PanHellenic Class of 2006
Christina V. Dracopoulos
English and Spanish, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Graduated in the upper 9% of her class at Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, where she was on the High Honor Roll all four years, on the National Honor Roll and ranked 4th in the state competition for DECA Business Law. Christina, an Indian Prairie Scholar, has been registered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.She also graduated from 6 years of afternoon Greek School. Even though she held a steady job during her junior and senior years, Christina helped tutor children in the afternoon Greek School in Palos Hills and in Aurora.
Zaharias Petros Fountas
Mathematics and Economics, University of Chicago
Graduated 4th in a class of 330 at Fenton Community High School in Bensenville, Illinois, and has been registered at the University of Chicago.“He excelled bacademically, participated in the athletic program, volunteered in the community, assisted students who needed help,” it was summed up by his counselor. “Zack” served as co-captain of the varsity team, treasurer of the National Honor Society, captain of the Academic Team and as a key member of the Math Team. He represented Fenton at the Illinois Premier Boys State.
Effie Gatsinos
Biology and Phycology, Benedictine University
Was in the upper 5% of her class, on the Dean’s List for high academic achievement and a member of the Phi Eta Sigma academic honors society at Morgan Park Academy, Chicago. She is now attending Benedictine University where, in the words of her professor, she is “…an excellent student as demonstrated both in tests and in the quality …” of her course work. “Effie is a motivated, well-mannered, articulate, and conscientious student …A rare individual with unique talents and awareness.”
Peggy Gatsinos
Medicine, Northwestern University
Was Valedictorian at Morgan Park Academy, Chicago, when she graduated 1st in her class of 39 students. She graduated with College Honors and Distinction from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Cumulative GPA of 4.96 of 5.00 and is now studying medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School. Her teachers state that “… She is an intelligent and committed individual, extremely well suited to the profession of medicine. Her commitment to volunteer work is further testimony to her caring nature…She will become an excellent physician.”
Nicolette D. Georgacakis
Public Policy, Patrick Henry College
Was 1st in her class of 30 at the New Braunfels Christian Academy in New Braunfels, Texas, and led or participated in a host of honors organizations, varsity athletics and academic and cultural competitions. Nikki has been registered at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia. She states, “The Hellenic influence on our culture in America and the world can never be overemphasized. It reaches not only into the textbooks and governmental buildings of today, but also into the lives of all people that have ever benefited from the wisdom, knowledge and beauty of the Hellenic culture as it has been passed down to us.”
Christina H. Georgopoulos
Medicine, Northwestern University
“Came to Northwestern University from Benet Academy (Lesle, Illinois), a prestigious college-prep high school, with most impressive list of credentials,” wrote her university professor. Christina graduated at the top 1% of her class with many honors and decorations and has been on the Dean’s list at Northwestern every quarter. “Intellectually, I would classify her as being at the top 5% of the NU undergrads that I have taught…As a first generation American, Christina is an articulate and mature young woman who stands apart from her peers with exemplary citizenship and services…she is a winner in every sense of the word.”
Angella Eva Koritsaris
Biological Anthropology, Boston University
A graduate with an Honors Diploma from the demanding St. Ignatius College Prep, Chicago, is on the Dean’s List at Boston University. Angella has received a number of scholarships and recognitions including the Carpe Diem Foundation Humanitarian Award for academic excellence, leadership and community service and a long list of volunteer work in addition to her extracurricular activities.
Stavroula B. Kotrotsios
Philosophy and Political Science, Villanova University
A graduate in the upper 15% of her Marple Newton High School class in Philadelphia, is attending Villanova University and combines a strong determination and confidence, the result of adversities and strong work ethic. She is “indeed very impressive, showing breadth and depth in many topics…” in the words of her counselor. Stavroula has an impressive creative side and has won numerous honors.
Alexis Anastasia Mancini
Bachelor of Science, Brown University
Graduated 1st in her class of 42 at Lincoln School in Providence, R.I., and is registered at Brown University. Her leadership qualities and strong family commitment are reflected in her achievements: Class Vice President and Treasurer; Yearbook Co-Editor; President of Greek Club and Math and Physics Club; Cross Country varsity, and, especially important, helps her ailing grandparents, one of whom is blind, with daily chores two days a week, takes them on car rides and reads to them.“ The pride, dignity and responsibility associated with being Greek have been gifts beyond my expectations,” Alexis says.
