US Participants
Alex Pavlakis
I am a second year law student at Valparaiso University, and I did my undergrad at Indiana University in Bloomington. I live in northwest Indiana less than an hour from Chicago. I enjoy just about any sport, especially soccer. I like going out, trying new things, and being adventurous. I am very easy to get along with and have dreamed of going to Greece my entire life. This will be my first time there, but definitely not my last. I’m excited to meet everyone and explore Greece with new friends
Alexandra Kostes
Hi, my name is Alexandra but I go by Alex. I am 22 and from small Delaware. I am currently finishing up my senior year at Penn State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I plan on continuing my education and getting my Masters in Public Health where I will specialize in Epidemiology. I am Greek from my mom’s side of the family. My Pappou was a priest in the church so I endured many Greek school lessons. I’m excited for this opportunity to go to Greece and meet new people!
Alexandra Pallad (Elios Charitable Foundation Scholar)
Hello! My name is Alexandra Pallad. I am 18 years old and have spent my whole life in Arizona. I am currently finishing up my freshman year, studying Music Education at Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University. My primary instrument is French horn, but I also play piano and have a major interest in composition. My Greek background comes from my dad’s side of the family. My dad is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Haralambos church in Peoria, Arizona. Growing up as the daughter of a priest, church has always been an important part of my life. I have never been to Greece before and I can’t wait to see what opportunities are waiting for me on this trip!
Alexandra Prodromos
My name is Alexandra (Lexy) Prodromos. I am from Winnetka Illinois, a Chicago suburb, and graduated from New Trier High School. I am a third year political science major at Pepperdine University and am also obtaining a certificate in Conflict Management from Pepperdine Law School’s Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution. I have studied classical voice since childhood and was offered a voice scholarship by Pepperdine. My sister Stephany and I have sung pop/classical music professionally for many years and have been featured on NBC, FOX and WGN TV and by Perez Hilton, and have sung the national anthem for Chicago White Sox baseball and elsewhere. I was a nationally ranked high school tennis player and am captain and number one singles player for Pepperdine’s USTA club tennis team, which this year qualified for the national championships in Cary, North Carolina, beating Yale before eventually losing to U. Va. I was recently hired by the Malibu Racquet club as a tennis hitter. I sing in the choir of the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in LA, and was a founding member of Pepperdine’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) club.
Alexi Nikolopoulos
My name is Alexi Nikolopoulos and I am a rising sophomore majoring in Political Science at Boston College. I am from Stamford, Connecticut and my hobbies include playing volleyball, going to the beach, reading, watching movies, and eating ice cream. I am so proud of my Greek heritage. I served as GOYA president for my church during high school and I am currently the secretary of Boston College’s Hellenic Society. My grandparents are from Sparti and I cannot wait to expand my Greek language skills so I can converse with my cousins who live there. Growing up, I have always thought of my Greek friends as family so I am beyond excited to expand that family this summer in my favorite place in the world!
Anastasia Adams
Hi, my name is Anastasia Adams. I am a sophomore Supply Chain Management major, Modern Greek Minor who will be attending the University of Maryland next Fall. I am interested in current events, traveling, working with non- profit organizations and international politics.
Andrea Lewis
My name is Andrea Lewis and I am currently a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Educational Psychology program with an emphasis on Community Counseling. Upon attainment of my Master’s degree in May of 2016, I plan to work with underprivileged youth and offer them hope for the future. I very much identify with my Greek roots, along with being involved in my
Orthodox faith. This will be my first trip to Greece and I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratefulness for this experience!
Anthony Argires
My name is Anthony Argires. I grew up in Palos Hills, IL in the south suburbs of Chicago. Next month I will be graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Outside of class I have been involved with entrepreneurship groups and intramural sports. To stay busy I also work
part time on campus at a local restaurant. The program will be my first time travelling to Greece. Looking forward to the trip and getting to know everyone!
Anthony Karigan
Being raised in a family with two fully Greek parents has allowed me to benefit in a variety of ways. Although they were both born in Canada, my brother and I were born in Dallas, Texas. This is where I was initially exposed to Greek culture, serving as an altar boy at the church where I was baptized. My family and I attended various events and festivals, which accelerated my interest in further exploring my heritage. After spending my childhood in Plano, Texas, I decided to pursue higher education at the same institution that my parents graduated from in Canada. I applied to the business school affiliated with this institution after studying Psychology for the first two years of university, and was thankfully accepted. Upon completion of my first year of business school in April, I have decided to pursue a career in the finance industry. I am also planning to finish my psychology degree after graduating from my business program next April. The Heritage Greece program will be transformational in shaping my personal character and connection with my Greek ancestry.
