VOL. 2025-2026, ISSUE 2
Record-Breaking IB Results
Reflect a Tradition of Excellence
Sustaining Excellence Accreditation
- Colloquium II 2026: A Landmark
Success
ADVANCED PATHWAYS
Elementary School Highlights: New Initiatives 2025 - 2026
ACS Athens Garners Historic First Harvard WorldMUN Conference in Greece
President’s Recognitions
Dear ACS Athens Community,
ACS Athens continues to distinguish itself as one of the premier international schools in Europe, combining academic excellence, innovation, inclusivity, and global citizenship within a diverse learning community representing more than 55 nationalities. The 2025–2026 academic year was marked by strong enrollment demand, outstanding university admissions results, sustained excellence in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, continued growth of the Advanced Learning and the Optimal Learning Program, and a deepening culture of innovation that prepares students for a rapidly evolving world. These accomplishments reinforce ACS Athens’ reputation as a school that successfully balances rigor, personalization, and future-focused learning.
One of ACS Athens’ greatest strengths remains the quality and performance of its academic programs, particularly the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. As the first school in Greece to offer the IB Diploma, ACS Athens continues to demonstrate academic outcomes that consistently exceed global benchmarks. Historical data from 2017–2025 show that ACS Athens students perform above world averages across many IB subject groups, particularly in Languages, Social Sciences, Mathematics, and several Science disciplines. Strong results in Business Management, Economics, Psychology, History,
Mathematics AA, Physics, Chemistry, Visual Arts, and Theatre reflect a culture of academic rigor and high expectations.
The school’s commitment to continuous improvement is further evidenced by the expansion of advanced academic opportunities. During the year, ACS Athens increased its Advanced Placement offerings to nine courses through the addition of AP Physics, AP Calculus BC, AP Economics, and AP English Literature and Composition. New electives in Sculpture, Cinema, and Digital Societies further expanded opportunities for student exploration and interdisciplinary learning. The addition of IB Philosophy for the coming year demonstrates the school’s continued investment in critical thinking, inquiry, and intellectual engagement.
Faculty expertise remains another defining strength. Fifteen IB teachers currently serve as official IB Examiners, and faculty continue to participate in international professional development and leadership initiatives. Preparations are already underway for the upcoming IB Self-Study process, reflecting the school’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of international education.
Kind Regards,
Peggy Pelonis, Ed.D. ACS Athens President
Dear ACS Athens Community Members,
As we conclude another outstanding academic year, I would like to congratulate our graduates and thank every member of the ACS Athens community for making this a year of exceptional achievement.
Commencement celebrated not only the accomplishments of our graduates, but also the dedication, resilience, and growth that brought them to this milestone. Their success reflects the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, families, and the entire ACS Athens community.
This year has been particularly significant. During the ACS Athens Colloquium, our innovative educational model and studentcentered approach were recognized by international educators and validated by the Middle States Association, which designated ACS Athens as an Exemplar School. This distinction belongs to all of us and reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
As our graduates move forward, they enter a world transformed by rapid technological change and artificial intelligence. Yet, more than ever, the future will belong to those who combine knowledge with integrity, innovation with compassion, and ambition with purpose.
As students continue to ask questions, embrace new ideas, and never stop learning, it is education that prepares them not only to succeed in the world, but also to improve it.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your dedication to our shared mission. Congratulations to all our students, and best wishes to all as we look forward to a relaxing summer.
With warm regards,
Pascal Apostolides Chairperson, ACS Athens Board of Trustees
ACS Athens proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 on Friday, June 19, in the ACS Athens Theater, marking the culmination of an extraordinary year. The ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, alumni, trustees, and distinguished guests from Greece and abroad to honor the accomplishments of our graduates and their readiness to become the next generation of conscious global citizens. A live broadcast also enabled members of the worldwide ACS Athens community to participate in this meaningful milestone.
This year’s Commencement was distinguished by the presence of prominent leaders from diplomacy, government, and industry, including U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, Greece’s Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports Sofia Zacharaki, and Evangelos Mytilineos, Executive Chairman of METLEN Energy & Metals. Their participation reflected the global perspective and leadership values that define the mission of ACS Athens.
The ceremony was presided over by ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, who delivered a message centered on resilience, lifelong learning, and embracing opportunity. In her remarks to the graduates, she emphasized that “the future is not something waiting for you; the future is something waiting for you to shape it,” inspiring the Class of 2026 to move forward with purpose and confidence.
