Oyster Bay High School Senior Monica Bizzoso won the title of Queen for Nassau County District II Sons of Italy. She represented the Sons of Italy in the Huntington Columbus Day Parade as well as the NYC parade on Columbus Day.
Monica’s grandparents were born in Italy and immigrated to America where her grandfather Philip Baldino graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 1958. Monica’s mother Giovanna (Baldino) Bizzoso is a first generation American and is a graduate of OBHS as a member of the Class of 1983. Monica’s uncle Nicholas, who passed away last year, was also an OBHS Alum.
Monica was recognized through the Donatello Lodge of Westbury where her grandmother is a member and her mother will soon be a member as well. Monica had to go in front of a panel of judges where she was asked questions about her Italian heritage and hobbies. She competed against eight other girls. The judges loved Monica because of how proud she was of her Italian grandparents, family, and all the traditions the family still holds dear. Monica has represented the Donatello Lodge with great pride.
Monica plays volleyball for the defending Nassau County Champion Varsity Volleyball team. Monica takes care of horses and loves to ride. She’s been to Italy many times including for the celebration of her great-grandmother’s 100th birthday. The party took place in January 2011 in a small town near Naples called Molinara, where her grandfather Philip grew up. Thankfully, her great-grandmother, Maria Baldino, is still doing well and looking forward to her 103rd birthday this January.
Monica is preparing for college and would like to pursue a career in speech pathology.