Antigone Delton
My name is Antigone Delton and I’m from Saint Paul, Minnesota. I’m a rising sophomore at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York studying art history with potential minors in French and English. I play viola in my school’s orchestra and chamber music program, and I’m involved with the campus newspaper, a student-run dance group, and the outdoors club. At home, I’m part of my local Greek Orthodox church’s choir and a member of the Greek Dancers of Minnesota, a Greek folk dance troupe that performs around the Midwest. I’ve had a couple years of Greek school and some Greek lessons when I was young, but I’m determined to brush up on my language skills and someday be able to speak with my Yia Yia and other family who live in Greece. Another thing I’m super excited about is the opportunity to experience Ancient Greek art and architecture in person through a new perspective as an art history major. I’m beyond thrilled to be participating in Heritage Greece and I can’t wait to further explore my Greek identity!
Cassia Watts
I am a student at Columbia College Chicago majoring in advertising art direction, and minoring in journalism. I am originally from Michigan, but have lived in Chicago for almost 3 years now. Although I study advertising, I work in marketing.
I have always wanted to visit Greece, and promised myself that one day I would go. I am extremely excited for this opportunity to not only visit Greece, but to experience it with other people from Greece to get an authentic visit.
Christina Hartley
Christina Hartley is 22 years old and is graduating from Ranken Technical College, where she is majoring in Carpentry and Building Construction Technology, a choice she made after participating in Project Mexico with other Goyans from her community. She is very proud of her Greek heritage from her mother’s side of the family. Her ancestry is from Paleo Faliro, one of the southern suburbs of Athens by the sea, where her mother was raised. Christina, along with her family, has been a very active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis, Missouri. She has an older brother, Jonathan, an older sister, Despina, and her father hails from Florida. Her hobbies are building things for friends, fishing, and doing outdoor activities. Her talents include music, theater and dancing. Christina has been to Greece twice, once as a toddler and later in grade school. She is excited to have been given the opportunity to participate in Heritage Greece and looks forward to learning more about the country of her ancestors.
Christina La Fleur
I have been studying international relations and political science at Boston University for the past three years. My focus has been in international political economy and Latin America. I hope to someday work in foreign policy.
I’m from a Chicago suburb, and my family is spread around the Chicagoland area. I, like so many other Greek Americans, went to Greek school at my family’s church for years, but I never learned how to speak Greek well. I haven’t been to Greece, and this summer will also be my first time outside of the United States.
I love traveling in the United States, and expect to love going abroad even more. Aside from road trips and visits to friends all over the US map, I love reading and writing.
Constantina Konugres (Elios Charitable Foundation Scholar)
Hey there! I’m Constantina and I am a junior at the University of Southern California studying Public Relations and Cinematic Arts. My family is from Patras and Tripoli, and I am also a third Lebanese. When I’m not at school, my home is Mission Viejo, California, but I dream of living in Los Angeles or New York to pursue a career in film producing. I’ve been Greek dancing for over eight years and take great pride in my Greek cooking (and food consuming) skills. This past semester, I have been studying in London and traveled to 18 different countries in Europe and Asia during my abroad experience. Despite the incredible experiences I have had in the past 5 months, Greece is still my favorite place in the entire world and I am incredibly enamored by my culture. I can’t wait to learn more about it through the Heritage Greece program this summer!
David Keyser
Hey everyone, my name is David and I am from Scottsdale, Arizona. I am currently a freshman double majoring in Accounting and Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University. This past year I joined many on-campus organizations, such as the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and Financial Management Association. I am also an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Phoenix, Arizona. I used to compete every year at the annual Folk Dance Festival in Anaheim, California, where my group competed against other west coast dance groups. I am pumped to meet all of the incoming Heritage Greece students and make lifelong memories with them this summer.