The Middle School Ceremony featured alumnae Daphne Apostolidis (Class of 2013), Brand Manager in Gastroenterology at AbbVie.
STUDENTS ACHIEVED 44 & 45 POINTS
ACS Athens proudly celebrates exceptional International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results for the 2025–26 academic year, achieving the highest average in the school’s history. With an outstanding average score of 38.03 and a 100% success rate, this year’s results reflect the strength and unity of our learning community.
Among the highlights, one student earned a perfect score of 45, and four students achieved 44 points. In addition, 37.2% of students scored 40 points or higher, while 55.9% achieved 38 points or more, placing our graduates among the top IB performers worldwide.
As Evelyn Pittas, Director of IB and AP, shared, “Excellence is never achieved alone. These remarkable IB results are the product of a community that believes in high expectations, meaningful learning, and one another.”
This year is especially meaningful as ACS Athens marks 50 years of offering the IB Diploma, having been the first school in Greece to introduce the program. Reflecting on this milestone, President Peggy Pelonis noted, “Excellence is not a destination, it is a tradition... true excellence continues to inspire generation after generation.”
With results that significantly exceed the global IB average, the Class of 2025–26 is well positioned among the world’s top academic achievers and prepared to pursue opportunities at leading universities worldwide.
The IB self study review begins this coming year. This is a review of the program by a visiting team similar to our MSA accreditation. We have begun preparing for the review.
Colloquium II 2026 of the Sustaining Excellence protocol marked a significant milestone in the growth of ACS Athens’ research culture and institutional excellence. Held on April 29–30, the event featured 86 Action and Evaluation Research projects presented in 10 presentation formats and attracted approximately 450 participants. Faculty, staff, and students shared innovative work aligned with the school’s institutional goals, demonstrating the depth of inquiry and collaboration across the community.
The growth has been remarkable. By comparison, the inaugural 2016 Colloquium included just 10 faculty-led Action Research projects. The expansion to 86 projects reflects the successful integration of research and reflective practice into every aspect of school life.
Most importantly, the Colloquium served as compelling evidence during the Middle States Association accreditation review, contributing to ACS Athens being recognized internationally as an Exemplar School. This prestigious designation affirms the school’s leadership in educational innovation, continuous improvement, and student-centered learning.
As ACS Athens moves into the next phase of the accreditation cycle—including the Self-Study process in 2026–2028 and the MSA Visiting Team review in 2028–2029—the success of Colloquium II provides a strong foundation for continued excellence.
This academic year marked significant progress in curriculum development, instructional innovation, and assessment practices across all divisions.
A major accomplishment was the redesign of the written curriculum through the development of a new Curriculum Map aligned with the PowerSchool Curriculum and Instruction module. The new format provides a comprehensive overview of course content, assessments, learning outcomes, curriculum pacing, standards, and connections to the ACS Athens Graduate Profile, Global Conscious Citizenship, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Nearly 400 curriculum maps were prepared for implementation as part of the school’s transition to PowerSchool, with artificial intelligence supporting the migration process.
Curriculum review also became more collaborative, with dedicated faculty work sessions led by Division Chairs to ensure consistency, vertical alignment, and continuous improvement across grade levels and subject areas.
Academic offerings continued to expand with the introduction of new Advanced and virtual courses, strengthening pathways to the IB Diploma Programme and supporting students in meeting both international and Greek Ministry requirements. Personalized mathematics instruction was further enhanced through MathPro, providing diagnostic assessments and individualized learning opportunities for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
To strengthen assessment practices, the Elementary School established a comprehensive Mathematics Assessment Bank, while assessment documents across all divisions were reviewed to ensure alignment with standards, consistency across course sections, and coherence throughout the curriculum.
Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate ACS Athens’ ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
The ACS Athens Virtual Program continued to expand its impact during the 2025–2026 academic year, providing flexible and personalized learning opportunities for students. A total of 242 course registrations were completed across 10 virtual courses, with nearly all enrollments from ACS Athens students. While Academy students represented the majority of participants, Middle School enrollment increased with the introduction of Virtual Algebra I.
The program significantly expanded its curriculum by introducing six new virtual courses and a specialized Vectors Module. New offerings included Algebra I, Geometry with Algebraic Topics, Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors, Digital Societies, Greek Language Fluency & Culture, Greek Language Expressions, and the Vectors Module. The Vectors Module was specifically designed to enable IB Mathematics students to meet the instructional requirements of the German Ministry of Education (KMK Agreement) for admission to German universities.
