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Happy Greek Indepencence Day!

AHEPA Scholarship Application Reminder

AHEPA Scholarship Application Reminder

Our local AHEPA Chapter #61 in Reading will be sponsoring a scholarship program this year.  Our parish youth who will be graduating from high school in 2014 and continuing their education at an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible.  Contact Ahepan Athan Dialectos for a scholarship application and related information at 610-762-0477 or readingmaaco@epix.net if interested in applying for this scholarship.  The completed application and requested documentation are due on or before April 27, 2014.

In addition to our local AHEPA Chapter scholarship program, The AHEPA Power District No. 4 Scholarship Fund is also available to our parishioners.  Applicants for scholarships will be selected from high school graduates who are about to enter an accredited institution of higher learning, or from students already attending such institutions.  An applicant must have either a parent or grandparent that is a member of Power District #4 of AHEPA.  If interested in the district level scholarship program, simply forward an e-mail request to the AHEPA Chapter #61 President, Dr. George J. Giovanis, at georgejgiovanis@comcast.net  to secure a copy of the scholarship application.  Include your mailing address and telephone number with your request.  Review carefully the rules governing awarding the AHEPA district level scholarship which is different from our local AHEPA Chapter scholarship program.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to return the AHEPA District No. 4 application postmarked no later than April 17, 2014. 

President's Report

§  Our AHEPA Sunday festivities were a huge success last Sunday, March 16^th.  We recognized and honored our Ahepans for their service to our Church and community.  We also celebrated our Church’s 100^th year birthday.  Following Church service in which an Artoclasia and prayers were conducted for the health of our members, we has a “photo-op” of all of our members.  I counted approximately 60 to 70 Ahepans in attendance for this event!  Thanks to Chris Kraras, Stam Zervanos, and all of our Ahepan “Kooks”, we had a fabulous Lenten luncheon for all parishioners.  A special thanks for Brother Gust Kraras for composing the AHEPA Sunday booklet publication.  What a special day for our AHEPA fraternal order!

§  The first attachment (AHEPA 2013-2014 Meetings/Activities) has been revised as if 3/20/2014.  I have added another AHEPA business meeting scheduled on Sunday, April 27 featuring the initiation of new member prospects.  If you know of any individuals that you would like to recommend for membership, please contact me.  We already have a least four (4) individuals that have expressed interest in joining our Chapter.

§  The Winter Issue of the AHEPA District #4 Power Line has featured our Chapter #61 activities.  If you want to view a color version of the Power Line. Simply go online at www.ahepa4.org and click on “Power Line”.  The cover page and page 8 have a variety of photos of our Family Christmas Party.  Page 6 of the newsletter highlights our Chapter meetings & activities.  Also check out our Chapter#61 website with a wealth of information designed by Brother Tony Phyrillas.

§  The second attachment includes our AHEPA NCAA Basketball Pool for 2014.  March Madness has already begun!  Please contact me today and let me know how many boxes you want to purchase for the pool.  I am going to be out of town quite a bit between now and the April 7^th championship game.  I will not have time to call and remind Brothers to participate in the pool. Sooooo…..e-mail me today at georgejgiovanis@comcast.net and let me know how many boxes you want to purchase.  All details are listed in the second attachment.

In Memoriam: George A. Pappas, Past Chapter President

George A. Pappas, 86, of Reading PA, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.

George was born September 9, 1927 in Reading, PA, to Evangelos and Androniki (Azadelli) Pappadopoulos.

George served in the US Army, graduated from Kutztown Teachers College, was a teacher and devoted Drivers Education instructor for many years at Reading High School until his retirement.
His later endeavors included ownerships of the Surf Haven Motel in Wildwood, NJ, and the New Jerusalem Inn of Reading.

He was a longtime member and past president of William Penn Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA in Reading. He was initiated into the AHEPA in 1979.

George is survived by his cherished wife of 55 years, Kalliope Deligiannis Pappas; son, Evan and wife, Michelle of Reading; daughter, Elaine and husband, Phillip Triantis of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren: George, Alexa, Jessica, Alex, Jonathan, Kelly and Joshua. George was predeceased by his beautiful daughter, Nikki Pappas Pownall and brothers, Peter and Paul Pappas.

