Two Peabody Seniors Recognized by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents for Academic Excellence
October 3, 2023Superintendent Josh Vadala is pleased to share that two Peabody Veterans Memorial High School seniors have been recognized by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) for academic excellence.
Each year, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) awards high school seniors certificates of academic excellence.
Two PVMHS seniors, Theodosia Kourtelidis and Vanessa Kolani, were awarded the certificates this year for demonstrating distinguished academic performances and for their personal contributions to the Peabody school community. The certificates were presented to Kourtelidis and Kolani on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at a school committee meeting in the Higgins Middle School library.
“Theodosia and Vanessa are two amazing young women who provide strong leadership and examples to their peers every day,” said PVMHS Guidance Counselor Taryn Molk. “This dynamic duo has given so much back to the PVMHS community and Peabody community at large. They are kind, caring and always trying to help others.”
As co-presidents of the Peabody Community Service Club, Kourtelidis and Kolani created a successful school-wide drive to collect products for patrons of Citizen’s Inn. Last spring, Kourtelidis and Kolani initiated and organized Tanner Clean Up Day where students volunteered to clean and beautify the grounds of Peabody High School.
The two students are also captains of the tennis team and can be found on the tennis court as doubles partners.
Kourtelidis is an active volunteer in her church community where she has been a camp counselor, assisting at fundraisers and feeding those in need. At school, she mentors younger students in the Transitional Partners Program and Best Buddies. Kourtelidis would like to major in economics and study at a school in the city.
Kolani loves to travel and learn about other cultures. She spent the summer with her family in Greece and Albania. Kolani volunteers locally as an Albanian translator and tutor to other students. She plans to study biology and then attend medical school.
“Theodosia and Vanessa are exemplary students who put so much energy into their academics and contributions to the Peabody school community each and every day,” said Superintendent Vadala. “Their recognition by MASS is well-deserved, and all of us within the district are extremely proud of their achievements so far. We cannot wait to see what they accomplish in the future!”
From left, Kourtelidis’ father John Kourtelidis, Theodosia Kourtelidis, Superintendent Josh Vadala, Vanessa Kolani, and Kolani’s mother Anila Kolani. (Photo Courtesy Peabody Public Schools)