The warmth of nostalgia and the spirit of gathering filled the air last week as 16 ACS Athens alumni gathered in Miami to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate. Representing graduating classes from 1965 to 2015, alumni traveled from near and far, with some journeying over three hours! 

ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, Head of Development (and retired teacher) Chris Perakis, Athletics Director and alumna Annie Constantinides, and current teacher and alumna Evi Evloyias welcomed alumni to the event on behalf of the school alongside ACS Athens Board of Trustees President Tim Ananiadis and Board members Irene Hayes Christodoulou, Dr. Anastasios Kaburakis, Demetri Paneras, Mark Wolper, and Artie Gyftopoulos. One of the alumni that attended was former Elementary School teacher Stuart Maloff, who taught at the school in 2015, adding an extra layer of nostalgia to the occasion.

A poignant highlight of the evening was the recognition of alumna Ann Lappas Stiles by Dr. Pelonis on behalf of the entire ACS Athens community. The Board acknowledged her significant contributions with a plaque of appreciation for her efforts in organizing countless gatherings in the United States. In fact, Ms. Stiles is currently the driving force behind the next gathering in Maryland (near Washington DC) in October 2024, which is planned to bring together over 200 ACS Athens alumni from all parts of the U.S.

The gathering in Miami, marked by heartfelt reflections, saw each attendee sharing a cherished memory, emphasizing the profound impact ACS had on shaping their character and fostering enduring friendships. Spouses of attendees, after hearing these heartfelt stories, expressed a newfound understanding of the deep connection their partners had to the school. The warmth and welcoming atmosphere resonated, making them feel a part of a larger ACS Athens family.

Dr. Pelonis closed the event by expressing gratitude for the alumni's enduring connection with ACS Athens, inviting them to visit the school in Athens, and encouraging them to continue sharing their ACS Athens stories wherever life takes them. The Miami event served as a heartwarming testament to the lasting impact of ACS Athens, where memories are cherished, connections endure, and the ACS Athens spirit spans across continents.

CLICK HERE to see photo highlights from the event. 

The next ACS Athens Global gathering will take place in London, England on April 27, 2024.