George had a smile for all, a harsh word for none and will be dearly missed by everyone whose lives he touched. Rest peacefully, George.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, Reading. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 21, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing, PA 19611. Friends will be received in the church on Friday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Burial service to follow in Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading.

'Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness'

A new report finds evidence that Henry Kissinger had a major role to play in the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey.

Kissinger & Cyprus: A Study in Lawlessness

The History of AHEPA

ROLL CALL OF WILLIAM PENN NO. 61 CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

Just 35 Brothers have held the title of Chapter President over the 90-year history of William Penn Chapter No. 61 in Reading, Pa. Below is a chronological listing of the Brothers who have held the chapter's highest elective office from the most recent ... all the way back to the founding of the chapter in 1925.

    George Giovanis
    Christopher Wagner
    Tony Phyrillas
    Strat Marmarou *
    Spiro Phyrillas
    William Sianis *
    Gus Varish *
    Stanley Theodossiou *
    Gust Chaknos *
    George A. Pappas *
    Jim Zaffary *
    Peter Morris *
    Gus Capiotis *
    Mike Firilas *
    Nick Kontaxes *
    Thomas Boyer *
    Charles Billys *
    Dr. Christ Ganas
    Louis Vastardis *
    Peter George *
    Gust Kraras *
    Nick Rellis *
    Nick Lampros *
    George Govatos *
    George Paskopoulos *
    William Sebecos *
    Louis Daniels *
    John Kraras *
    George Thomas *
    George Pasayotis *
    Louis Sofianos *
    James Grammaticas *
    James Toulas *
    Constantine Mantis *
    C.H. Contos *

Deceased *

PAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

• Tony Phyrillas
• Strat Marmarou
• Spiro Phyrillas
• William Sianis
• Gus Varish
• Stanley Theodossiou
• Gust Chaknos
• George Pappas
• Jim Zaffary
• Peter Morris
• Gus Capiotis
• Mike Firilas
• Nick Kontaxes
• Thomas Boyer
• Charles Billys
• Christ Ganas
• Louis Vastardis
• Peter George
• Gust Kraras
• Nick Rellis
• Nick Lampros
• George Govatos
• George Paskopoulos
• William Sebecos
• Louis Daniels
• John Kraras
• George Thomas
• George Pasayotis
• Louis Sofianos
• James Grammaticas
• James Toulas
• Constantine Mantis
• C.H. Contos

- See more at: http://williampenn61.blogspot.com/#sthash.KIQGipT5.dpuf

PAST CHAPTER PRESIDENTS

• Tony Phyrillas
• Strat Marmarou
• Spiro Phyrillas
• William Sianis
• Gus Varish
• Stanley Theodossiou
• Gust Chaknos
• George Pappas
• Jim Zaffary
• Peter Morris
• Gus Capiotis
• Mike Firilas
• Nick Kontaxes
• Thomas Boyer
• Charles Billys
• Christ Ganas
• Louis Vastardis
• Peter George
• Gust Kraras
• Nick Rellis
• Nick Lampros
• George Govatos
• George Paskopoulos
• William Sebecos
• Louis Daniels
• John Kraras
• George Thomas
• George Pasayotis
• Louis Sofianos
• James Grammaticas
• James Toulas
• Constantine Mantis
• C.H. Contos

- See more at: http://williampenn61.blogspot.com/#sthash.KIQGipT5.dpuf

A Brief History of William Penn Chapter (now Gust C. Kraras Chapter) No. 61 in Reading, Pa.

The William Penn Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) was organized in Reading, Berks County, Pa., by one of the original founders of AHEPA, the late George A. Polos.

Brother Polos came to Reading in the early months of 1925 and spent several weeks in the community talking to Reading-area Greek-Americans about the AHEPA. He initiated the first group of AHEPANs into the Fraternal Order. On March 16, 1925, he initiated another group of 18 members into the AHEPA.

Twenty-five of these brothers signed the petition on May 2, 1925, asking the "Supreme Council of AHEPA," as it was then known, to grant them a charter. The Reading AHEPA Chapter was the sixth one organized in Pennsylvania (and the 61st chartered in the United States). 

The official charter for Chapter No. 61 was dated March 16, 1925.