Demi Kouvaris
My name is Demi and I’m currently a Freshman at Penn State University! I was born and raised in Long Island, New York and grew up surrounded by Greek culture. I love adventures and new experiences, basically anything having to do with the outdoors. Here at Penn State I actively participate in a charity called THON which is the largest student run philanthropy in the world. We fundraise year-long and raise money to help families who have children with pediatric cancer and to find a cure. I speak a bit of Greek, but certainly not fluently- and I do love a little Greek dancing here and then J. I have a passion for traveling and exploring new places when given the opportunity. I can’t wait for this experience!
Dimitria Yeannakopoulos
My name is Dimitria Yeannakopoulos, or Demi for short, and I am from Lynn, Massachusetts. I am a rising junior, majoring in accounting at Bentley University in Waltham Massachusetts.
Dimitrios Roumeliotis
Dimitrios is a senior at Georgetown University majoring in Finance and International Business and minoring in Modern Greek. After graduation, Dimitrios will join Deutsche Bank as a Global Transaction Banking analyst. His prior work experience includes internships at the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Royal Bank of Canada and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, among others. Dimitrios is an Eagle Scout, and for his Eagle
Scout project he installed a 36-foot long fence at the St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Andover, MA. During his time at Georgetown University, Dimitrios was a Georgetown Division I Heavyweight rower, participated in the Georgetown Emerging Leaders Program, and was a founding member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Georgetown. He also represented Georgetown University in the McDonough Hilltop Strategy Business Challenge and received an honorable mention in a competitive field of 20 teams from elite universities across the U.S and around the world. Dimitrios is from Andover, MA and will be moving to New York City after graduation. In his free time, Dimitrios enjoys sailing, reading the Classics and Greek cooking.
Elena Michaelides
Hey there! My name is Elena Michaelides and I am 19 years old from Weston, Florida. I will be a sophomore next year at Boston College, and I am studying Communication. I can’t speak Greek but I have always wanted to learn and visit Greece. At BC, I am a member of the Hellenic Society, in the Women’s Mentor/Mentee Program, Intramural soccer, and I was part of the symphonic band last semester. I love to play soccer/workout, eat ice cream, and just hangout!
Eoanna Ragias
Eoanna Argirios Ragias was born on October 7th, 1995 in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio as the last child of three. Her father’s family emigrated from Peloponnese, Greece to a small suburb of Columbus, Ohio in the United States prior to his birth. Her mother is from Agios Andreas, Evrytania, Greece and immigrated to the United States residing in
Columbus, Ohio when she was 14 years old. Eoanna’s aspiration has been to become a fashion designer since she was five years old. She is currently completing her first year at Kent State University majoring in Fashion Design and minoring in Entrepreneurship. Her dream after college is to establish her own swimsuit company. Eoanna loves to draw, design, spend time with family and friends, and participate in Greek events. She was an active member of GOYA from 7th-12th grade and participated in the basketball tournaments. At annual Greek Festivals hosted by her church, she performs Greek Dances on behalf of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral ZOEE dance group in Columbus, Ohio.
She is more than excited and thankful to embark on her first journey to Greece with her peers as a part of the Heritage Greece program.
Erich Eisenhart
Please call me Erich Eisenhart. As a senior studying Earth, Society and Environmental Sustainability, I feel drawn towards finding systemic solutions to pervasive ecological issues. My passions include agroforestry, dance, plant medicine, surfing and the sun. I love to write and convey meaning with clever rhetorical rhythms. Above all, however, I look forward most to traveling in my lifetime. Travel opens one up, and allows for wonderful cross-pollination of culture to occur. With a global mindset, respect for diverse cultures and a common vision, I believe humanity can create an idyllic planet. My roots sit deep in Europe, and particularly Greece. I cherish my heritage and the culture it puts forth. With strong roots in the ground, I hope to take in and disperse all that I learn in my travels to create a healthier, safer and more compassionate world. We can create the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
Evan Skandalis (American Hellenic Council Scholar)
Evan Skandalis is an undergrad student at the Evergreen State College in Olympia,Washington. Originally from Seattle, his academic areas of focus include ecology, outdoor education and architectural design. He has served as part of the poetry, outdoor recreation and shellfish clubs as well as being named the “Outdoorsman of the Year 2012-2013”.
During summer breaks he has worked on a small cruise ship in Southeast Alaska, cooked in a bar, learned carpentry and extensively explored the greater Pacific Northwest by any means possible. He hopes to one day design and build his own space and energy efficient home as well as hike throughout Europe and the U.S. Evan is excited for the opportunity to meet more of his fellow Greek Americans and to finally be around people who might, just might, pronounce his name correctly.
