Phillip Papagiannopoulos discovered his religious “calling” early in his life.
The 18-year-old is now sitting VCE exams at Thomastown Secondary College and hopes to be accepted to St Andrews Theological College in Sydney next year.
His acceptance would cap off years of involvement with his local parish, hours spent organising fundraisers for the Cancer Council and local charities, and visits to hospitals and aged-care homes.
Last month, the year 12 student, along with Plenty Parklands Primary School pupil Cassidy Janevski, was granted Whittlesea council’s mayoral award.
The award is the most significant of the council’s annual student recognition awards, which are made to students who have demonstrated initiative or leadership at school or in the broader community.
Phillip and Cassidy were chosen for their charity and volunteer work, and exemplary student records.
Both received $350 to help pay for their studies.
Phillip took up Greek dancing about three years ago and has started his own dancing group.
Although just three of the group’s nine members have Greek ancestry, Phillip says the students are equally enthusiastic.
He said he was surprised when told of his award. “I was very surprised to get it. I just consider this day-to-day life.”
