St. Katherine Foundation in Redondo Beach Awards

The St. Katherine Foundation at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach, California joyfully rewarded 14 students from the parish with scholarships who have excelled in academics, as well as for their dedicated service to the Church and the community. This annual event is funded by eleven private endowments and the annual benefit drawing supported by the stewards of the church and community. Due to the pandemic, they were not able to have the drawing but were pleased to be able to award the students regardless. The St. Katherine Foundation was started to support the church’s long-term goals and missions that are beyond the normal scope of the St. Katherine community.

Parish priest, Rev. Father Michael Courey proudly presented the scholarships, along with Assistant Priest Rev. Father Peter Dogias, recognizing each student individually for their achievements. The Foundation Board is grateful for the assistance of Christina Bogdanou, Director of the Basil P. Caloyeras Center for Modern Greek Studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, who coordinated the review of the applicants by an objective committee comprised of academic professionals who are not members of St. Katherine Church. The Foundation has been awarding these merit scholarships since 2007, having awarded a total of 165 students since its inception.

Although this yearly event brings much joy to the parish, it is with sadness that we recently lost two prominent members of the Foundation board: Peter Vasilion who served as president for several years, and George Giannioses, both of whom were dedicated stewards for several decades, and demonstrated exceptional support as founders of the parish.

Congratulations to the 2021 Foundation scholars (in alphabetical order): Nicholas Broussinos, Jack Dulgarian, Zoe Feller, George Gianoukakis, Andonia Goergen, Katelyn Harris, Kostadina Makrygiannis, Rose Malki, Michael Mitsanas, Tia Pappas, Lauren Pierson, Stelene Tragus, Valentina Tragus and Kasiani Wolfe.

The Foundation is led by: Rosalind Halikis, President & Scholarship Chair; Helen Dalis, Secretary; Melanie O’Regan, Treasurer; Maria Santy, Assistant Treasurer; Craig Brothers, Financial Advisor; and board members Chris Caras, Jr., Aristedes Feles, Dr. Nicholas Halikis, and Phil Makris. Parish priests Rev. Father Michael Courey and Rev. Father Peter Dogias serve as advisors. Saint Katherine Parish Council President, Bill Marutsos, also serves on the Foundation Board.

PHOTOS ATTACHED (courtesy of Philip Rausch)