Evyania Tsarnas
Hi! My name is Evyania Tsarnas and I will be a junior next year at Indiana University Bloomington where I’m majoring in Informatics with a minor in Computer Science. Next fall I look forward to being an intern for a program called Teach IT at my university. I have been studying Modern Greek this past year and I am extremely eager to test out my language skills while in Greece! I also can’t wait to learn to Greek dance and try the delicious Greek cuisine! I love to travel and I am beyond excited and thankful to embark on this adventure!
Gabriella Christy
Hello! My name is Gabriella Christy. I am extremely excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity! I was born in Chicago, IL, raised in Memphis, TN, and now have been living in Raleigh, NC since 2011. I have an older sister in Dubai and a twin brother back at home who cannot wait to hear of my experience as well as
my excited parents. I am an upcoming senior at North Carolina State University, with a major in Psychology. I hope to have my own office one day and provide counseling for children, adolescents, and families. I enjoy Greek dancing so much that I have been dancing since I was eight and I am currently in the Adult Greek Dance troupe in Raleigh. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, my dog, and mentoring at the YMCA. Everybody always remembers me as Gabby the Greek, now I can’t wait to see Greece and be immersed in the culture!
George Galanis (American Hellenic Council Scholar)
I have just completed my first year at the University of Redlands in Southern California. I am studying Political Science and hope to become a lobbyist upon graduation. I play on my on my college golf team. I was born in Iowa and raised in the north shore of Chicago. I studied my first two years of high school in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I am a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
My Grandfather immigrated to Canada and then to the U.S. from Greece in the 1960’s. He moved back to Greece in 1995 and currently resides outside Athens. I have one older sister and one younger sister. My hobbies include, traveling, golf, and spending time with family and friends.
George Skelos
I am so excited and honored to become apart of the national Hellenic family. This trip will give me the opportunity to meet with complete strangers that will beapart of my life forever. I cannot wait to embark on this journey, and see all that Greece has to offer!
Haroula Tzamaras
Haroula Tzamaras is a freshman mechanical engineering major at the University of Maryland, and is excited about learning more about her Greek roots. Haroula loves sports and runs and plays racquetball in her free time at UMD. She is also a member of UMD’s fencing team. Haroula is the middle of three siblings. She has an older sister and a younger brother. In addition, Haroula is a Quest Honors Scholar and a member of the University Honors program and the Flexus program for female engineers at UMD. She is a sister of the Alpha Omega Epsilon engineering sorority and is active in Women in Engineering as a member of the student advisory board and the Society of Women Engineers as outreach chair on the executive board. Haroula is a team player who understands what it takes to succeed in diverse groups and group projects. Her favorite animal is the manatee and she also has a love for hedgehogs and motivational quotes. Haroula is excited to be attending Heritage Greece 2015, and is looking forward to forging new and long-lasting friendships within the Greek community.
Jackie Gallis
I am interest meeting different people from the U.S. but also Greece that have the same background as me. This experience will be once in a lifetime and will be unforgettable for me. This will give me new friends and friends I am able to relate with. Spending my summer in beautiful and warm islands of Greece is a dream come true. My family and I decided on spending most of our funds on a Bigten University and I would have never thought of being able to travel to international country. Hearing from past members that traveled on this trip, I am excited for the sightseeing and interaction with Greek culture.
James Theofilos
Hi, my name is James Theofilos. I come from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I am currently attending Washington University in St. Louis while playing football. I am a second generation Greek and am also 100% Greek. I am excited to get to Greece and learn the roots and culture of my heritage that I didn’t experience at home. I am also very excited to learn the language as I feel like it would be vital if I want to get in touch with my traditional Greek side.
Jeremy Sneed
My grandfather was a Greek immigrant and all I have ever wanted was to visit his homeland and study the culture and history of Greece. I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and I will enjoy every second of it to the fullest.
