Management - history

DANIELA KUMANOVA

Ms. Daniela Kumanova was Head of Meridian 22 English Language High School – IB World School, from 2009 to 2023. As she took office in 2009, the school’s path as a member of the prestigious international educational organisation International Baccalaureate began. Year after year, following the high standards of international education, combined with the best traditions of the Bulgarian educational system, she turned the school into a modern language high school. As Head and IB Coordinator of Meridian 22 High School, Ms. Kumanova worked actively and dedicatedly to raise its prestige as one of the first schools in Bulgaria to become an IB member.

Daniela Kumanova graduated in Bulgarian Philology from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She has completed several professional development courses administered by the IB – as an educator, coordinator and school principal. She taught Bulgarian language and Literature in grade 12, with a focus on preparing the students for the state matriculation exam, as well as Language A Literature subject of the IB Diploma Programme. The achievements of her students, exceeding global results, are a cause for pride.

During that period, 14 high school classes graduated and achieved realization in life and professionally, thanks to their excellent preparation and their excellent Bulgarian and international diplomas. The Meridian 22 diploma programme successfully passed two inspections of the International Baccalaureate, and in 2022, the High School was inspected by a commission of the National Inspectorate of Education and defended its name and successes, receiving an excellent rating, including on the “Institutional Management” indicator.

In 2023, in a spirit of continuity, Ms. Kumanova passed on to her fellow teachers and to the current management, her team work style, her vast experience and dedication to the teaching profession. The bright mark that Ms. Daniela Kumanova left at Meridian 22 High School with her personality and professionalism is evident in the words of the students:

THANK YOU

for the support,
for the endless diligence,
for the sincere dedication,
for the patience,
for the honesty,
for the imagination,
for the kind words,
but more than anything else –
thank you for the love.

YOANA KALAPISH 

Ms. Yoana Kalapish was Deputy Head of Meridian 22 English Language High School – IB World School, from 2017 to 2023. She was teaching mathematics in English in the IB Diploma Programme, and since 2019, she was also IB Coordinator. Ms. Kalapish made a significant contribution to the joint functioning of the two programmes – the Bulgarian and the international. In every professional field, she worked with remarkable enthusiasm, dedication and creativity.

Joana Kalapish holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Informatics and a Master’s degree in Educational Technologies in Mathematics and Informatics from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She has completed professional qualification courses administered by the IB – as an educator and coordinator. With her qualities as an excellent organizer and inspired teacher, Ms. Kalapish played an important role in the development of the school.

Since 2023, she has continued her professional path at the European School in Brussels.

EVGENIYA ANTONOVA

Ms. Evgeniya Antonova was the first Head of Meridian 22 English Language High School – from its licensing in 1998 to 2007. Raised in a family of professional diplomats, she lived and studied in New York, USA. She graduated in English Philology from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She took a course in Shakespearean Literature at the University of Ottawa, Canada. She taught English at various high schools in Sofia and participated in the management of one of them as deputy head. Ms. Antonova laid the foundations of the Meridian 22 High School as one of the first private language schools in Bulgaria and set high standards in teaching English. Her contribution to the High School’s application process for membership in the International Baccalaureate was significant.

ILIYA KARAILIEV

Mr. Iliya Karailiev took over the management of Meridian 22 English Language High School in 2007 after a distinguished career as a principal of a large state-run school. He taught mathematics and successfully managed Meridian 22 High School and Interbusiness High School until his retirement in 2009.