Elitsa V. Nicolaou
Brain Behavior & Cognitive Sciences, University of Michigan
Is ranked 1st out of 94 in her class at Laingsburg High School, Laingsburg, Michigan, where she was Valedictorian, Class President and on the Honor Roll for four years. Elitsa demonstrated she could participate in many community activities and served GOYA as president, AHEPA, and Women in Science and Engineering, even as she excelled in academics. Her teacher says, “Having Elitsa in class each day was something that I looked forward to. She remained dedicated in making herself the best academically…She was not only a star student, but also involved in activities such as track, softball, student council and the school newspaper.”
Kristen Elizabeth
Pantazes
Sociology and Government, College of William and Mary in Virginia
Graduated in the upper 5% of her class of 225 at Kennett High School in Kennett Square, PA, and is registered at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. Her teacher states, “Kristen is a gifted student and her work is distinguished by a unique clarity of mathematical thought and maturity. For her work in the community and her school Kristen has received many awards and honors.
Elliot Petropulos
Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
Graduated 7th out of 506 students in his class—having been on the high honors list all four years—and was accepted at the University of Illinois as a member of the GPPA program for medicine. His advanced placement teacher at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills states, “I have truly never been as delighted as I am now writing on behalf of Elliot…His work was of the highest quality…(and) his intensity was revealed by his total commitment to excellence in everything he endeavored to accomplish. Elliot himself quotes, “… any road to reaching one’s maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence, and a rejection of mediocrity.”
Promethea O. Pythaitha
Math, Montana State University
Is a specially gifted teenager, the youngest graduate ever of Montana State University at age 13. Promethea, who changed her name to strongly reflect her Hellenic Heritage, skipped elementary and high schools and was accepted at Montana at age 6 where she received a Math degree with highest honors. Her physics professor states, “Promethea obtained the top grade in my class…one of four A’s. Her percentage of 97.2 was the highest earned in this…difficult class…(where) scoring this high is unusual for anyone.” The professor of the graduate quantum mechanics class states, “In the end she mastered the course, and equaled the performance of the very best graduate students…All of this, from someone who was, at the time,10 years old…She is destined for great things.”
Dimitri D.
Skaouris
Piano Performance, American Conservatory of Music
Ranked 27th out of 442 in his high school class, is enrolled at the American Conservatory of Music in Hammond, Indiana, where he is a straight “A” student in Piano Performance, and has written music for chamber ensembles and solo piano. Dimitri is a former Illinois State Scholar and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. His professors say that “Dimitri has shown remarkable advancement and improvement toward the goal of being a fine pianist …He has demonstrated consistent discipline, perseverance, and commitment to succeed at the highest musical standards.”
Evdokia Skiadopoulos
Political Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Ranked 11th in a graduating class of 421 at Mother McAuley High School in Chicago and was 1st Place Winner at the St. Nicholas Oratorical contest, and secretary of the competitive Math Team and the Model U.N. Club. Evdokia is registered at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Her counselors at McAuley state that “She is an extremely bright student, a strong critical thinker…who sets the highest academic standards for herself…Evie is a responsible and caring young woman…I find her ability to excel in so many academic areas quite amazing.”
Andrea Mahi Stathopoulos
Biology, DePauw University
Was ranked 1st in a class size of 294 at Willoughby-South High, Willoughby, Ohio, and is registered a DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Besides her membership in the National Honors Society and the Principal’s List for GPA, Andrea was Drama Club Stage Manager and a member of the Academic Decathlon team. “Decathlon requires students to master 10 subject areas…Andrea has no weaknesses!…She is one of the top decathletes in the state of Ohio…She has developed an admirable set of personal values…Personally, I have great respect for the strong cultural ties that Andrea has with her Greek heritage. Her many trips to Greece have provided her material for essays and speeches that emotionally reflect the passion she has for her homeland.”