How Two Simple Words – Thank You – Turned a One-Year Karamanolis Scholarship into a Four-Year Award for an LHS Grad

Lowell, MA – Sophia Gikas, LHS’24, was sound asleep last Monday when she received a call from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s Controller, Janinne Nocco, letting her know her recent scholarship was just extended for three more years – sophomore through senior year at UMASS Lowell. 

She was thrilled and surprised when Gikas was awarded the $5,000 Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship in May 2024 to pursue a nursing degree. “I didn’t open the envelope until I went to supper with my family. When I saw the amount, I cried as I had been budgeting my money to pay for college, working weekly at Market Basket to meet my financial goal. This scholarship gave me a huge relief to know I could pay more attention to school now and not work so much to pay for the upcoming year.”

The Karamanolis Scholarship, funded by a bequest, is given to a graduating senior of Greek descent with a 3.3 GPA or above and financial need. Sophia used this award to complement her nursing studies and complete a critical licensed EMT course with Pridestar/Trinity of Lowell. She currently works transporting patients to and from home to the hospital or a nursing home. Sophia continues to work at Market Basket, having been employed there for the past three years. 

However, the thank you letter she sent Maria Recco, Mr. Karamanolis’ niece and scholarship administrator, cinched the additional three years. “I wanted the donor to know who I was and how grateful I was that there was a generous stranger who wanted to help me. I applied for the Karamanolis Scholarship because I fit the criteria. Here was an opportunity in front of me, and I would never know what would come of it if I didn’t apply.” 

Ms. Recco, very much impressed by the “thank you” and insight into this young woman, decided, “Because Sophia truly embodies the spirit of this award – bright, compassionate, and deeply committed to her community, she exemplifies its values in all she does. It speaks volumes that the first thing she did with the funds was earn her EMT certification.”

When asked, “Who or what has inspired you?” Sophia replied, “If I had to choose the individual who has inspired me the most, I would say my mother. Her dedication, empathy, and passion for her job inspired me to become a nurse. She works hard and sacrifices so much for her children, and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I could have without her constant support. Her ability to balance being a mother, working full time, and still going back to school is a strength I hope to exhibit one day.

Similarly, if I had to pick what has inspired me, I would say knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives. I think there is no better feeling than knowing you’ve impacted somebody else’s life, big or small! Whether it’s at my Market Basket or EMS job, helping out a stranger, or even just checking in on a friend I haven’t seen in a while, knowing that what I’m doing could help somebody out drives me to work hard every day.”

Reflecting on her LHS education, she said, “LHS is such an amazing school because it has many opportunities. I took advantage of their Dual Enrollment and Early College programs, which allow students to earn college credit directly in high school. Additionally, I participated in rigorous and challenging courses, the TRIO program, tennis, which helped me build teamwork skills, and other extracurriculars like the Random Acts of Kindness Club or National Honor Society. 

However, band is where I came out of my shell thanks to the amazing director, Jared Logan, and the community I found there! I’ve been playing trumpet since 6th grade, marimba since 11th grade, and singing as long as I can remember.”

Sophia’s goal is to complete her nursing degree at UMASS Lowell, get some experience in an ICU, and eventually become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Sophia’s philosophy is simple and profound: “There are good people out there in the world who want to help you. If there is an opportunity in front of you, take it! Later in life, you can do the same and pay it forward.”

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for donors to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@glcfoundation.org.

About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of overnearly $65 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.

###

Caption: GLCF recently delivered the news to Sophia Gikas that her recent scholarship was just extended for three more years – sophomore through senior year at UMASS Lowell thanks to the generosity of the Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship administered at the foundation. From left, GLCF’s controller Janinne Nocco, scholarship recipient Sophia Gikas and GLCF’s president and CEO Jay Linnehan.