92nd Commencement Exercises

Aug 2, 2021

With emotions detectable in the air, our School's 92nd Commencement Exercises took place on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Due to the special circumstances, the event was held with a limited number of attendees, in compliance with all measures provided by the State to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis ΄86 and his wife, Mareva Mitsotakis, on the occasion of their daughter’s graduation, honored the ceremony with their presence.

Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation, Ms. Annika Papantoniou, and Athens College President, Prof. Costas Synolakis΄ 75 gave welcoming speeches, the latter bestowing the prestigious President’s Award upon Raphael Moissis x52 for his invaluable, significant and timeless contributions to the College.

Opening remarks by the Chairwoman of the HAEF BoD, Ms. Annika Papantoniou

Opening remarks by Athens College President, Prof. Costas Synolakis ΄75

In his greeting, College President, Prof. Costas Synolakis ΄75 referred to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, as well as the need to respect all measures aimed at the protection and safety of one and all.

In view of the rapid deterioration of the environment caused by climate change, he stressed the need for constant vigilance worldwide and highlighted our country’s leading role in taking initiatives and measures to protect the environment and tackle climate change.

Prof. Synolakis laid out the priorities of the College, emphasizing global education and excellence, as well as expansion in the diversity of the student population.

Bestowal of President's Award 2021 upon Raphael Moissis x52

The keynote speaker at this year’s Commencement exercises was Professor of Infectious Diseases – Pathology at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dr. Sotirios Tsiodras, who, in reference to the unique circumstances we are braving, spoke about freedom in our lives, as well as the responsibility that goes hand in hand with that freedom. He encouraged the graduates to live their freedom responsibly whilst recognizing the uniqueness of the freedom of others.

General Coordinator of the HAEF School Units, Dr. Christos Papanikolaou then awarded special distinctions and prizes to the graduates and addressed a farewell message to the Class of 2021.

Address by General Coordinator of the HAEF School Units, Dr. Christos Papanikolaou, to the Class of 2021

Diplomas to the graduates were awarded by the Director of Athens College High School, Mr. Christos Konstantopoulos, and by the Director of Psychico College High School, Mr. Panagiotis Giannoulatos.