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In the process of gathering data for this album, it has come to our attention that there are many high achievers in our midst so many in fact that it is impossible to name them. It is with pride and admiration that we recognize the dreams and ideals that have been realized by by so many in just one generation. Immigrants who came here as illiterate or semi-literate peasants have produced sons and daughters who are today's teachers, professors, deans lawyers, doctors, dentists, surgeons, engineers, architects, businessmen, administrators musicians composers, community leaders, politicians and the inventor of the automatic pilot. Some of our young people excel in sports and have made their mark at national levels as well as in scholastic achievement.

In September, 1976, Toni Tripp Reimer began her Ph.D. studies of the Greek Community of Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Reimer states in her thesis that:

The purpose of the study was to relate the influence of cultural factors on the micro evolution of a single population. Although confronted by continuing acculturation pressures and a lowing population, the Greek community is attempting to preserve many facets of the traditional way of life. Through numerous organizations church groups, sports clubs and informal associations, members of this community maintain close communication and interaction among themselves and retain an 'ethnic identity' It appears that a majority of the population has deep commitment to the Greek Orthodox church. The combination of this commitment, a church doctrine which strongly promotes endogamous marriages, and a high degree of ethnic identity and cohesion within the population resulting in a high rate of in group marriage. Thus, while this population is politically and economically integrated into the larger Columbus community it is culturally distinct and, in part, reproductively isolated.

Anthropologists and historians have always noted when writing about the Greeks that education was of great importance to them. Even immigrants who arrived here illiterate put a high value on providing a solid education for their children. This was usually something that required sacrifice. Material possessions were passed over in favor of educating all the children in a family.

 

A significant point to be made here is that daughters were encouraged to go to school as much as the sons. In the old country a complete education was not stressed as much for girls, as they were being groomed for marriage and full-time homemaking. In coming to America, however, even a college education was important for girls, despite the fact that most would remain in the traditional role of homemaker.

Mrs Reimer's research shows that in Columbus during the decade of women born in the 1940s. three out of ten completed a college degree.

BROWN-CANNELL SCHOLARSHIP

One more factor in showing the importance of education is the Brown-Cannell Scholarship. The two benefactors of this fund are George P. Brown and Nick Cannell.

Named in honor of their fathers, Peler G Brown and James N. Cannell, it was instituted about 20 years ago. Applicants must write a theme on "What the Orthodox Church Means to Me." They must be members of our Greek Community and have good grades.

The 1987 recipient was Stacey Contakis who is studying Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University.


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