Stanimira Georgieva is a social enterpreneur, a master chocolatier and a dedicated runner and we are extremely happy and grateful that she is a part of the AAS community. Stanimira served on the school board for 9 years while her daughter was at AAS. She continues to be a friend. Read more about her and her passion project - The Pleven Friendship Marathon that is coming up next weekend. 

Tell us more about your connection to AAS.

My daughter Alexandra was enrolled in 2015 and graduated in 2024. Being at AAS was an amazing journey for her, the school was a great place for her to become an adolescent and she made a lot of close friends on the way. I also gained a lot of friends during these years - it was an honor for me to serve on the AAS Board and Finance Committee for 9 years. I can say my connection with AAS is for a lifetime.

Can you share a fond memory of your time at AAS?

The start of the construction of the Rila Theatre and the many unforgettable concerts and performances there afterwards, the IB ART exhibitions there, and the graduation ceremony of my daughter.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned as a parent so far? 

Be patient with teens and support them to realize their dreams. If needed, seek the support of the AAS counselors. 

How did you come to organize a marathon in Pleven? 

It was an idea of a friend from Romania. After we ran together the Bucharest Half Marathon in 2013 he said how wonderful it would be to gather people from around the world in Pleven and he believed that many Romanian people would come to run and to honor the soldiers who died in Pleven during the war. This is how the Pleven Friendship Marathon was born. We started negotiating with the Pleven municipality and seeking sponsors and partners. In the beginning, only a few people believed that such an event could happen, that foreigners would come to run a marathon in Pleven. We haven’t even dreamt that the Pleven Friendship Marathon could grow to become the most significant sporting event in the region. While the Pleven Marathon is one of the most anticipated running competitions across Bulgaria, it is also an event for the whole community,  promoting a healthy and active lifestyle while advocating for the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities. 

What is the best thing about the Marathon?

The smile on the faces of the finishers, the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the joy of the participants at the special cross, the long-lasting friendships that have started there, and the feeling of unity.

What role has the school played in the Pleven Marathon? 

AAS has always been a great supporter of the Marathon - spreading the news, volunteering, participating in the races. You are welcome to join this year’s Marathon which is next Sunday - May 18 - check out our webpage for more information: https://plevenmarathon.com/en/home-en/

Any advice to people who would like to start running? 

Just start!

What would you say to your 13-year old self? 

Read more books. Lead an active lifestyle, try various sports. Volunteer.