Maria Prokopidou

Maria Prokopidou was born in May 1992 and hails from Aridaia, Pella. She graduated with honors from the General Lyceum of Aridaia in 2010 and was admitted to the Department of Primary Education at the Pedagogical School of Florina, University of Western Macedonia, in the same year. Upon her admission, she received a scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) for her outstanding performance in the nationwide exams (ranking first in her department) and received a second scholarship during her studies for her high academic performance. She holds a Master's degree titled "Educational Sciences and New Technologies," with a focus on Humanities. Maria is fluent in English and has a good command of German. She collaborated with her mother to present at a seminar organized by the Secondary Education Directorate of Pella Prefecture on the topic "The Role of Educators and Priests in the Moglena Region, Particularly in Pella Prefecture, During the Period 1904-1908 (Macedonian Struggle)." She has authored a book titled "The Atra of Pontus," which delves into the history of the Pontic village of the same name. The book was presented in Aridaia and Panagitsa Edessa during 2014-2015, published by "Infognomon" editions. In 2015, Maria and her fellow students won third prize in the entrepreneurship competition at the University of Western Macedonia. In 2016, she began her studies in the Master's Program in "Special (Inclusive) Education" at the European University Cyprus. That same year, she became a member of the Panhellenic Association of Pontic Educators, participating in related activities. Maria has attended conferences and seminars on Pedagogy and History. She has been an active member of cultural associations for many years.