Stella Yopp Speaks to Parish about Saint Basil Academy

Denver Metropolis

St. Catherine's Philoptochos - Greenwood Village, Colorado

St. Catherine's Philoptochos recently invited Ms. Stella Yopp to speak to its parish about her experiences growing up at Saint Basil Academy.  Stella who is part of the Bridge program at Saint Basil Academy is a graduate of the Academy and Hellenic College and is looking forward to becoming the first student from the Academy to earn her Master's Degree in School Counseling this May.

Stella addressed the congregation and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Costa Sitaras, Saint Basil Academy Director, and all the staff for the patience, love and guidance shown to her.  Stella was placed at the Academy at age twelve where initially she was defiant of authority.  The support of everyone at Saint Basil eventually helped turn her heart and influence her to follow her dreams.  Stella chose to become a school counselor so that she can "give back all the love, support and compassion to other children", just as she received when she was in a similar situation.

Stella Yopp is living proof of the miraculous results possible when a child otherwise faced with dire alternatives is able to join the Saint Basil Academy family.  Stella inspired everyone with her remarks and the St. Catherine Philoptochos encourages all Philoptochos Chapters to continually support the Academy to the best of their ability.

Philoptochos members along with the youth advisor, Alina Buzdugan, provided Stella a glorious day tour through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains before her departure.