On Thursday, July 9, 2026, the Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation in a memorable Commencement Ceremony. The 430 graduating students of Athens College and Psychico College concluded their academic journey in front of the iconic Benaki Hall and were warmly applauded by thousands of parents, alumni, teachers, and distinguished guests.

The event began with the traditional procession down the Benaki steps, featuring alumni from the 1950s through the 2020s. This was followed by the entrance of the graduating students and members of the School's Management and Administration.

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

Mr. Phylactopoulos addressed the graduates of the Class of 2026, encouraging them to pursue paths that bring them fulfillment and happiness and to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. He also urged them to always remember the principles and values instilled by their School, which were formulated 100 years ago by the College's "father," Stephanos Delta. He noted that these principles would serve as lifelong guides.

Mr. Antoniadis congratulated the graduates on their achievements, noting that the School has equipped them with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to become responsible citizens of the world. He asked them to dare to dream and pursue their dreams, but always remember the School that laid the groundwork for their future paths.

Mr. Pollalis noted that the Class of 2026 is the first class to graduate in the inaugural year of the School's second century. He also highlighted the excellent results achieved by the graduates in the Panhellenic exams and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme exams, and their admission to top universities in Greece and abroad.

Mr. Pollalis also presented the President's Award 2025 to Vasilios Salapatas '55, who has been a member of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation and the Board of Trustees since the 1990s. Mr. Salapatas, who could not attend the Ceremony due to personal reasons, was awarded for his significant contribution to the School, which serves as an example to everyone. He is one of the College benefactors and the leading donor to the Endowment, having made large donations that will help promote the School's educational and social work and provide financial support to students for generations to come.

A brief farewell message to the Class of 2026 followed, delivered by the Co-Directors and Directors of Athens College High School and Psychico College High School, Mr. Christos Konstantopoulos and Mr. Panagiotis Giannoulatos. They presented the Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards to the graduates of their respective school units.

Speeches were delivered by Salutatorian Panagiota Nikoleta Dourida (Psychico College/General High School), accompanied on the podium by fellow Salutatorians Apostolos Vasilikos (Athens College) and Maria Petrolia (Psychico College/IB DP). Addresses were also delivered by the Valedictorians: Angelos Gkoritsas (Athens College), Eleni Anna Dimtsa (Psychico College/General High School), and Stavros Yannidis (Psychico College/IB DP).

The two Co-Directors presented the 2026 graduates with their diplomas, prizes, and awards, as well as the Parents' Award to 2025 graduates.

The President of the Athens College-Psychico College Alumni Association (SAKA), Mr. George Sakellariadis '01, welcomed the graduates to SAKA and urged them to return to their beloved School as often as they can and find ways to give back for everything it offered them throughout their school years.

The Ceremony concluded with a brief video highlighting the Centennial celebrations of Athens College and previewing upcoming initiatives and events.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2026! We wish them a future filled with achievements!

You can watch the entire Commencement Ceremony here: