Christmas meeting at the Polish Consulate

The magic of the upcoming holidays. A time of socializing, reflection and taking stock.
One of the more interesting events last week was the annual Christmas party at the Polish Consulate, the third in a row.
Among the invited guests, a large group of academic youth of Polish origin, academics, teachers.
The event was highlighted by a ceremony honoring distinguished Polish national honorees for their special contributions to education and upbringing, promoting Poland abroad and developing international cooperation in education.
Special guest of the meeting was Mr. Olgierd Dziekoński, Secretary of State in the Office of the President of the Republic of Poland Bronisław Komorowski, who, together with Consul General Mr. Zygmunt Matynia, awarded medals and orders to the guests of honor.
Among those decorated were teachers, authors of school textbooks, and directors of Polish language Saturday schools.
Medals of the National Education Commission were awarded to Ms. Magda Kobiela, Ms. Anna Siek, Ms. Ewa Wejda, Ms. Hanna Walas, Ms. Anna Witowska – Gmiterek.
For their outstanding contributions, Mr. Skupień and Mrs. Helena Ziolkowska were awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, and Mrs. Elżbieta Poręba was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit.
For some educators, the meeting had an exceptionally nice feel to it. It was an opportunity to meet with his students, graduates of Polish Saturday schools, now students at Chicago universities. How nice it was to meet familiar faces from Pulaski School Anna Putyra and Ela Boduch.

Jola Plesiewicz

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