The continued growth of ACS Athens Virtual demonstrates the school’s commitment to expanding innovative, flexible, and internationally relevant learning pathways that meet the diverse academic needs of its students.
The success of ACS Athens graduates continues to validate the strength of the school’s academic and counseling programs. The Class of 2026 earned more than 401 university acceptances by May 2026, including offers from some of the most prestigious institutions worldwide. Students gained admission to universities such as Duke University, University of Chicago, Rice University, Northwestern University, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, King’s College London, Sciences Po, Università Bocconi, Brandeis University, and McGill University. Students also secured more than $1.15 million USD and £37,500 GBP in scholarships and merit awards.
These outcomes are not isolated to a single graduating class. Over the past four years, ACS Athens students have consistently earned acceptances to world-renowned institutions,
including Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and numerous Top 50 universities globally. Approximately 93–95% of graduates continue to gain admission to either their first -or second choice- institution, while university retention rates remain near 95%, demonstrating the longterm effectiveness of the ACS Athens educational experience.
Highlights
• 10 programs/majors in TOP 20 globally.
• US Scholarships and Merit Based Awards - over $1,159,200 USD and £37,500 GBP in scholarships and merit-based awards.
• NESA Scholarship Award
• 149 Unconditional offers
• 401 acceptances by May 2026
The 2025–2026 academic year marked the third year of implementation of the Advanced Learners Program (ALP), which continues to provide a structured and personalized pathway for high-achieving students. The program is guided by a three-phase framework with clearly defined eligibility criteria and a robust, data-driven process for identifying, monitoring, and supporting advanced learners.
Currently, 24 students are participating in the ALP. In addition, four students successfully completed the preparation required to advance to the next grade level in mathematics during the 2026–2027 academic year.
To further strengthen the program and ensure its continued growth, ACS Athens established a new ALP Strategist position to oversee program development, implementation, and support for advanced learners across the school.
We are pleased to share that we will be introducing a new student and parent portal this summer. As part of this update, we will be transitioning from Skyward to PowerSchool PowerSchool will provide families with an easier and more convenient way to access important information, including
grades, attendance, schedules, and more. The new platform offers a modern, user-friendly experience designed to help families stay connected with their child’s school information.
The technology team has made significant progress across multiple areas, including customizing PowerSchool SIS and migrating historical student and staff data across platforms. Curriculum mapping was refined to better align with academic standards, and the Schoology learning management system was optimized. Communication and operations were enhanced through the integration of SchoolMessenger and the connection of SoftOne accounting with the SIS. All findings from an external security audit related to Active Directory and Wi-Fi were addressed, Microsoft Configuration Manager was implemented to streamline deployments, and custom tools were developed to improve equipment checkout and supply logistics.
Infrastructure and classroom technology upgrades have also advanced significantly. In July 2025, 16 BenQ interactive panels were installed in high school classrooms, with 16 more planned for the middle school in July 2026 as part of a five-year transition to modern panels, reaching 40% of classrooms by this summer. The Administration Building conference rooms were upgraded with a 4K laser projector and a dedicated teleconferencing system. Additional improvements include the installation of 95 new workstations, 15 monitors, a new network rack, upgraded Wi-Fi through 20 new Cisco access points, 15 interactive panels in the Academy building, replacement of seven projectors, upgrades to interactive boards, and the addition of a video conferencing Owl device.
The Elementary School introduced several innovative initiatives that strengthened personalized learning, global awareness, and student engagement. The new Literacy Enhancement Program (KG–5) provided targeted instruction for advanced readers and writers, serving 61 students, with 60% demonstrating significant academic growth. In mathematics, the implementation of the MathPro diagnostic assessment enabled teachers to better identify students requiring intervention or enrichment and personalize instruction.
Students engaged in authentic, inquiry-based learning through a hydroponics science research project presented at the Athens Science Festival and through participation in the Global Hour of AI, where Grades 2–5 explored artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the ethical use of Technology.
The year concluded with memorable celebrations of student achievement, including the Grades 4–5 Music Exhibition, the Grade 5 theatrical production of Inside Out 2, swimming celebrations, and other community events that showcased student creativity, confidence, and growth. Together, these initiatives reflect the Elementary School’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, inclusion, and preparing students to thrive as globally conscious citizens.
