Stella Kokolis Honored at the 25th Anniversary of HNA
By Catherine Tsounis
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” – Aristotle, 384 B.C.-322 B.C. Stella Kokolis has used heart in all of instruction since the late 1960’s her unique education experience from New York City, America and global community was celebrated October 14th, 2012 at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hellenic News of America (HNA) newspaper at the Concordville Inn-Best Western Hotel & Conference Center in Concordville, Pennsylvania. A packed audience attended from states on the northeastern seaboard.
Stella Kokolis is recognized locally, nationally and internationally as a prominent community leader, educator and humanitarian. She has received numerous awards for her professional, charitable and political work by major organizations and political leaders both in the United States and abroad.
Mrs. Kokolis is president of the Federation of Hellenic American Teachers and the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE)’s Education Committee for the US region, president of the Federation of Hellenic American Teachers and the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE)’s Education Committee for the US region. She was to the co-founder and former president of the Prometheus Greek Teachers Association Stella Kokolis. In 2009, the educator was named “Greek Teacher of the Year 2009” by The National Herald newspaper in New York. Senator Marty Golden honored Mrs. Kokolis, for her work as educator, founder and President of the Hellenic American Teachers Federation. She was former member of Community Board 10, representing Central Harlem in New York City. Her unique accomplishments can be read at https://www.saeusa.org/content/view/133/101/lang,en/.
“The Greek Teachers Association ‘Prometheus’ congratulates Paul Kotrotsios…., and his unique honor to our President of the Hellenic American Teachers Federation, Mrs. Stella Kokolis,” said Ms. Vasiliki (Vasia) Filiotis, President of the Prometheus Greek Teachers Association. “Mrs. Kokolis expanded the growth of the Greek language, culture and religion internationally. We wish her good health and strength to continue her exceptional work. She has been given the distinct honor as ‘Mother of the Hellenic Education in America.’ Axia! (Worthy!).
Mr. Theodore Spyropoulos in a letter congratulates “Mrs. Kokolis for her political activism in forming the Federation of Hellenic American Teachers. Her voice is forceful in saving educators without pensions and medical benefits. The Federation of Hellenic American Educators under the auspices of SAE-USA (World Council For Hellenes Abroad) Region and the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C. presented the annual events of Greek Culture and Education” at the Capitol, in Washington, D.D. because of Mrs. Kokolis efforts. Congratulation on a job well done.”
Prof and Mrs. John Antonopoulos congratulated the honoree by saying “she is an exceptional Mother, outstanding educator and strong Hellene. We support the unique honor of the Hellenic News of America in selecting Mrs. Kokolis as a unique person of our times.” Mt. Timoleon Kokkinos, co-founder of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” said “Mrs. Stella Kokolis is perpetuating the Hellenic language and culture among our grade school and college students. She is teaching, reaching out and motivating Greek American children, as one who understands the school systems they attend, their culture, traditions and habits.” In addition, she has acted as a community liaison with Parents and families in inspiring youth to learn Greek language and culture. Mrs. Kokolis has sponsored scholarships, culture activities such as theater, dance, music and visits to Greece to help Greek students retain their Greek heritage.
I have worked with Mrs. Kokolis since the 1970’s. She is an exceptional kind person without a mean bone in her body. No one can ever stay angry with Mrs. Kokolis. She is a great compromiser, negotiating and settling education disagreements. Her generosity is legendary. When someone needs funding for a project or a scholarship for a student, Mrs. Kokolis gives money from her own pocket. Her pleasant smile, enthusiasm and sincerity are unique. The educator is one of the giants of our time in the field of bilingual education in the global community. She is a role model for all to follow.
Photo 1: Mrs. Stella Kokolis honored October 14th, 2012 at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Hellenic News of America (HNA).
Photo 2: Stella Kokolis present with Paul Kotrotsios and friends at the 25th Anniversary.
Photo 3: Mrs. Kokolis (center in blue) with the members of Federation of Hellenic American Teachers and The Greek Teachers Association ‘Prometheus’.
Photos by YMVisuals.com