John Banas
My name is John, and I am from Scranton, Pennsylvania. I am a rising junior at Georgetown University, majoring in Accounting and Finance and minoring in Modern Greek. My maternal grandparents were born in Greece, and I have relatives from Katerini and Levidi. I grew up as an active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where I first developed an interest for the Greek language, history, and culture. Currently, I am the newly elected president of Georgetown’s Hellenic Association and a member of our traditional Greek dance troupe, “Dynami,” which has performed at events throughout the D.C. area and even at the Greek Embassy. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano and guitar, working at my family’s doughnut shop, and hiking with my three dogs. I am looking forward to learning so much more about Greece and meeting other enthusiastic Greek students through this wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in Greek culture!
John Teehan
Hello my name is John Teehan, I am a third generation of Greek and Irish descent. I was born in Salem, Massachusetts and was raised in Peabody my entire life. I am twenty years old and the oldest of four children. I have two younger brothers, Billy and Christian and a younger sister, Nina, as well. I am currently a Sophomore at Boston College. Although my major is undeclared at the moment, I am hoping to pursue a business major in the near future. Basketball has always been a passion of mine. I like hanging out with friends, meeting new people, learning and experiencing my Greek culture.
Jordan Mavrakos
Jordan Eva Mavrakos is a rising Junior in Finance in the College of Business at Auburn University. She is a teacher’s assistant and RA at her school, while also working as one of the Student Recruiters for Auburn. Jordan Eva is from Tarpon Springs, Florida and is half Greek! This is the first time that Jordan Eva is visiting Greece. She is most excited to see the Parthenon, and to immerse herself in her family’s culture!
Julia Brockett
I’m Julia Brockett, and I’ m going to be a Junior at the University of Rhode Island! I am a Communicative Disorders major, which is also known as speech therapy. I’m from Southbury, Connecticut. At my school, I am in the URI Dance Company and Habitat for Humanity. I’m so excited to visit Greece and see where my roots are. This will only be my second time going since I was five, so I’m definitely looking forward to it!
Juliana Barounis
My name is Juliana Barounis, I am 18 years old and from Westwood, Massachusetts. I will be a sophomore at Villanova University. I am still undeclared, but I am considering major in Biology and minoring in Spanish and Economics. I chose to apply to the Heritage Greece Program because I am passionate about my background and look forward to this great opportunity.
Kathryn Stefos
I am originally from Massachusetts, but moved to DC in 2011 to study Neurobiology at Georgetown University. I graduated in May and plan to take a year off before hopefully attending medical school. Georgetown has a robust Greek community, so I was an active member of our OCF, Hellenic Association, and Greek Dance team.
Marissa Morrow
Hi, my name is Marissa Morrow and I’m from Detroit, Michigan. I’m currently a sophomore at Tulane University in New Orleans and I’m studying Public Health and French. Outside of class, I am a member of the national service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and I also work at a French immersion school in the New Orleans area. I love to travel, eat, and I am always down for an adventure. I cannot wait to go to Greece and to meet other Greek-American students from around the country!
Mark Thurner
My name is Mark Thurner; I am a rising junior at Skidmore College in NY from Belmont, Massachusetts. I’m most passionate about performing. I love acting, singing, playing, and everything in between since I was 5 years old. My mother is Greek Cypriot and I’m very excited to start getting more in touch with this fascinating half of my heritage that I’ve had so little connection with in the past. I can’t wait to see what Greece has in store, and the amazing memories that I’m sure will fulfill me for years to come.
Mary Begakis (American Hellenic Council Scholar)
My name is Mary Begakis. I grew up in Los Angeles, California. I am currently a double major in Business Management and Spanish at the University of Arizona in Tucson. I have one year of college left and then plan to continue school in hopes of getting my MBA. My Greek culture has always been important to me. I have Greek danced for 15 years, played GOYA basketball since I was 9, and attended St. Sophia camp for the last 16 years. One of my favorite pastimes is cooking and baking. My dad owns a restaurant and catering business and I love learning from him. I am so excited to go on this trip so I can expand my knowledge of my culture and meet other students who share my heritage.
Mason Chreene
My name is Mason Chreene, from Plano, Texas. I am a marketing and accounting double major at Texas Christian University. I first heard about Heritage Greece from my cousin who participated in it during the summer of 2014. My favorite part about his stories from Greece, was the part where he said, “and we ate like kings”. Being a food connoisseur myself, I like to cook in my free time. The opportunity to taste some authentic Greek cuisine excites me! I have had a desire to travel ever since the summer of 2013, when I took my first trip to London, England. Ever since that trip I’ve wanted to go back overseas and discover different perspectives about the world. Find new things that nobody back home has seen, and to ultimately gain wisdom and knowledge that I would never gain by staying back home.
