The Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham’s Donna DiVirgilio Honored

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women recently announced its 2020 “Commonwealth Heroines” and named Donna DiVirgilio of Stoneham as one of its Heroines. The annual celebration recognizes women from across the Commonwealth who “perform unheralded acts daily that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns a better place to live.” Representative Michael S. Day nominated Ms. DiVirgilio as an embodiment of the values underlying the recognition.

“Donna DiVirgilio has dedicated more than 45 years of her life to improving the lives of generations of people in our community, and has constantly stepped up to literally rescue families and individuals in their most urgent times of need,” said Representative Day. “This recognition is entirely appropriate, but also falls far short of capturing the impact Donna continues to have in our community. I deeply appreciate the Commission’s acceptance of my nomination and naming Donna as one of the Commonwealth’s Heroines this year.”

Ms. DiVirgilio is a long-time fixture at the Stoneham Boys & Girls Club, where she has implemented innovative programming, assisted in community activities and provided an incredible amount of charity to families in need. The Commission specifically recognized her for her work with at-risk youth and senior citizens alike, and noted her work during the economic recession in 2008 where she worked with the Town of Stoneham to keep recreation programs going, and later helped in the efforts to keep the Hall Memorial Pool open. The Commission also commended Ms. DiVirgilio for her work with other volunteers on the town’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, which just marked its 20th anniversary of the program.

Normally held in the State House, this year’s recognition ceremony was held virtually in recognition of health concerns and in line with social distancing recommendations. Representative Day presented Ms. DiVirgilio with a Citation from the House of Representatives shortly after the virtual ceremonies.

To view the entire 2020 Commonwealth Heroine Class visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/commonwealth-heroines.