In 1926, the first major banquet was sponsored by the Reading AHEPA Chapter, and among the dignitaries attending were Reading Mayor William Sherman, Berks County Judge John D. Shaffer, and Berks County Superintendent of Schools E.M. Rapp.

Another banquet was held in 1928 with Robert Birch as toastmaster, and among those attending were Mayor J. Henry Stump, the Rev. Miller, and Congressman Charles J. Esterly.

In 1933, the Reading Chapter was host to the Pennsylvania AHEPA District Convention, and just prior to the Convention, the Reading Times newspaper published a glowing editorial on July 10, 1933, praising the work of the local AHEPA chapter.

Now came the Chapter's golden years. With capable men assuming the leadership, the respect for the AHEPA grew, many activities of all kinds were held, and many more joined the Fraternal Order.

The AHEPA Parade Patrol was organized and, under the leadership of the late Peter Eleftheriou, won many awards, including first prize in Easton, Pa.'s 50th Anniversary Parade.

The AHEPA Greek Award was established by the Chapter and given every year to a student attending Albright College who excelled in the studies of Greek.

Then came World War II. Many members of the Order of AHEPA served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Some were wounded in combat, but all eventually returned with honorable discharges to rejoin the local Chapter. The Reading Chapter participated in the AHEPA drive to sell War Bonds and, as a result, the entire Order of AHEPA was commended by the U.S. Government for the millions of dollars of War Bonds its members sold.

In 1946, when Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church purchased the building at 8th and Court Streets in downtown Reading and moved the church facilities there, Chapter 61 donated the cost of the Iconostasis (Icon Screen). The cost of the Iconostasis was $1,835, and this was at a time when Chapter dues were $6 per year, and Church membership dues were $12 per year.

When the present church building at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd. was built in 1970, that Iconostasis was taken apart, brought over to the new church from downtown Reading and reassembled, and was used until the present newer Iconostasis was installed in 1995. Some parts of the old Iconostasis are now on display in the church’s Heritage Room.

On May 5, 1957, the Reading AHEPA Chapter hosted a banquet honoring Berks County President Judge H. Robert Mays and Judge Marks on their retirement that year. Charles Alvin Jones, the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, was the main speaker.

In 1959, the Reading AHEPA Chapter entered into an agreement with Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church to rent the old Greek School building at 734 Walnut Street in downtown Reading for $500 per year for its chapter headquarters.

Although this was a commendable effort to provide a home for the local chapter, it later proved to be the downfall of the chapter and almost caused its extinction. Of course, the division of the church that took place about that same time aggravated the situation.

In 1974, the Reading AHEPA chapter was reorganized under the leadership of Michael Firilas, an immigrant from Cyprus, and many new members were initiated, old members were reinstated, and the chapter became very active once again. Brother Firilas was elected to the office of District Governor of Power District No. 4 and later to the Supreme Lodge of the Order of AHEPA. 

Brother Firilas was also involved in the national level of AHEPA to lobby for Cyprus after the Turkish invasion of the island.

Around this time, the Daughters of Penelope Proteus Chapter No 197 was re-activated, with most of the wives of AHEPA members joining the local chapter.

In 1978, the Reading AHEPA Chapter hosted the Pennsylvania District Convention again, with many city, county and state officials attending the formal District Banquet on June 17.

Under the leadership of chapter Presidents Bill Sianis, Gus Varish, Spyros Phyrillas, Stratton Marmarou and Tony Phyrillas, the Reading AHEPA chapter enjoyed a renaissance from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, hosting another successful Pennsylvania District Convention in 1988, establishing the first Chapter Scholarship Fund and winning recognition from Power District No. 4 for the initiation of most new members and reinstatement of past members. Chapter membership peaked at 80 during those years.

The Reading AHEPA Chapter hosted a District 4 Bowling Tournament and formed its first Chapter Softball Team during this time.

The Chapter sent full delegations to all District and National AHEPA Conventions throughout these 10 years. Several chapter members served on the District Lodge and Brother Michael Firilas was again elected as a Supreme Governor of the Order of AHEPA. Brother Firilas was also named 1991 AHEPAN of the Year by Power District No. 4.