For the third consecutive year, ACS Athens hosted Middle School Engineers Week, connecting mathematics to real-world careers through presentations by six engineers, including parents from the ACS Athens community. The event was further enriched by High School students, who showcased innovative projects developed in collaboration with the ACS Athens Institute. The initiative successfully promoted student curiosity, highlighted the practical applications of mathematics, and strengthened engagement through school website and social media outreach.
• Videocast Student Club has produced 12 hourly episodes with leaders from the Greek and international entrepreneurs community - Beyond Success video podcast
• Latest AI video tools adoption complimenting existing academic courses (Science, Languages, etc) explaining difficult topics by adding functionality, creativity and advanced digital storytelling
• Started a one-story-per-student project in Elementary School, recording and producing book reviews on camera in the ES mini green studio
• Produced over 20 faculty, student and staff presentations for the 2026 Colloquium. Documentation of the two-day event with the participation of more than 20 Academy and Middle School student volunteers
Innovation continues to be a defining institutional strength and strategic differentiator for ACS Athens. The school has established itself as a leader in future-focused learning through initiatives that integrate technology, research, entrepreneurship, and responsible artificial intelligence across divisions.
The Responsible AI Learning (RAIL) initiative continues to position ACS Athens at the forefront of AI education by developing age-appropriate AI literacy, ethical use frameworks, and meaningful applications of artificial intelligence for deeper learning. Elementary students now participate in the Global Hour of AI, while faculty and students engage in ongoing exploration of responsible AI practices throughout the curriculum.
Innovation is further reflected through the Innovation lab and Incubator programs. The 9th Annual Innovation Summit brought together students from multiple international schools to engage in design thinking, entrepreneurship, and collaborative problemsolving. Students earned university credit through research partnerships, participated in international digital fabrication summits, completed advanced research projects with university mentors, and engaged in experiential learning opportunities that extend far beyond traditional classroom instruction, through the Blue Frontiers program and the LEO Odyssey program.
Five ACS Athens student research projects received university credit. Students attended the leadership course at Widener University and continued working on individual projects which led to them receiving three university credits with an earned ‘A’. These were 9th and 10th grade students and their Research Project was titled Manifesto & Engineering Reflection.
ACS Athens Incubator students took part in the Hisar School Fablab in Turkey and presented workshops at the Digital Fabrication Summit. There were 10 ACS Athens Incubator student presenters with two ACS Athens Chaperones. This is a collaborative, peer-led event that emphasizes shared production, design thinking, collaboration, critical thinking & peer-based learning.
During the 2025–2026 academic year, ACS Athens continued to promote mathematical excellence through a variety of international competitions and enrichment opportunities. Students participated in the Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) for Grades 4–8, the Kangaroo Mathematics Competition for Grades 1–12, and MathCounts, with participants selected through a qualification process for the training team.
In addition, students engaged in the Math Circles enrichment program and other mathematics-related initiatives designed to strengthen problem-solving skills, foster mathematical thinking, and encourage participation in challenging academic experiences. Student participation across these programs continued to reflect a strong interest in mathematics and a commitment to academic excellence.
ACS Athens continued to expand opportunities for students to engage in authentic research and experiential learning through partnerships with professionals and higher education institutions. During the 2025–2026 academic year, five students collaborated with a practicing medical doctor to conduct research on healthcare quality, while one student contributed to a medical research paper under the mentorship of a Professor of Biochemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) Medical School. These experiences provide students with meaningful exposure to universitylevel research, professional mentorship, and realworld applications of their academic interests.
Students also secured internship placements through strategic partnerships, including:
• 2 students participating in summer internships at Hygeia Hospital.
• Partnership with Eurobank resulting in
• One internship in Human Resources
• One internship in Investment Banking
• 5 students working with Prolipsis organization for volunteering opportunities
Through the partnership with Dukes Plus, students participated in the Mooting program (14 students involved due to capacity of the cohort), a one-month legal studies and mock trial experience.
The newly revamped ACS Athens e-shop is now live, offering a refreshed collection of community merchandise. The platform features organic, eco-friendly products from the ACS Athens Collection, the Lancers line, and house spirit apparel in a range of colors, along with items designed for parents and everyday essentials for the wider ACS Athens community.
A new display was placed in the Learning Commons entrance (partly funded by the PTO).
The Aerial Drone Competition (ADC) engages students in applied STEM by exploring autonomous flight systems and their real-world applications, including emergency response, environmental monitoring, agriculture, logistics, and media production. Through coding, piloting, and problemsolving, students develop skills in engineering, programming, and systems thinking while working on complex, mission-based challenges.
