Essay Contest
2011 National Shrine Essay Contest Winners Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 21, 2011
Contact: Polly Hillier, St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
(St Augustine, FL, December 21)– Katherine Bacalis, chair of the Essay Committee of St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, is pleased to announce the winners of the Sixth Annual National Shrine Essay Contest. High school students were invited to share the immigrant experience of a relative or friend and compare it with the immigrant experience of the Greek colonists who settled what came to be called the New Smyrna Colony in 1768.
Madelaine Assi of St John the Divine, Jacksonville, FL placed first; Marissa Kometas of St Demetrios, Daytona Beach, FL placed second and Kristo Pantelides of St Haralambos, Canton, OH placed third.
The committee weighted the results of contest judges Jennifer E. Constantinou, Esq., William Maouris and Presvytera Goldie Doukas. In announcing the winners, Katherine Bacalis, committee chair national level awards, Bacalis said, “We are pleased to recognize the efforts of these three students who wrote the stories of their family members, giving in all cases, thanks to God for His guidance and love. Their faith is an inspiration for all of us. It was an honor to read their essays. Once again, on behalf of the committee, I congratulate all the students and their families, who show a deep understanding of their personal family members' immigration to America with a soulful dedication to their Orthodox faith.”
Mrs. Bacalis, with committee members, Renee Gahagan and Kathleen Mendez choose a topic each year. In the process is program consultant, Dr. Constantine Santas, retired professor of Flagler College and Shrine Director, Polly Hillier. The essay question challenged: "Most Americans appreciate an immigrant story-perhaps that is because so many have a parent or grandparent who immigrated to America. The immigrant's story is held as a precious thread of the family legacy. The story is unique to the immigrant, however, the reason why the person left their motherland for a foreign land is similar through the ages. Your essay should compare and contrast the immigration story of the Greeks who came to America in 1768 and a person you know-either a family member or friend."
The St Photios Foundation thanks Archon and Mrs. Constantine M Rizopoulos for sponsoring the 2011 Essay Contest in memory of their beloved grandson, Michael Anthony Rizopoulos (July 1, 1983-November 6, 2010). Michael was born and raised in New York. Michael was a child of God whose family included his dear parents Michael and Shirley, as well as his beloved brother and sister - Nicholas and Dena. May his memory be eternal, may God give rest to his soul.
Polexeni Maouris Hillier
Director
St Photios Greek Orthodox
National Shrine
41 St George St
St Augustine, Florida 32084
904 829 8205
The St
Photios Foundation Announces the 2011 Sixth Annual Essay Contest
St
Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
41 St
George Street,
The 2011 Essay Contest is
sponsored by Archon Constantine M. and Constance Rizopoulos of
Eligibility:
Open to high school students
Entry Fee:
Free
Type:
1,000 word Essay
Deadline:
November 4, 2011
Essay Theme:
Most Americans appreciate an immigrant story - perhaps that is
because so many have a parent or grandparent who immigrated to
Please note
that all essays will be independently judged and ranked.
Certificates of participation will be sent to all participants
and the top three ranked essayists will receive APPLE products:
First Prize
IPAD2
Second Prize
IPOD
Third Prize
IPOD Nano
CONSULTANT
Dr. Constantine Santas,
is a former professor at
The 2011 Essay Contest Committee consists of
Chair, Katherine Bacalis of St John the Divine (Jacksonville,
L), Renee Gahagan of St Demetrios (Daytona Beach, FL) and Kathy
Mendez of Holy Trinity (St Augustine, FL) and Dr Constantine
Santas who serves as professional consult.
Please note that all essays
become property of St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.
All writers are asked to submit their essay with a SEPARATE
cover page listing the author's name, address, phone number and
email address. Also, it is recommended that a one
paragraph autobiographical statement and photo be submitted for
possible publication. Remember the deadline is November 4,
2011.
Previous Memorial
Essays and the Grand Prize Winners
2006 Essay Contest in
memory of Angie Constant and in honor of V. Rev Father Nicholas
Graff; benefactor – Archon Sam Constant, Daytona Beach, Florida-
Grand Prize Winner, Emmanuel Maginas, Aliquippa, PA
2007 Essay Contest in
memory of Archon Andy Xepapas; benefactor Aliki Xepapas, Daytona
Beach, Florida; Grand Prize Winner, Connie Pitenis,
Daytona Beach, FL
2008 Essay Contest in
memory of a loved one, anonymous benefactor - Grand Prize
Winner, Victoria Pitenis,
2009 Essay Contest in
memory of John N. Pappas; benefactor – Trudy Pappas and her
daughters Pamela Toundas, Tina Blizzard and Mary Grawe,
2010 Essay Contest in
memory of James L. Noplos; benefactor – Rev Father Louis J &
Presvytera