Inaugural winner of Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship announced by GOCSA

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s (GOCSA) Greek Language Schools marked the end of another successful year of learning with award presentations, performances, traditional Greek carols and the announcement of the inaugural Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship winner, at the End-of-Year Christmas Concert held on Friday, December 6 at a packed Olympic Hall.

The talents of the nearly 200 students of GOCSA’s Greek Language Schools from ten campuses across Adelaide, were showcased during the two-hour event attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Community Languages Schools SA (CLSSA) Brett Shuttleworth and members of the school community.

“I understand that attending Greek school after a long, tiring day, is an incredible accomplishment,” GOCSA Schools Coordinator, Himo Tsakalos, said. 

“And that is why today is so important, as students proudly show their achievements to both their parents and grandparents.”

The concert also provided the opportunity for the community to acknowledge and celebrate the first winner of the Gonis Gardiakos Scholarship, who was announced on the night. Successful recipient Ilektra Varanaki will be supported with five years of community school fees paid for in order to continue her Greek language studies into High School.

Established in honour of the late Bill Gonis OAM, a former President of GOCSA, the scholarship aims to encourage young learners in Years 6 or Year 7 to continue with their Greek language education through High School, fostering the connection with their culture and heritage.

“We are very proud of our daughter and we would like to thank the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia for their generous contribution,” Ilektra’s parents, Marianda Kaouri and Manousos Varanakis, said. 

GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos said: “This endeavour is about preserving and passing on our rich heritage. By learning Greek, our children connect with the history, culture and traditions of Greece; through this, they keep our collective identity alive. Learning the Greek language also instills a great sense of pride and belonging.”

“Let us continue to support and invest in Greek language education, not just as a practical tool but as a foundation for the values, identity and traditions we hold dear,” Mr Gardiakos added.

Peter Gonis, GOCSA Vice President, expressed his gratitude to all scholarship applicants and said: “Language is a central element of culture. For more than nine decades, GOCSA has made every effort – often against great odds – to nurture our Greek language and keep it strong. We will keep encouraging and empowering young South Australians of Greek heritage to connect with their roots and realise the benefits diversity can bring to our community and the world.”

Mr Gonis also encouraged students who did not receive the scholarship this year to apply again in the future. 

“We are dedicated to supporting our Greek Language Schools students and urge anyone who missed out on the scholarship this time to reapply, as there will always be opportunities for success in the years to come,” he said.