said Milford High School Principal, Dr. Josh Otlin. "We are deeply proud of Avalina and thankful for the inspiration she provides to everyone who has the privilege of knowing her.”

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