Growing up around art, senior Catherine Christakos has always had a certain propensity for creativity. Born in Athens, Greece, she was immersed in creativity from an early age—her mother, Stamatia Vandoros, worked as a freelance artist, handcrafting intricate religious artwork. Christakos credited much of her own artistic ability to her mother and her work: “I grew up around a lot of advanced materials that a lot of other people wouldn’t have…that’s how I got into [art]; I would steal her art supplies.”
Her passion for art only grew as she progressed through school, taking art classes that gave her the space to experiment and develop her skills. Over time, she discovered her love for what has now become her signature style: portraiture. The senior takes great inspiration from her personal experiences. She shared, “I do a lot of self-portraiture because I like to depict the way I see myself in the mirror or how I am feeling at a certain moment in time.” For Christakos, these portraits are more than just images—they are windows into her identity. They allow her to explore and express various aspects of herself—personality, values, career goals, and faith—that the rest of the world may not necessarily be privy to at first glance. Her portraits hold deeper meaning, allowing the viewer to explore beyond what initially meets the eye.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. “This year in Portfolio Preparation has been her strongest year,” noted art teacher Tom Sena. “She has been more comfortable taking bigger risks with her work and developing a series of self-portraits, which is notoriously difficult, especially for high school students,” he elaborated, acknowledging her growth and commitment.
Beyond the classroom, Christakos’ dedication to all she does can be felt around the school. In line with her enthusiasm for art, she has been an active member of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) for the past two years, nominated for the All-County Art Exhibit, and co-art chair for Culture Club. Yet that is not all. For the past two years, she has also participated in the Student Kindergarten Internship Program (S.K.I.P.), dedicating a free period each week to work with the students at the Kindergarten Center. There, she becomes a part of the classroom helping, guiding, and connecting with the children. Most recently, Christakos took part in the “Nassau County: Our Community Salutes Ceremony” where she was recognized for being an undergrad who will be joining the military.
After graduation, Christakos will begin serving as a member of the U.S. Navy where she will be studying engineering. Though her path will not directly involve studying art, it remains an essential part of who she is. Art has taken a very important role in her life. She explained, “I use art as a form of therapy. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or stressed out, I start drawing.” Through art, she finds peace, reflection, and self-expression—a way to process her thoughts and emotions while creating something meaningful. Her love for art is unwavering, and she is certain that no matter where life takes her, she will always return to it. As she puts it, she will keep making art, “even if it is just for myself.”