In its first year of participation as ACS Lancers, the team competed in an international field including schools from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, and Lithuania. Students successfully designed and executed autonomous drone missions and were awarded the Coding Award in recognition of the quality and creativity of their programming during autonomous flight operations.
This achievement reflects strong interdisciplinary collaboration and marks an excellent debut performance at an international level.
Addressing complex environmental challenges requires more than technological innovation; it requires a shift in mindset through education. At ACS Athens, we ignite interdisciplinary, systems-based learning that connects classroom knowledge with real-world application. Students are encouraged to see sustainability not as a standalone discipline, but as an integrated dimension across fields such as science, business, engineering, policy, and entrepreneurship.
In this context, Greece provides a unique setting for exploring the green and blue economy, given its maritime heritage
and global leadership in shipping and marine activity. Building on this vision, the Blue Frontiers program was initiated as a three-phase summer experience: a foundational bootcamp at ACS Athens focused on sustainability and systems thinking; immersive fieldwork in Samos in partnership with the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation; and, in future expansion, a collaboration with Roger Williams University to engage students in Atlantic marine ecosystems and university-level research.
This program has been supported with an ongoing 10 year donation for students to attend, by the Propeller Club, under the leadership of Costis Frangoulis.
ACS Athens will host Harvard WorldMUN from November 27 - 29, 2026, marking a significant international academic collaboration and global engagement opportunity for students. In collaboration with Harvard WorldMUN, students from around the world will gather at ACS Athens to engage in diplomacy, global dialogue, leadership, and meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
The L.E.O. (Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Opportunity) Odyssey is a strategic partnership between The Leonidas FoundationTM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and ACS Athens. The initiative strengthens the established ACS Athens Open framework by providing a structured experiential bridge to the United States, supporting students in developing leadership skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and college and career readiness through applied, realworld learning. It reflects a shared commitment to character development, opportunity creation through mentorship and networks, and the cultivation of an entrepreneurial mindset in which students learn to think and act like founders while addressing authentic challenges.
The programme culminates in an immersive U.S.-based experience where students engage directly with the innovation ecosystem through professional networking, workshops, and applied learning opportunities. Participants work with Entrepreneurship at George Washington University to further develop their ideas and leadership capabilities. Through ACS Athens Open, students progress from ideation to implementation, bringing their concepts to life while building practical experience in entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and innovation.
ACS Athens has successfully introduced and piloted the Upcycling with 3D Design masterclass for Grade 5 students. The program integrates creativity, sustainability, design thinking, and introductory engineering through hands-on projects in which students repurposed everyday materials into functional prototypes, developing skills in 3D design, mechanical engineering, and core design principles.
Students demonstrated high engagement and enthusiasm, producing working models including lamps and other original creations. Due to the program’s strong success and the need for extended project time, the initiative will expand next year into an afterschool program for Middle School students.
1. ISAA ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Varsity Girls Basketball: Back-to-Back Champions
Varsity Girls Swimming: Champions
JV Boys Swimming: 2nd place
The Boys Varsity Tennis team took 1st place in the ISAA tournament that was hosted in Athens
The Girls Varsity Tennis teams took 1st place in the ISAA tournament that was hosted in Athens.
The Varsity and JV track teams won the 1st place Overall trophy in the ISAA competition that took place in England.
2. EASTER SWISH BASKETBALL CAMP
An innovative basketball camp combining technical development with modern training methods, including the use of the Dr. Dish shooting machine, targeted fitness sessions, and a unique aquatic component.
3. STUDENT- ATHLETE SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Nefeli Venetsanou: 1st place in 400m Freestyle event in the Panhellenic School Games; qualified for the World School Competition in the fall
Georgios Stergiopoulos: 1st place in the Discus Throw in the Panhellenic School Games
Elli Gerontikou: Will attend Brandeis and will play tennis
Antonis Malavazos: Will attend Dickinson College and will play tennis
During the 2025–2026 academic year, ACS Athens strengthened its comprehensive wellness program by adopting the International School Counseling Association (ISCA) Standards and expanding social-emotional learning across all divisions. Key initiatives included mindfulness training for teachers and students through an EU-funded partnership with OneBreath; enhanced parent education through the EmpowerEd Parents program; expanded mental health referral networks; and targeted counseling programs addressing stress management, substance use awareness, puberty, digital well-being, global citizenship, and healthy relationships. These initiatives reinforce the school’s commitment to fostering the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every student.
