15th Annual Athanasiades Scholarships Awarded

2007 Athanasiades Foundation Scholars.

"If we multiply by 100,000 whatever we know about the Greek civilization, we might come close to the glory of the classical age and understand the tragedy from the destruction," said Carl Sagal. The glory and tragedy of the destruction of Hellenism was the unique theme of the 15th Annual Awards of the Athanasiades Cultural Foundation, Inc. on Sunday, November 25 in the afternoon. The event was held in the hall of the Athanasiades Cultural Center at 30-96 42nd St., Astoria. More than 100 persons filled the hall to see their youth receive this prestigious award.

Costas Athanasiades, benefactor/ philanthropist, granted 40 scholarships to college students from the following institutions: University of Tirana, Albany; Hunter College; State University of New York; Regis College; University of Argyrocastro; St. John's University: University of Illinois at Urbana; Queens College; St. John Fisher College; St. Petersburg; St. Peter's College; Marist College; LaGuardia Community College; Piraeus University and Polytechnic University at Tirana. Students' smiles gave a unique cheerfulness to the atmosphere and fulfilled the real meaning of the Athanasiades Scholarships: to give a positive self-image to youth through public recognition.

Costas Athanasiades (c.) delivers the presentation as Prof. Catherine Tsounis (l.) and Christos Tzelios look on.

The program included presentations by Christos Tzelios of the Athanasiades Foundation; Professor Giannaris, scholar/educator at Fordham University; John G. Siolas, Ph.D., educator; H.V. Vasiliades, Ph.D., professor/engineer; Demetrios Dais, Ph.D., professor/writer; Sevasti Boutos, poetess, activist and IT Specialist, Columbia University; Catherine Tsounis, professor/adjunct instructor, Modern Greek Language and Literature program St. John's University, and Costas Athanasiades, writer/benefactor. A reception was held with musical entertainment by troubadour Seraphim Lazos.

Student compositions that emphasized Hellenism and the Athanasiades Foundation's mission were read. "I was fascinated to learn about the Greek language and culture at St. John's," wrote a student. "Greek language, history, and culture are important in life. It is a strong link with the past," revealed another youth. "Greek language is important to me as an American, so I can remember where I come from," was an incisive student comment. Another composition explained, "Living history is in the person of Mr. Costas Athanasiades, a hero of W.W. II and warrior of men and arms."

Costas Athanasiades, author of the former Campana newspaper, has invited cultural organizations for the past 15 years to work with the Athanasiades Foundation for the spread of Hellenism. The foundation encourages the Greek embassy to promote Hellenism overseas, to counteract against the spread of drugs, pornography and lack of morality. Perpetuation of Greek ethnicity is in danger, with a movement towards globalization. The Athanasiades Foundation Cultural Center lives on through the efforts of all who donate their services. Maria Athanasiades, Athanasiades' wife, has supported his work, remaining in the shadows. She encourages him to grant awards to college students as a means of perpetuating his influence in American society.

The students who received the 2007 Athanasiades Foundation Awards included: Albana Mino; Alexander Krueger; Anna Kouremenos; Christos A. Mergouris; Despina Galatoulas; Dimitrios Siavelis; Eleftheria Filippousi; Eleni Manikas; Eleni Elias Liakaris; Eleonora Antoniou; Eleutheria Manou; Elona Papa; Erjon K. Zoto; George Yiallouros; Georgios Stamboulis; Haritomeni Scoufaras; Joanna Kaloudis; Jorgo Stathas; Keily Abreu; Krista Koca; Ledia Mino; Maria Katseros; Maria Stantyos; Maria Zoto; Maria Gueros; Maria Orisses; Maria Hazatonis; Markos Papadatos; Marla Filippatos; Mary Vi Poulos; Nicole A. Yaneff; Rudina Mino; Sofia Kavakoglou; Sophia Marneris; Stamatios N. Lathourakis; Tanya Stathopoulos; Theodora A. Christodoulou; Theodora Banakos; Veronica Georgiades, and Yvonne Cassimatis.