Loyalty to Hellenism Focus Of Karpenisi Scholarship

Photo Catherine Tsounis Georgia Davanelos (third from l.) receiving the 2006 Syllogos Enosis Evritanon Amerikis "TO KARPENISI" award. The members present (l. to r.) are: Apostolos Katsanos, Aleka Tsinias, Fanis Tsiamtsouris, Kostas Katsanos and George Melikokis. The prefecture of Evritania and its main town Karpenisi is known for its natural, mountainous beauty in Central Greece. Historically, it has been a passageway through Greece for invaders. Most persons refer to Karpenisi as being the whole region of Evritania, with the words used interchangeably. The Karpenisiotes are tough, determined, focused individuals. They are all united with one purpose: loyalty to family and friends by maintaining strong ties to the Greek language, culture and Orthodox religion.

In 2000, Syllogos Enosis Evritanon Amerikis "TO KARPENISI" was the first non-profit organization, through the influence of Stephen Cherpelis and community leader Kostas Katsanos, to establish an annual scholarship for St. John's University students who completed one year of excellence in the Modern Greek language.

The organization's enthusiasm and support has contributed to the success of the Modern Greek language and Literature Program's expansion.

On Thursday evening, May 18, the seventh annual Slogos Enosis Evritanon Amerikis "TO KARPENISI" scholarship was awarded to Georgia Davanelos, a St. John's University junior at Galini Restaurant in Astoria. Over 60 members from New Jersey and New York attended. "My home town of Nafpactos is on the border of Karpenisi town," said Davanelos. "Every summer we go to Karpenisi for coffee and enjoy the sights. I deeply respect this unique honor. I will always remember my Greek heritage, Nafpactos and Karpenisi." This is the true meaning of the Karpenisi scholarship: bring the youth back to their roots.

The 2006 Board of Directors are as follows: Fanis Tsiamtsouris, president; Aleka Tsinias, first vice president; Apostolos Katsanos, second vice president; Maria Vartholomeos, general secretary; Angelo Galimanis, assistant secretary; Christopher Fillos, treasurer and Eleni Kontogiannis assistant treasurer. An exciting Panigiri (Festival) will be held Saturday afternoon, July 1 at the City View Restaurant at 43-82 Vernon Blvd., Astoria. All are welcome to attend. To learn about this incredibly beautiful area, visit the Internet sites of http://www.karpenisi.com/ and http://www.hellastourism.gr/karpenisi.ht ml.

Catherine Tsounis is an adjunct professor of Modern Greek at St. John's University and a frequent contributor to this newspaper.