In the context of the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Bulgarian School in Boston and Cape Cod, the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad (EABA), awarded an honorary medal "Ivan Vazov" to Silvia Mihaleva. The distinction was awarded to Mrs. Mihaleva for her significant contribution to Bulgarian education and culture in North America. The medal was personally presented during the all-school concert on May 11 by Mrs. Raina Mandjukova, Executive Director of the EABA.
"I am moved! I didn't expect the prize! I accept it as a recognition of the achievements of all of us, the Bulgarians in New England, who love the Bulgarian culture, traditions and language", shared Mrs. Mihaleva emotionally.
Silvia Mihaleva is the academic director of the Bulgarian school "St. Cyril and Methodius" in Boston and Cape Cod since 2011 and started teaching in the Bulgarian school in 2001. With long experience as a teacher and with two master's degrees - one in slavic linguistics and the second in business administration - Mrs. Mihaleva continuously contributes to the development of the Bulgarian school, maintains relations with the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, with the University of Sofia, with the University of Plovdiv and with local institutions and organizations - Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Seal of Biliteracy, Global Seal of Biliteracy, etc. Thanks to her leadership and efforts, several years ago the Bulgarian language was recognized in the educational system in Massachusetts and was accepted into the "Seal of Biliteracy" program. Since then, about 50 students from the Bulgarian School in Boston and Cape Cod have successfully taken the Bulgarian language test conducted by Sofia University. For many years, Mrs. Mihaleva's family has contributed to the school and community - brother (Atanas Mihaleva), sister-in-law (Mariela Mihaleva, long-time member of the board of directors), and son (Christopher Eaton) and nieces (Rossi Mihaleva, Ivaylo Mihalev) were students and assistant teachers.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian School in Boston, Mrs. Mandjukova also presented an honorary plaque to the school and awarded the president of the school, Mr. Rosen Dimitrov, with an honorary badge from the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad for his significant contribution to the preservation of the Bulgarian language and cultural heritage as well as for maintaining the flame of the Bulgarian spirit and self-awareness among our youngest in Boston and the region. Mr. Dimitrov has been the president of the school for over 20 years. Thanks to his strategic and wise leadership, our school and community enjoy success, cohesion and a stable presence.
It is worth mentioning that Mr. Dimitrov is one of the founders of the Association of Bulgarian Schools Abroad and an ardent supporter of spreading the Bulgarian language around the world. His wife Albena Dimitrova and his daughters Andrea Dimitrova and Elena Dimitrova are active advocates for the preservation of Bulgarian language and traditions. His son Adrian is a current student at our school, whereas Andrea Dimitrova created and coordinates the Instagram platform of the school for our school alumni. Having a social media presence and keeping up with the innovations allows us to maintain the cherished friendships among our students and to strengthen their connection with the school.