The Class of 2026 Officially Welcomed into the ACS Athens Alumni Community

ACS Athens held its 4th Annual Alumni Insight Session on November 12th, bringing together an inspiring group of alumni guest speakers and the entire Class of 2026 for a morning of conversation, guidance, and connection. Organized collaboratively by the ACS Athens Global Team and the Class of 2026, the event carried a special sense of ownership and pride—students helped shape an experience designed specifically for their transition into life beyond high school.

The day unfolded across two campus locations—the Administration Building’s Conference Room and the Mindfulness Center—giving the morning a lively flow as students circulated between two simultaneous panels. From the very start, alumni emphasized a message that resonated deeply: once you are part of the ACS Athens community, you are always connected—no matter where in the world you go or how life unfolds. This reminder set a warm, welcoming tone that carried through every discussion.

MCs Adel Toom and Maria Iliadi (Class of 2026) opened the session by walking everyone through the format: brief introductions from each alumni speaker followed by open Q&A. Students eagerly jumped in, asking questions about academics, college decisions, personal fears, career choices, and the unpredictable turns that adulthood can bring.

Dual Panels Offering Double the Insight

Panel 1

Moderated by Ms. Natalia Dadidou, IB Business and Economics Faculty

• John Margetis (Class of 1991) – Consultant
• Panos Karamertzanis (Class of 1993) – Engineer & Entrepreneur
• John Karamanos (Class of 1997) – Maritime Industry
• Raneem Ghuneim (Class of 2021) – MSc Applied Economics (Banking & Financial Markets)

Panel 2

Moderated by Dr. Peter Papageorgiou (Class of 1993), ACS Athens Global Advisory Committee

• Ilias Karapiperis (Class of 1992) – Coach & Entrepreneur
• Nick Atzoutzoulas (Class of 1997) – Entrepreneur
• Dimitri Kaliviotis (Class of 1995) – Designer, Artist, Educator & Writer (Hollywood Special Effects)
• Celia Peza (Class of 2014) – Artist

After twenty minutes, the panelists switched rooms so that every student could meet every speaker. This rotation brought new energy into both spaces and allowed for more intimate, personalized exchanges.

A Conversation That Became a Community Moment

The Q&A sessions quickly became the heart of the event. Alumni shared candid stories—about taking risks, changing directions, making mistakes, reinventing themselves, and discovering their passions in unexpected ways. Students listened attentively, realizing there is no single “right” path after high school.

This theme became even richer during the recorded podcast segment, hosted by Margarita Vryoni (class of 2026) where alumni offered deeper reflections about their ACS Athens experience, their professional journeys, and the lessons life has taught them so far.

Podcast Highlights: A Shared Wisdom Across Generations

In the podcast discussion, alumni spoke openly about their high school memories, the skills they developed at ACS Athens, and how the school’s international environment prepared them for adulthood. They reflected on ACS as a place of belonging and growth—one that helped shape their character, curiosity, and confidence.

Alumni emphasized the importance of:

• embracing opportunities such as the IB program, athletics, and clubs
• staying curious and trying new things
• developing practical life skills
• choosing university paths thoughtfully
• building habits of resilience and self-belief
• remaining open to unexpected career paths
• remembering that “failure” is part of progress

John Margetis recalled how even a simple keyboarding class became indispensable in university and beyond. Others discussed the evolution of ACS Athens—new programs, media studios, and opportunities that today’s seniors enjoy—and expressed their admiration for how confident and prepared students are today.

Conversations about risk and failure resonated especially strongly. Alumni encouraged students not to freeze from fear but instead to act boldly, take chances, and view the unknown not as something frightening but as “excitement for opportunity.” The message was consistent: resilience, integrity, and passion matter far more than perfection.

Memorable Alumni Quotes Worth Sharing

Throughout the morning and the podcast recording, the alumni offered insights that captured the spirit of the event. A few highlights:

On Community & Identity

“We take away the foundations and we move on with life—and we build upon them.”

“ACS Athens has changed, but the values and the commitment of the faculty remain stronger than ever.”
 

On Courage, Risk & the Unknown

“You’ll never regret trying, but you’ll always regret not trying.”
 

“Life always supports and pays back the boldness.”
 

“The fear of doing the wrong thing costs you more than the wrong thing itself.”
 

On Failure & Growth

“We welcome failure as a learning opportunity. Failure is an investment.”
 

“Embarrassment only exists if you make it embarrassing.”
 

On Career Choices

“Use your youth—you’d be surprised how the door might open if you knock.”
 

“Never ignore the person who sees a window where everyone else sees a wall.”
 

On Giving Back

“We have a connection with ACS Athens that surpasses time. We want to give back to our community.”
 

“If you’re willing to listen, I’m willing to speak.”
 

These quotes capture the honesty, generosity, humor, and wisdom shared throughout the day.

Special Guests & Full-Circle Moments

This year’s event also welcomed two beloved ACS community figures:

• Dean Kalavritinos, ACS Athens alumnus
• Coach Connie Kalavritinos, former ACS PE teacher and iconic basketball coach

Coach Connie once coached Annie Constantinides when Annie was a student at ACS Athens—today, Annie serves as the Director of Athletics, creating a meaningful, full-circle moment that beautifully reflects the lifelong bonds ACS fosters.

A Global Network That Lasts a Lifetime

Again and again, alumni reminded students that the ACS Athens network spans continents and industries. Graduates support each other through professional opportunities, mentoring, collaboration, and lifelong friendships. Today’s seniors are stepping into a global family ready to guide and uplift them.

By the end of the morning, the Class of 2026 walked away with more than advice—they left with connection, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. The smiles, handshakes, and continued conversations underscored the enduring truth:  "At ACS Athens, belonging isn’t temporary — once you're part of our community, you’re part of it forever."

 Organized with care by the ACS Athens Global Team and the Class of 2026, the 4th Annual Alumni Insight Session succeeded once again in bringing the school community together—past, present, and future—and marking the official welcome of the Class of 2026 into the global alumni family.  Stay tuned—the full Alumni Insight Podcast will be released soon.