President Tassoulas receives high school students awarded at Genius Olympiad

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Constantine Tassoulas, on Tuesday welcomed high school students Christos Vasileiou and Sotiris Kouvelas, who won the bronze award at the Genius Olympiad, the international environmental awareness competition for high school students, held in the United States since 2000.

The Greek participation—the first in the history of the institution—presented a research project titled "The Circular Energy Cycle in Schools: Turning Waste into Living Science Laboratories." The two students aimed to free the school environment from its carbon footprint. They proposed that organic waste from each school meal could be transformed into biogas, thereby covering part of the school’s energy needs.

Their idea was distinguished in the "Science" category among 1,698 submissions from 69 countries and 34 U.S. states, recognised for its scientific substantiation, innovative approach, practical application through a model, as well as its excellent oral presentation.

The President of the Republic congratulated the two students and wished them continued success, as this year they will be sitting for the nationwide Panhellenic university entrance examinations.

Addressing the award winners Tasoulas stated:

"Your distinction is an honour and an inspiration for all of us, proving that our students have answers to the critical problems of our time. You are a shining example that one is never too young to change the world—or at least to help make it more sustainable. At a time when dark news overwhelms us, the positive and hopeful initiatives of young people fill us with joy and optimism about our future. I wish you continued distinction in the years to come."