The Reading AHEPA chapter also held two successful banquets in honor of U.S. Congressman Gus Yatron (a longtime member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter) and the two pastors who served the Greek Orthodox churches in Reading: Rev. Thomas Pappalas and Rev. Spyridon Papademetriou. The events received coverage in the local Reading newspapers.

During this time, the Reading AHEPA Chapter also attended Reading City Council meetings every March to accept a proclamation for Greek Independence Day from the council and the mayor.

As financial scandals rocked the national AHEPA during the mid-1990s and criminal charges were filed against its top leadership, membership in the fraternity declined significantly and the Reading Chapter, like many others across the country, fell into a period of dormancy. The local chapter was kept alive by Tony Phyrillas, who served 11 years as president and handled most administrative duties for the chapter.

In 2010, a new effort was put forth to return the chapter to its glory days, spearheaded by Gust C. Kraras. Many new members were initiated, and former members were reinstated. A new set of officers was elected, continuing the tradition of their illustrious predecessors. Dr. George Giovanis was elected president, an office he would hold for the next 15 years as he guided the chapter to a new resurgence.

The chapter brought back the Annual AHEPA Day at Saints Constantine and Helen Church each May. The Sunday includes a Memorial Service for all our departed Brothers, followed by a meal served after church. Also, a booklet with all the names of the departed Brothers, the present chapter officers, and the present membership is prepared for distribution to all parishioners that day.

In collaboration with the local St. Xenia Philoptochos Society, the chapter organized a successful Christmas Party for the children of the Saints Constantine and Helen community in 2011, with about 250 children and adults attending. The event has continued in various forms, with proceeds going to charity.

Also, a new idea was put into practice of holding regular dinner meetings at Reading-area restaurants, where the Brothers can enjoy fellowship as true AHEPANS.

An annual AHEPA Golf Tournament was organized, bringing the brothers together for a game of golf, and their families joined afterward for a casual picnic social. The event was eventually named in honor of our late Brother Ernie Orphanos, who organized the first tournament and chaired the event for several years as Athletic Director. The golf tournament, under the chairmanship of Michael Macaronis and Phil Macaronis, continues to serve as the chapter's main source of scholarship revenue each year.

The Reading AHEPA Chapter was recognized as Chapter of the Year in Pennsylvania in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

By the end of 2013, chapter membership topped 100 Brothers, making William Penn Chapter 61 one of the largest AHEPA chapters in Pennsylvania (and the entire AHEPA domain). 

Another milestone for the chapter occurred in 2015. On June 1, 2015, the chapter was renamed in honor of Gust C. Kraras during a 90th Anniversary Banquet. Brother Kraras is a 70-year member of the Order of AHEPA and was a Past District Governor of District No. 5 in New Jersey. Brother Kraras was instrumental in reviving the Reading AHEPA Chapter and guiding its resurgence in the 21st century.

An annual highlight on the chapter calendar is the Scholarship Banquet held each Spring to recognize outstanding high school graduates from our community. Since 2011, the chapter has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships.

Work is underway to celebrate the Reading chapter's 100th anniversary in 2025.

-- Chapter History Compiled by Gust C. Kraras and Tony A. Phyrillas

Pennsylvania AHEPA 'Chapter of the Year' Honors for William Penn Chapter No. 61

William Penn Chapter 61 President George Giovanis receives the District 4  "Ahepa Chapter of The Year" Award from outgoing District Governor Photi Skolikas at the 2013 District Convention at Seven Springs Resorts June 2013. This is the second year in a row that the Reading chapter has been honored by Power District No. 4.

Reading AHEPA Chapter Membership Tops 100!

With the scheduled initiation of 12 new members tonight, the membership of the William Penn Chapter 61 of the Order of AHEPA will top 100, making us one of the largest chapters in Pennsylvania.

I Am One Greece

AHEPA Deeply Concerned with Turkish PM's Statement on Cyprus

AHEPA Deeply Concerned with Turkish PM's Statement on Cyprus

WASHINGTON - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading grassroots membership-based association for the nation’s millions of Greek Americans and Philhellenes, sent a letter to Secretary of State John F. Kerry expressing “deep concern and bewilderment” with a statement made November 10, 2013 by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan with regard to the Republic of Cyprus, announced Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis. Prime Minister Erdogan was quoted in the Turkish-Cypriot daily Kibris, “There is no country named Cyprus. There is the local administration of south Cyprus.”

