PRESS RELEASE
Athens, April 17, 2001

Pierce College/Deree College -- since 1875

American Farm School of Thessaloniki -- since 1904

Athens College / Psychico College -- since 1925

American Community Schools of Athens -- since 1945

Hellenic American Union -- since 1957

Anatolia College (1886)/American College of Thessaloniki -- since 1980

AHEPA will honor the above American Educational Institutions for their many years of dedication and devotion to high quality education in Greece with a Gala Cocktail Reception and Grande Banquet Dinner at the Zappion Gardens Aegli Hall on Wednesday, May 2, 2001 at 8:30 p.m. The United States Embassy in Athens will be special honorees in recognition of their dedication to Hellas, Hellenism and Education.

Their hard work and persistence have resulted in the creation of generations of well-rounded individuals each of who have contributed considerably to society both in Greece and globally. Each schools group of predecessors had tremendous fortitude and vision to build something great. Today with the hard work of numerous educators and administrators, many goals have been achieved and much has been accomplished. Each institution has set its high standards, incorporated high moral values, discipline and instilled leadership in their students. Each of the above named schools has promoted excellence through innovative academic programs and teaching methods that fosters creative and critical thinking. They each have facilitated cross-cultural teaching and have in the process also helped Greece with educating thousands of students and promote inter-cultural understanding while transferring technology and know-how. The many years these institutions have been present in Greece is testament to the quality and value society places upon you.

AHEPA as the largest Greek-American organization dedicated to promoting Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family and Individual Excellence and is proud to acknowledge and salute these six American Educational Institutions in Greece for your efforts all these many years. The Supreme Lodge Officers of AHEPA and the Grand Lodge Officers of the Daughters of Penelope will attend this event along with U.S. Embassy Dignitaries and many from local Greek and American business community. Millions of dollars have been raised to create numerous scholarship funds, and just this year alone over $100,000 will be donated to worthy students throughout the USA and Canada.

AHEPA HELLAS District 25 would like to establish its own local scholarship fund for the purpose of supporting needy students to attend American educational institutions. Over the years the local AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope chapters have made direct contributions to several of the honored schools and now we begin the vision of creating a local AHEPA Hellas District scholarship fund that will benefit students living in Greece.

We would be honored to have you attend this gala evening.

Donation 20,000 drs includes complimentary valet parking, cocktail reception, gourmet dinner prepared by Platis including wine and drinks.

For reservations contact:

Mr. George N. Dussias at 0977-941-552                           Mrs. Jenny Diamantis at 0977-010-013 or 823-6679         

Mr. Tony Gremos at 600-3428                                Mr. Vassilis Gotzios 726-3469; 640-1972 or 0944-601-141