ST. AUGUSTINE, FL—
Demetra Manaris, a 14-year-old from Dix Hills, New York, is recognized for her exemplary submission to the 2024 Metropolitan Iakovos Memorial Greek Language Scholarship Essay Contest. was organized by the Greek Orthodox Saint Photios National Shrine with the assistance of Athina Filippou-Katehis of the Archdiocese’s Greek Education Department. The Shrine essay competitions are open to people ages 13-19.
The topic of the 2024 Greek-language essay was: “It is often difficult to preserve our ethnic, cultural, and religious heritage in this multicultural environment that is America. How important is this to you and your family? How do you plan to keep your religion and culture alive, today and in the future?
Ms. Dianna Christakos, chair of the St. Photios National Shrine Essay Contest, commented on Demetra’s essay: “Awesome language for a 14-year-old Greek-American kid. The essay is well written, with excellent grammar and structure. Demetra’s writing style is similar to that of a student. His involvement in Greek culture is remarkable and deserves praise.”
Demetra is a Greek-American, with a heritage of Spartan and Castorian ancestry. She is an exceptional student who excelled in the first three levels (A1, A2 and B1) of the Ellinomatheia exam, a globally recognized certification of Greek language proficiency. Demetra is currently in her second year as a teaching assistant in the Afternoon Greek School program at St. Paraskevi Shrine located in Greenlawn, New York. A high honor roll eighth grader, she is the daughter of Drs. Anastasios and Antigone Manaris and Nicholas’s sister.
Demetra will receive a $1,000 prize and a certificate of participation signed by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
