Saint Sophia school organized its first-ever virtual gala, “All Under the Same Moon” in November 6, 2020. Proceeds from the gala’s silent auction will continue to benefit its enrichment curriculum, which focuses on the arts, music, the Greek language, religion, and scholarship. The gala took place for over an hour and guests enjoyed the school’s program which included children’s messages to the audience, silent and live auctions, and a beautiful night with Greek-American singing sensation Margarita in concert from Chania, Crete.
“All who attended enjoyed both English and Greek songs and music; the band played beautifully with heart and soul and Margarita inspired guests with her lovely, gracious, uplifting style. It was magical listening to her music and watching the sunrise with the beautiful view of the ocean in the background. And all of this at 5:30 a.m. their time. We especially thank the crew who filmed the concert flawlessly so we could see it from our front rooms in Salt Lake City,” expressed Elaine Bapis, co-founder of the school and president of the board.
Saint Sophia School is the only school of its kind in the Utah area and it is located in Salt Lake City. Aside from the Utah State Core Curriculum, the school highlights the greek language, Hellenic ideals, art, music, and Orthodox Christianity.
“We stress the school, family, and community interaction. We have a strong outdoor classroom with an emphasis on the environment. Children engage the senses through arts and outdoor learning,” shared Elaine.
The school is able to offer a low student to teach ratio all while providing quality education with affordable tuition. Their small class size enables the students to build readiness and confidence through skill development with a focus on independent learning through problem-solving. This unique setting encourages intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical growth based on the Hellenic ideal of sound mind, sound body (ένα υγιές μυαλό σε ένα υγιές σώμα) and on the Saint Sophia tradition of faith, love, hope, and caring for each other.
Currently, the school has PreK-3 & 4 and kindergarten classes with 20 children attending in person. Before COVID-19, 54 students were enrolled. The school expects the remaining students to return once COVID-19 is cleared.
“We wish to thank our director Martha Jackson, Gala Chair Kristina Packer, and her event team for their untiring work. Thank you to Parish Priests Frs. Patrick O’rourke and George Nikas and Parish Council President George Karahalios (for being highly entertaining Masters of Ceremonies), the generous Sponsors of the event, and our event technician Greg Nelson. We wish to thank the children for their beautiful performances and the two Gala honorees Artemis Vamianakis and Alethia Chatzis for their volunteer work throughout the years,” shared Elaine.
Please visit Saint Sophia School at www.saintsophiaschool.org or [email protected]