There has been much to celebrate this year at ACS Athens. As we look ahead, we are reflecting on how we can continue to provide an exceptional educational experience and ensure that ACS Athens remains at the forefront of international education. Like many leading independent schools around the world, we are exploring the role that donations from our community can play alongside tuition income in supporting our ambitions for the future, including strengthening programs, learning environments, and opportunities for students.
In the coming academic year, we will begin a process of listening and consultation with our community to better understand our shared aspirations and priorities. Working with CCS Fundraising, a consultancy experienced in supporting international schools, we will gather perspectives from staff, parents, alumni, and friends. I hope you will participate in this important process, and we will share more information about how to do so in September.
• Mar. 5, 2026 – Career Day on the Maritime Industry brought together 20 distinguished professionals and leaders who introduced the maritime sector to more than 400 students in Grades 8–12.
• Individual on-campus meetings with more than 15 families (new and existing) introducing Advancement initiatives and inviting their support and engagement
• Establishing new and consolidating existing fundraising funds: Legacy and Heritage
• Jun 20, 2026 – All Class Reunion at Halandri Tennis Club
• Started the first ACS Athens signature items - a jewelry collection
ACS Athens continues to advance key facility improvements in support of safety, sustainability, and long-term growth. Recent upgrades include modifications to the natural gas network to support newly renovated high school science labs, enhanced ventilation in the chemical storage room, and the installation of a new e-Shop display showcasing the ACS Athens Collection. The school also secured the adjacent 2,000 m2 Elementary School playground lot—previously leased—ensuring critical space for future expansion, student use, and operational needs.
Major capital projects are progressing steadily, including the completion of solar panel installation (pending final activation), installation of a gas line anti-seismic valve, and preparation work for structural reinforcements, the Sabbagh Library mezzanine, fire safety enhancements, and pool dehumidification systems. Additional infrastructure updates include pipeline modifications, fire protection system preparations, and ongoing coordination with contractors. Notably, all capital spending for 2025–26 remains within budget, reflecting careful planning and execution.
The Leadership Thread is a video-podcast series hosted by Dr. Peggy Pelonis that explores how influential leaders are shaped from the inside out. Rather than focusing solely on titles or achievements, the show delves into the early experiences, challenges, values, and personal stories that quietly form each guest’s approach to leadership. By tracing these formative influences, often rooted in childhood, the series reveals not just how leaders succeed, but why they lead the way they do, offering listeners insight into resilience, purpose, character, and the human side of leadership. Guests during this series have included Greg Kinnear, actor; Dora Vardis, Moon-cyber-paypal founder; David Michaels, Strategic Solutions-former president of the Foreign Press Assoc.; Adela Gondek, faculty at Columbia University Climate School; Dimitri Hatzigeorgiou, entrepreneur, business executive; Elena Panaritis, economist, consultant to the Prime Minister of Greece, Thought4Action; Janice Mueller Crampton, CAEP, AEMP Executive Director/CEO at AISAP (Association of Independent School Admission Professionals); John Catsimatidis, owner, president, chairman, and CEO of grocery chains Gristedes and D’Agostino Supermarkets in Manhattan; Maria Loi, chef, TV personality; Ioanna Vitta, maritime attorney; Sura Mallouh, film producer/ director; and Telly Hatzigeorgiou, entrepreneur.
Northern Irish Society workshop (May 16-17, 2026). Dr. Pelonis delivered a workshop on Coping with Change during Chaotic Times. For the Northern Psychological Irish Society.
Dialogue with the President. Twice each year, specifically once in the fall and again in the spring, our school hosts a Dialogue with the President, offering parents and guardians the opportunity to engage directly with the School President in an open, face-to-face setting. These conversations provide a meaningful forum to share updates on key initiatives, exchange ideas, and discuss topics that matter most to our community. Most importantly, the Dialogue fosters open communication, transparency, and a strong partnership between families and the school— always with the shared goal of supporting the best possible educational experience for our students.
Anadeixe to: Dr. Pelonis engaged with Anna Nikolalidi in a vidcast interview regarding teen violence and discussed approaches and solutions in April 2026.
Συζητώντας
(Discussions on Child and Teenage Violence), a book in which Dr. Pelonis wrote the chapter:
(Why Teens Choose Violence; a holistic approach). Proti Ili publishers. January 2026.
