Alumni Success Stories: Helen Cozan Doukakis
Position:
Retired teacherEmployer:
School District of Philadelphia, Delaware County Intermediate Unit, Delaware County Community College, Charles E. Ellis School for GirlsEducation:
Philadelphia High School for Girls, Class of June 1941; Temple University, February 1945, BS in Education; Secondary Education, Social Studies and MathematicsHome:
Wayne, PAWhat effect did White-Williams Scholars have on your life?
I grew up during the Depression, at a time when both parents were unemployed. The only income at the time would have been the rents collected from the tenants of a small apartment house owned by my parents. Although most tenants could not pay the rent, eviction was out of the question. My parents just could not do it.
The weekly stipend of $1.50 from White-Williams Scholars allowed me to ride the trolley on bad weather days, rather than walk the 17 blocks to Girls' High. The stipend also helped purchase school supplies and an occasional pair of silk stockings. Most importantly, White-Williams Scholars helped me realize my dream of becoming a teacher. They were the first to say, "You can do it. We will help."
Why do you contribute to support current Scholars?
My parents' charitable example of not evicting tenants who could not pay their rent stayed with me. I was helped, so now I must help. I support White-Williams Scholars because I want to encourage students who need the help I did. It feels good to give.