Melanie Kangelaris
My name is Melanie Kangelaris and I am a rising Sophomore, studying Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. I reside outside of Washington, DC and grew up being very active, playing a variety of sports, especially soccer. I also love Greek dancing and playing basketball with GOYA at church and playing on sports teams and being active in Student Government at my school.
My Christian faith is most important to me, as well as spending time with my friends and family.
Melina Magriples
My name is Melina Magriples and I am from Holmdel, New Jersey. I attend The College of New Jersey where I am studying Fine Arts. I am 18 years old and will be finishing my freshman year this spring. A few years back I attended Ionian Village, where I had the summer of a lifetime. To be given another opportunity to explore Greece with people who have the same base and cultural values as me is more of a blessing than I can ever explain. I am beyond excited to form new relationships with the other people on this journey, and to constantly be learning new things about the place that I am from.
Natasha Burch (Elios Charitable Foundation Scholar)
I am studying health management and sonogram tech. I love the sea, Greek food (I am starting my own Greek yogurt business), mountain climbing, cinematography/photography and good music. I also make videos with my sister and a few are posted on youtube. I suppose I have the Greek artist gene.
Nicholas Theofilos
My name is Nicholas Theofilos and I am a junior at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. I am a double major in both Economics and History as well as the starting fullback for the Oberlin College Yeomen football team. I was born and raised in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I am the middle child of three boys. I am 100% Greek, with my descendants hailing from Sparta, Athens and Kalymnos.
Nicole Wolfe
Hi! My name is Nicole Wolfe, I am 20 years old and from Connecticut. I am a junior studying special education at Boston University. At school I am very involved in my sorority, Delta Gamma. I’m a very active person; I love to be outside hiking or running – I am training for my third half marathon in July. I am really outgoing and adventurous; I absolutely love to travel and explore new things. I am also learning to play the ukulele in my free time. I am really excited for Heritage Greece 2015!
Pamela Costis
Hello! My name is Pamela and I am from Barrington, Illinois. I attend a small, private college in Wisconsin and am studying to be a medical social worker. I am a proud member of St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox church and choir and am ecstatic to be a part of Heritage Greece 2015! After visiting Greece once when I was five, I was impressed with the food, dancing, culture, and overall beauty of it. Ever since then, I have found that my Greek heritage has greatly impacted my life for the better, making me the woman I am today. I hope to broaden my depth of appreciation and enrichment in relation to my Hellenic legacy.
Stephany Prodromos
My name is Stephany Prodromos and I am from Winnetka, Illinois and attended New Trier High School. I am a rising freshman at Haverford College and hope to study Computer Science while I am there. I sing professionally and have been featured on NBC News as well as WGN in Chicago. I have also sung on multiple radio stations in Chicago with my sister Lexy. I have sung alongside Lyric Opera baritone Robert Sims and at the Landmarks Illinois Preservation Awards and the Driehaus Architecture Prize Awards both for Richard Driehaus. Lexy and I also host an annual benefit concert for the Misericordia Home of Chicago where we raise approximately $10,000 for them each year. I am also a nationally ranked tennis player and will play on Haverford College’s tennis team. I was president of the Hellenic Club at my high school for the past two years. During my time there, I helped organize charitable events with fellow New Trier Hellenes to donate roughly $1,000 to an orphanage in Greece.
Vickie Poulimenos
My name is Vickie Poulimenos, from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Management and Society. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, baking, painting, and traveling. Through this experience, I am eager to learn more about the country that my parents and grandparents are natives to and the heritage that I identify closely with.
William Agathis
I’m William Agathis. My Papou was born in Thessaloniki and my Yiayia was born in a small village in Rethymno, Crete. Since then, they have both moved to New Jersey but brought their cultural pride with them. They instilled that in my father and, likewise, in me. As a result, my Greek heritage has meant the world to me. For example, I attend and am involved in my local Greek Orthodox Church. Additionally, I have taken an ancient Greece history course and look forward to pursuing classics as I learn more about my culture. At school, I also participate in the school’s Greek club, PennHellenic, and played intramural soccer with some of the club members. I am looking forward to going to Athens this summer and, in addition to the language courses, am eager to immerse myself in the rich culture in Greece.
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