“It is our opinion that Prime Minister Erdogan’s statement is inflammatory and offensive toward a staunch friend and ally in the eastern Mediterranean, the Republic of Cyprus, and its citizens,” Supreme President Kouzounis wrote. “Moreover, it certainly does not bode well for the upcoming, renewed efforts by the United Nations to bring the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Cypriot community together in the search for a just and viable settlement to the near 40-year division of Cyprus.”

Although the U.S. Department of State, through a spokesperson, said it would look into the statement, AHEPA’s letter calls on the U.S. government to address the issue with the Turkish government in future bilateral meetings.

• Read AHEPA’s letter.

AHEPA Observes OXI Day

AHEPA Observes Oxi Day

FDR's Words About Greece's Defiance Remembered

WASHINGTON - Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis issued the following statement on the 73rd anniversary of "Oxi Day" when Greece issued a defiant "No" to the evils of fascism presented by the Axis powers, and instead, said "Yes" to freedom on October 28, 1940. The Greeks successfully fought back against the Italian army, pushing the invaders back into Albania after one week. It would prove to be a costly military campaign for the Axis power.

"On this day, 73 years ago the citizens of Greece took a courageous stand against tyranny and fascism and fought tooth and nail to defend their autonomy.

"This gutsy, noble defense by the Greeks of their beloved homeland, not just against the Italians but also the Germans, was noted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a member of AHEPA, who told the AHEPA Supreme Lodge in a meeting on April 25, 1941: 'The heroic struggle of the Greek people to defend their liberties and their homes against the aggression of Germany after they had so signally defeated the Italian attempt at invasion has stirred the hearts and aroused the sympathy of the whole American people.'

"Today, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, of which many of its members fought heroically behind enemy lines in Greece during World War II, commemorates the 73rd anniversary of 'Oxi' Day, observing it as a day to celebrate freedom, justice, liberty, and the passion of the Hellenic spirit.

"Please take a moment to pause and reflect on this remarkable moment in our Hellenic history."

AHEPAN Chris Kraras to lead Albright College fundraising campaign

Albright College announces $55 million fundraising campaign

Greek Food Bazaar Returns To Reading, Pa., Oct. 18-19-20

Enjoy a visit to Greece without leaving Berks County when the 43rd annual Greek Food Bazaar returns Oct. 18-19-20 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

In addition to authentic Greek food and pastry, the three-day festival features live music, dancing, gift rooms and church tours. 

The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using family recipes handed down through generations. All food items are available to eat-in in or take-out. 

Athenian-style chicken platters, which comes with pastitsio or rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter for $12 will be offered all weekend in the main dining hall. You can substitute plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) or souvlaki (chunks of marinated pork) on the platter meal. 

There are also a la carte items such gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches; calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; moussaka (eggplant casserole); arni psito (roast lamb cooked with herbs); and pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béchamel sauce). 

A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, are available, as well as domestic and imported beers.

While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors will be treated to Greek music by Stavros & Maria, a brother-sister duo who are also church members. 

The church’s youth dance group, Kefi, will perform traditional Greek dances wearing colorful costumes throughout the weekend. 

After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. The Agora (Greek market) offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visitors can also shop for original artwork, gold jewelry and items imported from Greece in various gift rooms. 

A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can sample baklava (almonds, butter and honey layered in flaky pastry), teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar);, koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie); and galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).

Another Greek delicacy offered throughout the weekend is loukoumades (puffed honey balls), a warm, dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Additional parking across the street at Berks Catholic High School. The event will be held rain or shine. 

The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (also known as Lancaster Avenue).

 

For more information, call 610-374-7511 or visit www.stsconstantinehelen.org

 

William Penn Chapter No. 61 Installation of Officers for 2013-2014

The Reading Chapter of the Order of AHEPA opened the 2013-2014 year with the installation of officers.  District Governor James Gregorakis made his official visit on September 22, 2013 and conducted the installation of officers.  Executive Secretary of the Power District No. 4, Tony Drakos, assisted our District Governor with the installation of officers ceremony.

