The 80th Anniversary Gala of ACS Athens was nothing short of a homecoming celebration. Alumni, parents, and faculty poured into the iconic and festively lit Grand Bretagne Hotel, on Valentine’s Day, sharing laughter and embracing old friends some of them hadn’t seen in decades. Guests took their seats with eager anticipation, waiting to be swept away by a night filled with music, heartfelt speeches, and a communal sense of belonging. Among the highlights were the vibrant performances by current students—a powerful reminder that the school’s legacy continues to blossom in the young talent nurtured here.

After opening remarks from President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, Board of Trustees Chair Pascal Apostolides, and Her Excellency Maria Olson, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, the crowd turned their attention to poignant alumni speakers and awardees. 

Award winning Film director and ACS Athens parent Alexander Payne took the podium, delivering a special address, blending humor and reflection. He confessed that, while many might advise a child to “do something practical first,” for him, art must be followed with passionate immediacy. “If your child wants to be an artist, encourage them,” he declared, pointing out how fleeting youth is and how crucial it is to nurture creativity in that precious window. His message resonated with fellow parents and educators alike, affirming ACS Athens’s commitment to fostering both academic rigor and artistic exploration.

One of the event’s most inspiring moments arrived with alumnus and NASA astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski delivering the keynote address of the evening. Reflecting on his days as a lanky ninth-grader, he credited ACS Athens teachers for “seeing something in me I didn’t see in myself.” From the basketball court at ACS to walking in space and summiting Mount Everest, his story highlighted the power of an education that ignites curiosity and confidence. Dr. Parazynski reminded the crowd that, much like the view from orbit, there are no borders at ACS—only a unifying spirit.

Charles Eliot (Class of ’74), this year’s Lifetime Achievement honoree, confessed that the term “achievement” could be “incredibly ambiguous,” yet credited ACS Athens for gifting him a “growth mindset” that has guided him through his pioneering career in software development. “To look bigger and to see the world bigger than just your own little self,” he said, proved to be his most enduring lesson. 

George Petropoulos (Class of ’97), recognized for his humanitarian leadership within the United Nations, spoke passionately about how ACS Athens instilled in him the desire for global service. “The world is for people, and it will be better if they get to achieve what they want to achieve,” he noted, reflecting on how his international education propelled him to lead critical missions in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones.  Last but not least, Meanwhile, award-winning Hollywood producer Mark Wolper, accepting the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, reflected with humor that despite a few childhood missteps, he’s eternally grateful to ACS Athens for shaping his path. “I love this frickin’ school,” he said, adding that he only truly realized the school’s profound impact much later in life. 

The event closed on a note of camaraderie and dedication, as these speakers and performers embodied the best of ACS Athens: openness, ambition, and a willingness to uplift others. Watching new and returning faces celebrate the school’s legacy felt like stepping into a shared family reunion where every generation contributes its unique stories. By evening’s end, guests headed home inspired—confident that ACS Athens will remain a guiding light for countless young people over the next 80 years.

A special thank you and congratulations to the following student volunteers for dedicating their time since September in preparation for the ACS Athens 80th Anniversary Gala.  Due to these incredible individuals, the preparations of our 80-year Gala and ACS Athens Alumni Achievement Awards was flawless. 

• Sotiris Athanasopoulos
• Aristides Bakamitsos
• Evgenia Bakamitsos
• Athanasios Beligiannis
• Michael Chryssos
• Amaryllis Christou
• Karl Cui
• Shaya Ehteshamzad
• Sofia Floriou
• Oskar Geyr
• Dimitris Kanellos
• Alexander Sinan Kocahan
• Gerasimos Kouroupos
• Ilianna Lyssaios
• Alexandros Machairas
• Elliott Olson Mack
• Theodora Margoni
• Evangelos Paneras
• Niovi Papakosta
• Evangelia Papaspyratou
• Avra Petrou
• Daphne Raptis
• Filippos Solomos
• Ioannis Zakynthinakis
• Henry Zhao

Part of the raised funds from the donations, silent auction and raffle will be used for the upgrade of the Theater of ACS Athens' automation and lighting systems!

Support our Theater! Set the stage for the success of our students by DONATING HERE!