Washington, DC, October 19, 2020 — The Washington Oxi Day Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Philotimo Scholarship Competition. Once again, the Foundation received dozens of competitive submissions from Greek-American students across the country.

Students were asked to watch the Foundation’s “Greek Secret” video on the subject of philotimo and answer one of the following questions:

▪ What does philotimo mean to you?
▪ What are some extraordinary examples of philotimo that you have seen?
▪ What are the things you can do in your daily life to exhibit philotimo?
▪ How can philotimo improve your life?

The first place essay was submitted by Iriana Cholakis a high school senior in Ashburn, Virginia. She will receive a $4,000 scholarship and be featured as part of the Foundation’s 10th Annual Oxi Courage Awards Gala on October 28. The Honorable B. Theodore Bozonelis, Trustee of the Nicholas J. and Anna K. Bouras Foundation and Secretary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s Archdiocesan Council, will present the scholarship at the virtual gala.

Cholakis’ winning essay focused on how philotimo can improve your life.

She wrote, “As the pandemic reached my local community, frustrated with unrealized expectations, fear and confusion, I channeled my emotions towards optimism. I found courage, motivation and strength, the chords of philotimo resounding in my heart. Without restraint and without solicitation, I knew I had to step up and pivot, investing compassion, ingenuity and vigor to defend, support, and protect my family.”

The two second place winners, each of whom will receive a $2,000 scholarship are Sophia Stefanakis a high school junior in Manhasset, NY and Georgia Agoritsas a 7th grader in Douglaston, NY.

The two third place winners, each of whom will receive a $1,000 scholarship are Dimitrios June a high school freshman in Seal Beach, California and Zoya Bessler a high school junior in Dayton, Ohio.