Chapter Election Results for 2013-14

On September 22, 2013, the William Penn Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA,  located in Reading, Pennsylvania elected the following members to the offices listed below for the 2013-2014 Administrative Year:

Chapter President:

Dr. George J. Giovanis 

Chapter Vice-President:

Constantine D. Kotsakis

Chapter Financial Secretary:

Dean C. Kraras

Chapter Corresponding Secretary:

Dean Whitman

Chapter Treasurer:

Tony Phyrillas   

Board of Governors: 

Dr. Christ Ganas,

Frank T. Petrakis,

Dr. Stam Zervanos,

Michael Chaknos,

Christ G. Kraras

Appointed Officers:

    Alex Simotas, Captain of the Guard

    John Tripolitis, Chaplain

    Bernard Donahue, Warden

    Michael Macaronis, Sentinel

    Christopher Wagner, Athletic Director

Joint Meeting Between Reading and Harrisburg AHEPA Chapters

Gentlemen,

 

If you haven’t done so already, please let me know if you will be attending next Sunday’s AHEPA Chapter meeting in the Church Hall at 7:00 p.m.  With the District Governor attending our meeting, it is most important that we have a good turnout!

 

Last week, I received word that our AHEPA Supreme Vice President from Washington, DC, Phillip T. Frangos, will be visiting Pennsylvania Chapters in October.  Our Chapter will be hosting a joint dinner meeting of the Harrisburg Chapter No. 64 and the Reading Chapter on Wednesday, October 9^th at the Deluxe Restauant.  Brother John Frangakis has prepared two magnificent menu choices which includes a full course meal plus complimentary appetizers for only $20 (non-alcoholic drinks, tax and gratuity included).  Come join us for fellowship with appetizers & cash bar at 6:00-7:00 p.m. and dinner being served at 7:00 p.m.  Please review the attached flyer for all details for this gala event!

 

It is most important that you contact me at georgejgiovanis@comcast.net or at (610)775-9602 on or before Monday, September 30^th indicating whether you plan to be in attendance for our dinner meeting on Wednesday, October 9^th.  Merely indicate yes/no whether you are planning to attend.  Menu choices will be taken care of that evening as well as collecting $20 at the door.

 

Fraternally,

George J. Giovanis, President

Order of AHEPA, Chapter No. 61

Daughter of Reading AHEPA member wins National AHEPA Scholarship

AHEPA Announces 2013 Scholarship Recipients

WASHINGTON - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading membership-based association for the nation’s millions of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, awarded scholarships to 68 students through the AHEPA National Educational Foundation and AHEPA Athletic Department for the 2013 academic year, announced Supreme President Anthony Kouzounis.

“We congratulate the 2013 scholarship recipients on their outstanding academic achievements,” Kouzounis said. “They represent a broad range of hard-working students from across the globe: high school seniors, undergraduate, post-graduate, seminarians, scholar-athletes, and non-traditional. All have one academic dream in common—looking to become tomorrow’s leaders, and we are proud to count them as AHEPA scholars.”

According to the supreme president, the process is a competitive one as the foundation received more than 300 scholarship applications. He added that the 2013 scholarship application will be made available January 2014. The deadline to submit the application will be March 31, 2014.

The scholarships awarded by the National Educational Foundation are made possible through the generosity of the following individuals, families, and entities that have donated endowments to the foundation’s corpus: The P.A. Margaronis Fund, the Sam Nakos Fund, the James G. Pulos Memorial Fund, the William P. Thomas Fund, the Sam Dakis Fund, the Athanasios & Ekaterini Backus Fund, the George & Helen Constantine/George Chirgotis Fund, the Dr. John C. Yavis Fund, the Spiro & Cleo Millios Fund, and the AHEPA National Housing Corporation Pioneer Scholarship Fund.

AHEPA’s commitment to education has been well-documented throughout its history with more than $2 million awarded in scholarships since the inception of the National Educational Foundation in the early 1980s. Countless millions of dollars more have been awarded at the district and local chapter levels of AHEPA.

For more information about the AHEPA National Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, please visit www.ahepa.org/ahepa/EducationScholarships.html.

