The celebrations marking the Centennial of Athens College culminated on Monday, May 4, 2026, with a deeply moving event held in the packed College Theater. Over 1,200 members of the College family—students, parents, alumni, teachers, members of the administration and management, and donors—gathered on campus for this landmark occasion. The event was simultaneously broadcast at the Choremi Theater and on giant screens in outdoor areas of the campus. The evening was directed and hosted by the beloved actor and College alumnus Constantinos Markoulakis ’88.

The event highlighted the vision of the College founders, the educational and pedagogical innovations introduced by the School, its widespread contributions to society and education, and the principles and values it has served throughout its century-long journey. These aspects were presented through speeches, photos, videos, and theatrical and musical performances.

Addresses were delivered by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis '86, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation, Mr. Alexis Phylactopoulos ’65, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. George Antoniadis ’80.

Mr. Phylactopoulos shared personal memories from his school years and spoke about the educational innovations that have characterized the College since its inception, emphasizing the seven-year High School and the Boarding School. As he noted, "as the School enters its second century, it must draw lessons from the past, respond to the increasingly demanding realities of the present, and continue its distinguished journey in service of education and the Greek nation."

Mr. Antoniadis highlighted the establishment of the Board of Trustees in 1926 and its long-standing contributions to the School. He also referred to the establishment of the Endowment Fund in 1927, and the successful campaign that was launched to further strengthen the Endowment, with the aim of funding scholarships and developing innovative programs. He expressed his confidence that, as it begins its new century, the College is poised to become the shining model of education to which we all aspire.

The event was honored by the presence of Prime Minister and alumnus Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis ’86, who shared his vision for the School’s future, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence, the promotion of socioeconomic diversity within the student body, enhanced support for the Endowment Fund to expand scholarship opportunities, and a commitment to children's mental health. Referring to a statement made by Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos in 1929, during the inauguration of the Benaki Hall, regarding innovations in private educational institutions, he expressed his hope that the College would continue on its innovative path in the future.

Also present were Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, along with ministers and alumni: Mr. Stavros Papastavrou ’85, Minister of Environment and Energy; Ms. Niki Kerameus ’98, Minister of Labour; Ms. Domna Michailidou ’05, Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs; Ms. Olga Kefalogianni ’92, Minister of Tourism; Mr. Thanasis Kontogeorgis ’98, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister; as well as Members of Parliament Mr. Makis Voridis ’83, Mr. Dimitris Kairidis, Mr. Thanasis Papathanasis, and Ms. Zoe Rapti.

Alumnus Panagiotis Kleidonas ’24 spoke about the exceptional opportunity afforded to him through his studies at the College. Coming from Kalamata, he attended on a scholarship and is currently studying at the University of Oxford. As he aptly noted, the scholarship he received marked the beginning of a transformative path in his life.

Mr. Nikistratos Palantzas and Ms. Eleni Skaventzou ’89, teachers at the College, presented the School’s educational and pedagogical innovations, including the additional “College Year,” pioneering teaching methods, research projects, Academic Departments, mentoring programs, and Student Communities and Clubs— many of which were adopted by the Greek state following the restoration of democracy.

Through theatrical and musical performances, the School’s longstanding artistic tradition was brought to life—a tradition shaped and sustained by distinguished teachers of Music and Visual Arts. More than 150 students took part in the event.

Special mention was made of the College’s pioneering role in technology. As early as 1967, the School acquired its first computer, and in 1980, it introduced Informatics classes into its curriculum. In response to the rapid pace of technological advancement, the School established the Artificial Intelligence Center in 2024, which sets the framework for the responsible integration of AI tools into the educational process.

The event concluded with a speech by the President of Athens College, Professor Spiros N. Pollalis, who addressed the School’s current priorities and future plans. He emphasized that the College must prepare future global citizens capable of contributing to society by assuming responsible roles in the country's intellectual, financial, social and political life.

He concluded by underscoring that the College is defined by its people—the students, alumni, administration, management, parents, friends, and donors—all members of the College family who, over time, have left their mark on the School.