Stoneham's Donna DiVirgilio Named 2020 Commonwealth Heroine

STONEHAM, MA — Stoneham resident Donna DiVirgilio was recently recognized as a 2020 Commonwealth Heroine. DiVirgilio, a fixture at the Boys & Girls Clubs, was nominated by State Rep. Michael Day.

The annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration recognizes women from across the state who "perform unheralded acts daily that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live." State legislators are responsible for recommending women within their districts for the honor.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs, DiVirgilio has implemented innovative programming, provided emergency assistance to families in need and has been a steadying and positive influence in the lives of children. When the recession hit Stoneham hard through programming and service cuts, DiVirgilio "filled the void."

"She worked relentlessly to help restore recreational programs for seniors and the community at large; helped save the public swimming pool from closing; and is an ever-present and legitimizing force at traditional community events," the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, which gives out the honor, wrote. "Donna has also been instrumental in keeping the town’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. program running for more than 20 years and has been steadfast in her commitment to making our community more inclusive for all of our residents."

Click here for the full list of Commonwealth Heroines.