The 2013 AHEPA National Educational Foundation Scholarship Recipients

First Name	Last Name	City	State	District
Melina	Blasetti	Marietta	GA	1
Pauline	Vastakis	Atlanta	GA	1
Christopher R.	Kipreos	Cumming	GA	1
Alexandra	Bargoot	Delray Beach	FL	2
Elisavet	Kampouri	Lake Worth	FL	2
Paul	Pavlakos	Boynton Beach	FL	2
Marisa	Kometas	Wilbur by the Sea	FL	2
John	Agnos	Haymarket	VA	3
Christina	Galiano	Vienna	VA	3
Joseph	Galiano	Vienna	VA	3
Alexandra	Hall	Powhatan	VA	3
Jane	Hylton	Shady Side	MD	3
Johnathan	Stathopoulos	Matthews	NC	3
Elizabeth	Poulos	Fayetteville	NC	3
Annina	Baker	King of Prussia	PA	4
Victoria	Georges	Elizabethtown	PA	4
Eleni	Jones	Lancaster	PA	4
Angelika	Kligos	Newtown Square	PA	4
Antonia	Kubisek	University Park	PA	4
Cassandra	Lawrence	Blandon	PA	4
Eleni	Kaffenes	Beaver	PA	4
Nicole	Keane	Pelham	NY	6
Yanni	Metaxes	Katonah Westchester	NY	6
Sevasti	Galanis	Bristol	CT	7
Alexandra	Glenges	Stamford	CT	7
Nicole	Vournazos	Newtown	CT	7
Ian	MacCormack	Oak Bluffs	MA	8
Kristina	Terzakis	Andover	MA	8
Marilena	Tripoulas	Rockville	MA	8
Zachary	Brown	Haverhill	MA	8
Eleni	Zotos	York	ME	9
Alexander	Przeslawski	West Bloomfield	MI	10
Dennis R.	Livingston	Macomb Township	MI	10
Athanasios	Burlotos	Richfield	OH	11
Alex	Costi	North Canton	OH	11
Arianna	Derksen	Beavercreek	OH	11
Anastasia	Tsolometes	Springboro	OH	11
George P.	Laventis	Louisville	KY	11
Kaitlyn	Dervenis	Fishers	IN	12
Chase	Watson	Fishers	IN	12
Maria	Arianas	Wood Dale	IL	13
Lia	Benes	Willowbrook	IL	13
Dennis	Mistrioty	Brookfield	WI	13
Evangelia	Pagones	Palatine	IL	13
Alexis	Skiniotes	New Lenox	IL	13
Mark	Gorogianis	Lombard	IL	13
Victoria	Kapnisis	West Union	IA	14
Korbyn A.	Limber	Oklahoma City	OK	15
Christina	Dukes	Conroe	TX	16
Marina	Horiates	Lewisville	TX	16
Zoe	Schaller	Conifer	CO	17
Blake C.	Marquart	Cheyenne	WY	17
Nicole	Velis	Layton	UT	19
Chrysanthe Z.	Pantages	Goleta	CA	20
Sofia	Lavdiotis	Piedmont	CA	21
Roula	Cardaras	Shoreline	WA	22
Anna	Teodosiadis	Issaquah	WA	22
Athena J.	Apostle	Tacoma	WA	22
Kally	Kastaniotis	Montreal (Quebec)	CAN	23
Demetra	Yannitsos	Calgary, AB	CAN	24
Melda	Tallou	Coquitlam, BC	CAN	26

2013 AHEPA National Scholar Athletes

• Sophia S. Sourlis, Timonium, Maryland (Lacrosse, Duke University), who received the Kimon Doukas Collegiate-Athlete Award;
• Ian P. Pappas, Park Ridge, Illinois (Swimming, Loyola Academy), who received the Franklin Manios Scholar-Athlete and Service Award;
• Andreas S. Christopulos, Andover, Massachusetts (Football, Andover High School), who received the AHEPA Boosters Club Award;
• Corinne Candilis, Arlington, Massachusetts (Lacrosse, Winsor School), who received the John Peter Vlahos Scholar-Athlete Award;
• Luke Smith, St. Clairsville, Ohio (Football, St. Clairsville High School), who received the Louis G. Manesiotis Scholar-Athlete Award; and
• Nicholas E. Thiros, Layton, Utah (Soccer, Layton High School), who received the Dr. Monthe N. Kofos Scholarship.