The Saint Thomas Hellenic School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) held its largest fundraiser of the year on February 10. The Danielle Kousoulis Cultural Center was filled with Greek School students, their parents, siblings, pappouthes, yiayiaths, aunts, uncles, cousins and Greek School alumni and supporters. The room was beautifully adorned with lighted centerpieces, masquerade-themed decorations, and a projected slideshow of photos of the Hellenic School’s graduating students over the years.
The evening began with a blessing from the presiding priest of the community, the Most Reverend Archimandrite Avgoustinos Psomas, with meaningful words thanking all those who worked hard to organize the evening as well as all the students and their families who made the necessary sacrifices to bring the students. at school so that we can maintain and perpetuate our Hellenic identity and especially our Greek Orthodox faith.
Remarks were also shared by PTO President Athena Poulathas, School Principal Margarita Vrettos, and Parish Council President Archon Tasos Efstratiades, who each congratulated the students and offered words of encouragement. Each Greek School class then performed a Greek dance from the different regions of Greece under the direction of the school’s dance teacher, George Kleftogiannis. The highlight of the dance performances was the Zorba graduation class performance, the Greek Syrtaki. The graduating class also performed their special dance tricks during the Hasaposerviko portion of the dance. All participants clapped along with the students during their dance performances and were truly impressed that, from the youngest to the oldest, the students performed their choreographed and rhythmic feats so well.
Guests enjoyed sumptuous cold and hot Greek “pikilia” appetizers, salad, multiple dinner selections and desserts from Adelphia Restaurant, proudly owned and operated by longtime St. Thomas benefactors, the Balis family. Along with the great meal and performances by the students, everyone enjoyed a wonderful “kefi” and danced the night away to Greek music performed by Sergiani Band and DJ Maki.
Another big moment for the students was the announcement of the raffle winners with prizes ranging from Philadelphia Eagles gear, Lululemon favorites, American Girl dolls, electric scooters, a basket for fans of Lego and a 50/50 draw. The ultimate reward for the school, parents and families was the continued smiling faces of all the children who had a wonderful evening and danced together, hand in hand, creating Greek bonds and memories that will last them a lifetime. a life.
The PTO expressed its gratitude to the students, the staff of the Hellenic School, their spiritual father, Fr. Psomas, Steve Lambrou, photo reporter, who covers all their events, and all the parents and supporters who devoted time , effort and funds to make the evening a record-breaking fundraiser and a truly memorable and enjoyable event.
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Photo source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Tilemahos Efthimiadis
