Athens College Institutions

From the time Athens College was founded, a number of institutions-traditions were initiated therein, each created and adapted to meet the needs of a particular era. College institutions contribute decisively to the achievement of the educational and social objectives of the School and are, to this day, practices that characterize the School’s distinctive “physiognomy” or profile.

Our Institutions

Scholarship Program

The Scholarship Program is a singular feature of the School whose objective is to support the diverse socio-economic composition of its student population. Each year, hundreds of students whose families face financial hardships are able to attend the College through the Program. Its founders and first donors were Stephanos and Penelope Delta.

Founders’ Day

Founders’ Day is celebrated each year on October 18, the anniversary of the College’s inauguration. Events are held in all school units, while a memorial service is held in the Church of the Archangels in remembrance of the School’s founders and great benefactors.

President’s Award

During each Commencement ceremony, in recognition of outstanding services offered to the College by an individual, the President accords the President’s Award to that year’s honoree.

Honoring the Teacher

“Honoring the Teacher,” an event established in 1979, is associated with the Feast Day of the Three Hierarchs. The event honors College staff members who retired the previous academic year and includes lectures by academics and other distinguished personalities, as well as an artistic program.

Prizes - Commendations

Prizes and commendations are awarded to students in intermediate grades throughout every academic year, and to seniors who excel in their athletic and academic performance, their ethos and multifaceted participation and contribution to College life. Prizes won by seniors are awarded at Commencement. Among the various prizes are those of Valedictorian and Salutatorian, special Athletics Prizes, Commendations in all academic subjects, Oratory Competition Prizes, and Merit Awards.

Oratory Competitions

The Oratory Competitions in Greek (Howland, March 25th and Three Hierarchs) and in English (Delta) are held annually at the High School level. Students are invited to write a speech on a specific topic. The final round of each of these competitions takes place in the College Theater where finalists deliver their speeches to the audience.

Student Councils

Student Councils were first organized in the early years of Athens College’s existence and are the nuclei of democratic life at School, where initiative, exploration and creativity abound. In Elementary School, each class is represented by delegates. In Junior High and High School, in addition to the class delegates, students elect 15-member Student Councils, which coordinate all grade levels within their respective school unit and discuss school life related issues.

Social Life

Another key institution found at our School is Social Life, included in the timetable of every grade level from elementary through junior high and high school. Wanting our students to realize their place in society, to express their views freely, to engage in dialogue, and to show respect for democratic processes, the twenty-minute Social Life slot provides students an opportunity to discuss issues that concern them with their respective section’s teacher/advisor.

Clubs

Dating back to the 1930s, “societies” – later renamed “clubs” - began operating at the College. They have become one of the most important and dynamic extra-curricular institutions of our School as they provide a creative outlet for children and a setting where students can pursue their interests and cultivate their talents. They are included in the weekly timetable of all grades, from elementary through high school. Depending on students’ interests and the demand at each grade level, a wider and, often newer, selection of clubs becomes available each school year.

Student Fair “Panigyri”

“Panigyri” is an annual cultural-entertainment event, established in 1969 and organized by the College’s High School Student Community. It takes place over the course of three days, during which visitors can attend lectures and presentations by student Club members, as well as music and theatrical performances, join in or watch athletic events, purchase raffle tickets, enjoy a meal and, much more. Proceeds from the Student Fair support the School's Scholarship Program and other charitable organizations.

Expedition

Each year, Junior High and High School students, accompanied by their teachers, participate in an Expedition to schools located either in Greece’s provinces or abroad where large Greek communities are based. They become acquainted with similarly aged students, learn about different cultures, and offer school supplies and equipment to cover the needs of schools in those regions.

Varsity Teams

Varsity Teams are competitive, athletic teams that represent our School at championship games organized by the Ministry of Education and by A.S.I.S. (Athletic Conferences of Private Schools), as well as at international competitions. Their members are students who distinguish themselves in sports, who also participate in the annual, internal sports competitions of our School, namely Delteia, Gavriileia and Athanasiadeia etc.

Fund Drive Committees

A particularly important institution is that of the Fund Drive, launched in 1967 to support the Scholarship Program. Three committees of volunteers – the Alumni Fund Drive Committee, the Parents Fund Drive Committee, and the Past Parents Fund Drive Committee – were formed to raise funds for this purpose. Each year, they organize a series of events, such as the established Christmas Bazaar, the proceeds of which are allocated to our School’s Scholarship Program.

College Theme of the Year

College Theme of the Year was established in 2012-2013. It is our School’s tribute to major events, milestones or personalities in the College’s history, marked by an anniversary or a broader conjuncture of happenings. Throughout the course of the academic year, the School holds events and activities related to a central theme. The College Theme of academic year 2023-2024 is: “The coat of arms: the four emblems symbolically depict the vision of the founders-creators of the College, its founding principles, and the timeless educational, pedagogical and social objectives of its mission”.

Student Ambassadors

Each year, the Junior High and High Schools select Student Ambassadors, who are delegates of the 15-member Class Councils actively engaged in school life. They act as Student representatives in all internal and external events and activities and introduce distinguished guests, visitors, prospective parents and students to the School’s history, heritage and traditions through campus guided tours and other activities, by sharing their unique College experiences.