On Monday, May 8, 2023 Mr. Stelios Koutnatzis, Lecturer at the School of Law of the Dimocritus University of Thrace and Secretary General of the Hellenic government, delivered a speech at the Athens College Theater in celebration of Europe Day, on May 9. Mr. Koutnatzis was invited by Athens College High School as part of the initiatives organized by the School participating for a second consecutive year in the “European Parliament Ambassador School” - EPAS program. The École Internationale Gaston Thorn of Luxembourg attended the event virtually.

Celebrations began with the College Symphony Orchestra performing the European Anthem (Beethoven 9th Symphony – “Ode to Joy”), under the direction of Mr. D. Papagiannakis and Mr. S. Tsokakis. Brief opening remarks were given by Athens College President Professor Costas Synolakis ’75, Athens College Co-Director & Athens College High School Director Mr. C. Konstantopoulos, and Psychico College Coordinator & Psychico College High School Director Mr. P. Giannoulatos. Ms. Jessy Medinger, Director of the École Internationale Gaston Thorn, also addressed the audience.

Mr. Koutnatzis gave a speech on the core values of the European Union, its goals, and the challenges it faces today, followed by a Q&A session. Students of both Athens College and the École Internationale Gaston Thorn delivered short presentations on the European Union. 

The event concluded with the promise of a continued communication and collaboration between the two schools.  

The “European Parliament Ambassador Schools” program was launched in 2016 by the European Parliament, and is primarily aimed at expanding the knowledge of young people on European politics, the values of democracy in Europe, and to showcase the role and functions of the European Parliament which represents European citizens.

The Athens College High School participated in this program for the first time in academic year 2021-2022, and last year was named “European Parliament Ambassador School”. This initiative was inspired and guided by Mr. Christos I. Konstantopoulos, Athens College Coordinator and High School Director. A wide range of initiatives have already been enacted, designed and implemented under the supervision of the Teacher Advisors Mrs. H. Georgatzakou, Mr. G. Karampatis, and Mr. N. Palantzas.