Goodbye pappou! Greek Australian student pays farewell to her beloved grandfather and wins award

Dezzi Tsoukalas was one of the three Greek-Australian students to receive an award at this year’s Ethnic Schools Association of South Australia Children’s Week Awards, a yearly event that encourages students to celebrate their diverse heritage through writing, drawing, painting and creativity.

The 16-year-old student, who lost her pappou, Ioannis Tsoukalas, in April 2021 received first place in the drawing category for the 14-17 age group.

“I chose to draw my παππού, as he had recently passed the month before and I thought my drawing of him would be a good way to honour his memory. I used white and black wax Glasochrom pencils, brown card paper and a photo of him to draw this picture and it took a total of 6 weeks to complete,” said Dezzi who attends the Greek Orthodox Community Schools in Adelaide.

Dezzi and Pappou Ioannis Tsoukalas. Photo: Supplied

My Pappou, the migrant

Ioannis Tsoukalas (Γιάννης Τσουκαλάς) was born in Antirion, Nafpaktias Greece on 8 October 1936.

In 1956, at the age of 20, he embarked on an adventure which saw him migrate to the town of Port Pirie, Australia, where he met his wife, Joan.

The couple married in 1960 and had three children, Nea, Dezzi (Despina) and Peter.

As was the case with many migrants of that era, he worked extremely hard to provide for his family starting his career working on the highways. Eventually, he started his own construction company which saw him take on many Government Projects in the Iron Triangle.

His greatest pleasure was seeing his family happy and successful.

Sadly, tragedy struck in 2005, when Ioannis’ daughter Dezzi passed away from cancer.

“A month after my auntie’s passing, I was born and had the honour of taking her name. This created a special bond between my grandfather and I.”

Ioannis took his last breath surrounded by all his family on 12 April 2021.

“Pappou will be sadly missed by all his family, especially me,” said Dezzi describing her grandfather as a unique character with a fiery temper and a cheeky sense of humour.

Another two students of Greek heritage also claimed prizes in this year’s Ethnic Schools Association of South Australia Children’s Week Awards.

Sofia Pipinias from the Greek Orthodox Community Schools was awarded 2nd prize in the ‘creative/handmade’ category for students aged 4 to 6 years old, while Sofia Papakostas from the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Norwood and Eastern Suburbs Schools won 3rd prize for her writing piece.

The three students were handed their awards at a presentation ceremony by Assistant Minister to the SA Premier, Jing Lee, and the SA Minister for Education, John Gardner.

“Congratulations to all talented students for their fantastic work!” Assistant Minister Lee said in her statement.

S:neoskosmos.com