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30th Anniversary
Celebration a Rousing Success! Photos Available in Malista Photo Gallery Authors Eleni Gage, North of Ithaka and Nicholas Gage, Eleni and A Place for Us, were guest speakers on October 14, 2006, at the District #10 Educational Foundation 30th Anniversary Celebration. The event was held at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 36375 Joy Road, Westland, MI 48185. The Gages shared with the audience their experiences as expatriates and their passion to preserve their ethnic heritage and family memories. Although Mr. Gage was unable to attend he submitted a video CD that was presented at the event. Ms. Gage highlighted her recent contribution to the family saga, North of Ithaka. Her spirited narrative recounted her efforts to reconstruct the family home in Lia, Epiros, Greece in 2001-2002. Her descriptions of village life, and her sentiments regarding family and home, mirror feelings shared by so many second generation Greek-Americans. "…The generation that emigrates often adapts to and adores its new home. Their children are the ones who have the luxury and the burden of considering their identity, whether they belong to the country they were born in or the family's homeland." The Gages articulately and clearly capture through their stories, a history that many Hellenes can identify with from 1946-1949, Civil War Period, and through to Eleni's final confrontation with the past in 2002. Guests attending the event had the opportunity to purchase autographed books and meet the author up close and personal. Festivities were opened by Foundation Board Chair, Georgia Sekles, who warmly welcomed guests and thanked them for their continued support through out the history of the foundation. She then introduced the evening's toastmaster, Lt. Governor, Peter Tecos, a benediction by Father James Stathakios, was offered for the continued efforts on the part of the foundation and its efforts to establish a college level fund. Following Dinner, Mr. Tecos presented an informative presentation highlighting the history and the success of the foundation since inception. He advised that the Order of AHEPA District #10 Educational Foundation of Michigan is a 501(c)3 organization committed to assisting Hellenic youth in the State of Michigan with meeting their educational financial needs. During the past 30 years, the foundation has awarded 346 scholarships to qualified graduating High School Seniors on an annual basis. Each recipient has received with a certificate of achievement; a monetary award of not less than $700 and not more than $2,000 based on merit and need. A total of $273,400.00 has been distributed to qualifying candidates. He then introduced Dr. Louis Economou, Vice Chairman, who welcomed guest speaker, Eleni Gage. Following inspiring remarks by the keynote speaker, past scholarship recipient Anna Routsis Craprotta, Prosecuting Attorney Macomb County, addressed the group. Her words of gratitude and support for the foundation were inspiring and uplifting. She encouraged generous support of the foundation and highlighted its impact on Hellenic Youth in the metropolitan area. Also on hand to represent past scholarship recipients was Dr. Steven Kalkanis, Neurosurgeon/Senior Researcher, Hermelin Brain Tumor Center, Henry Ford Hospital. Dr. Kalkanis elaborated on the financial needs necessary to attain scholastic excellence. His remarks further captured the contribution made by the foundation and asserted its impact on the lives of those it had endowed. His words were dramatic and inspired the entire audience to continue to support the foundation's efforts. Mr. Milton Gust, Executive Secretary then invited all past recipients to step forward and participate in a moving candle lighting ceremony commemorating scholastic excellence. Scholarship recipients in attendance who signed the guest book included: 1981 - George Ioannidis, 1983 - Eric Cholack, 1983 - Christina Kallos Przeslawski, 1985 - Marlo Bakris George, 1988 - Pericles Syropoulos, 1989 - Steven Kalkanis, 1989 - Anna Routsis Crapratta, 1991 - Jennifer Gust Borchardt, 1991 - Maria Papathanasopoulos Luhring, 1995 - Stavroula Skoutelas Erfourth, 1998 - Demetra Spounias, 2000 - Tina Metropoulos, 2000 - Nicholas Spounias, 2001 - Deno Bistolaridis, 2002 - Andrew Spounias, 2004 - Lena Mortis, 2004 - Eleni Roumanis and 2006 - Christina Vallianatos. Special Thanks to Scholarship Recipient Locate Chairs, George and Barbara Tecos, who contacted each and every recipient to prepare program materials.
Donors are still welcome to contribute. Hellenic Grand Benefactor, $25,000 (Named Scholarship) Pillar of Education, $15,000 (Named Scholarship) Scholarship Archon, $10,000 (Named Scholarship) Underwriter, $5,000, Millennium Donor, $1,000, Periclean Sponsor, $250 and Patron, $50. You do not have to be a member of the AHEPA Family to contribute to the Fund. Anyone interested in making an impact and leaving a lasting legacy to future generations should consider a generous donation. The foundation wishes to thank 30th Anniversary Committee members for their contribution to the evening's event; James Barr, Dr. Steven Demos, Kalliope Duncan, Dr. Louis Economou, Beth Gregory, Irene Gust, Milton Gust, George Kallos, Elena Kerasiotis, Penelopi Khorraminia, Dr. Costas Kleanthous, Tony Manolias, Dean Roopas, Georgia Sekles, Chris Spounias, Dr. Mike Syropoulos, Barbara and George Tecos, Peter Tecos, and Yianna Tsipis. In addition, the
committee would to offer its sincere thanks to those who attended and
its generous donors. Malista! |
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