In a special Ceremony worthy of our School's 100-year history and tradition, the commencement of the Class of 2025 took place on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The 422 graduates of Athens College and Psychico College completed their school journey in front of the iconic Benaki Hall, warmly applauded by thousands of parents, alumni, faculty, and distinguished guests.

The Commencement Ceremony began with the traditional parade on the Benaki Hall steps, featuring alumni from the 1950s through to the 2020s. The procession concluded with the entrance of the graduating students, joined by members of the Administration and the School Boards.

Addresses were delivered by Mr. Alexis Phylactopoulos '65, President of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation; Mr. George Antoniadis '80, President of the Board of Trustees; and Professor Spiros N. Pollalis, President of Athens College.

Mr. Phylactopoulos took the graduates on a journey through the School's history, sharing anecdotes from his own College experience. He noted that while the College has faced many challenges over the past century, "it endured and was reborn every time, like the phoenix depicted on its seal".

Mr. Antoniadis congratulated the graduates on their achievements, emphasizing that the School has provided them with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to become responsible global citizens. He encouraged them to dream boldly and pursue their dreams, while always remembering the School that laid the foundations for their journey ahead.

Mr. Pollalis praised the Class of 2025 for their outstanding performance in the Panhellenic exams and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme exams. Addressing the graduates, he expressed confidence that they will live as conscious citizens, staying true to the College's motto "Πολίτας τρέφον" (Nurturing citizens), featured on the centennial coat of arms.

Mr. Pollalis then presented the President's Award to Ms. Annika Papantoniou, President of the Centennial Steering Committee, in recognition of her valuable contribution to the College. As he mentioned, Ms. Papantoniou has served the College since 1989 in numerous positions of responsibility, from the Parents Association and the Parents Fund Drive Committee in support of the Scholarship Program to serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation from 2021 to 2024.

Following this, the Co-Directors of Athens College and Psychico College, Mr. Christos Konstantopoulos and Mr. Panagiotis Giannoulatos, shared a farewell message with the Class of 2025 and presented the Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards to graduates of their school units.

Salutatorian Stylianos Nikolaos Antoniadis (Psychico College/IB DP) spoke on behalf of the graduates, joined at the podium by fellow Salutatorians Efstratios Rallis (Athens College) and Eygenia Antonopoulou (Psychico College/ High School). Valedictorians Nikolaos Emmanouil Skevis (Athens College), Demetrios Tzoannos (Psychico College/ High School) and Charilaos Valsamis (Psychico College/ IB DP) also delivered speeches.

The Co-directors then awarded the graduation diplomas, honors, and distinctions to the Class of 2025, along with the Parents Award to the alumni of 2024.

The Ceremony concluded with a brief video tribute to the personalities who have shaped the history of the College.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025! We wish them continued success and excellence in all their future endeavors.

Watch the full Commencement Ceremony here: