On June 22, friends, parents, faculty, and distinguished alumni filled the Moscachlaidis Plateia in front of Princeton Hall to watch the Class of 2018 bid a heartfelt farewell to AFS.
The evening celebrated our students’ successful completion of three years of hard work, dedication, and tremendous commitment to the institution’s core values. In his welcome remarks, President Kanellis referred to the impressive fact that one out of three High School graduates will continue their studies in US universities on full or partial scholarship. "Our students receive a holistic experiential education. They are prepared to cope not only with the demanding needs of universities in Greece, Europe and the US, but also with the professional challenges in areas vital to the country's development.”
As distinguished keynote speaker European Commission Chief Spokesperson Mr. Margaritis Schinas took to the stage, audiences were visibly moved by the heartfelt words of praise and encouragement as well as the wishes for personal success and positive contribution to the community he offered graduates. “You are graduating 40 years after the conclusion of the negotiations for Greece's accession to the European Union and about ten years since the beginning of the economic crisis. And of course just one day after the Eurogroup's historic agreement certifying the faith of European partners in our country and its ability to emerge from this unprecedented adventure". He underlined that peace, democracy and prosperity cannot be taken for granted but rather need to be worked for. "Europe is the solution, not the problem. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. You, AFS graduates, are a living example and a symbol of the value of international co-operation. You leave behind a School that is a model of excellence for many, not a castle for the few and the powerful," he added.
The School also welcomed back distinguished AFS graduate Maria Anastasiadou, a Neurobiology/Neuroscience doctoral candidate. "Do not be afraid to make sacrifices for your future. By being an American Farm School graduate, you have already laid the foundation for a successful career. Remember that the School supports its graduates and gives invaluable opportunities to its students", she said.
Dean of Student Services Eva Kanellis, Director of the General High School Paris Petras, and Director of the Vocational High School Dimitris Slavoudis in turn took the stage to confer honors and awards upon our deserving young graduates.
We join them all in sincerely wishing our newest alumni the very best on their future paths!
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