On April 27, 2024, the ACS Athens Global and alumna Ariel White-Tsimikalis, Class of 2000, co-hosted a heartwarming gathering at the new Greek restaurant owned by her husband, Markos Tsimikalis. With approximately 30 ACS Athens alumni in attendance, the evening was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and cherished connections.

Alumni from as far back as the late 1980s to recent graduates from 2023 gathered to share their ACS stories. Amidst the cozy ambiance of the restaurant, they mingled with familiar faces from ACS Athens, including:

• Dr. Peggy Pelonis, ACS Athens President
• Chris Perakis, Office of Development
• Lydia Skampavia, Alumni Engagement & Development Officer
• Ms. Andrikopoulos, Elementary Principal (former math teacher)
• Dr. Stamati, Academy IB Math teacher

The night echoed with laughter and emotions as attendees shared anecdotes about their school days, career journeys, and life in London. 

Dr. Pelonis warmly welcomed everyone, emphasizing the strong bonds that keep our ACS Athens Global community always connected. The gathering also had an important purpose, with all proceeds contributing towards the upgrading of the ACS Athens Science Labs, a vital initiative for the school's ongoing educational excellence.

As the evening progressed, attendees formed a circle, each sharing a cherished memory from their ACS Athens days. Ariel White-Tsimikalis fondly recalled how her time at ACS Athens, particularly her IB and soccer experiences, played a pivotal role in shaping her university life and ultimately led her to meet her future husband. Other alumni reminisced about various memorable moments, including special teachers that made a lifelong impact, backfield days, Sideris sandwiches, earthquake day, snow days with half of the buses making it to school, field trips and the overall international environment at school that meant they now have friends, some who have also become clients and colleagues, everywhere in the world. 

The London Gathering not only rekindled old friendships but also highlighted the enduring spirit of the ACS Athens community as alumni looked forward to similar gatherings in the future and promised to visit campus when next in Athens for a ‘Back to School’ tour. Alumni left with hearts full of nostalgia, renewed connections, and a shared pride in being part of the ACS Athens family that stretches across the globe always connected by their alma mater.

Many thanks for the warm hospitality extended by Ariel White-Tsimikalis, her husband Markos, and the team at Vori | Modern Greek Taverna!

CLICK HERE to see photo highlights from the event.