By Catherine Tsounis
AHEPA, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia. Established to promote civil rights and counter the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, AHEPA has grown to become the largest and oldest grassroots organization for Americans of Greek heritage and Philhellenes, with over 400 chapters across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. AHEPA’s mission is to uphold the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Order of AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter #170 of Hempstead, NY honored three outstanding students at a ceremony held at Jonathan’s Restaurant in Garden City, NY. Marina Ioannou, Joanna Tavoulareas, and Christina Vasilakis were awarded scholarships for their hard work and academic excellence, earning admiration from over 100 guests in attendance.
These scholarships underscore AHEPA’s commitment to education and community service. The Constantine Cassis Chapter #170 is proud to support the ambitions of its youth, confident that these scholars will make a lasting impact in their communities.
AHEPA’s youth are the foundation of its future. The chapter continues to grow, with new members bringing vitality and energy to its mission. Young AHEPA members were proudly present at the event, demonstrating their dedication to upholding Hellenism and the Hellenic ideals.
The evening’s program included:
- Introduction and Master of Ceremonies: President Anastasios Stampolis
- Blessings: Fr. Elias Pappas, Assistant Priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Fr. Demetrios Kazakis of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in West Babylon, and Fr. Nikiforas Fakinos, Vicar of Nassau County and St. Demetrios Church, Merrick, NY
- Scholarship Committee Presentation: Co-Chair Demi Pamboukes, representing Chairman Harry Monioudis
- Address by Elaine Cassimatis, representing the chapter’s sponsor, the Cassis Family
- Remarks by Mrs. Joanne Pappas, President of the Daughters of Penelope Pasithea Chapter #141
- Birthday greetings for Stratis Zaferiou and Mrs. Joanne Pappas
- Leaders of the Sons of Pericles Lord Byron Chapter No. 233
The event was hosted by all four AHEPA organizations: AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter #170, Daughters of Penelope Pasithea Chapter No. 141, Maids of Athena Victory Chapter No. 76, and Sons of Pericles Lord Byron Chapter No. 233. The success of the event was made possible by the dedication of many individuals who worked throughout the year to ensure the success of AHEPA Family events.
“The Scholarship Awards Presentation is proudly sponsored by the **Cassis/Cassimatis family in loving memory of Constantine and Carol Cassis,” said AHEPA Chapter #170 President Anastasios Stampolis. “We are honored to have all four AHEPA chapters with us tonight. Our chapter was founded in 1928, and we are proud to have served the community for 97 years.”
Mr. Demi Pampoukes, past chapter president and District governor, expressed his gratitude to the Cassis Family, stating, “Thank you to the Cassis Family, who worked as a team to help our youth. May their memories be eternal.” He presented the scholarships to scholars Marina Ioannou, Joanna Tavoulareas, and Christina Vasilakis.
Mrs. Joanne Pappas, former president and District Governor, shared heartfelt remarks: “I am overwhelmed every time I read an application from one of our students. They are amazing scholars and individuals, and we look forward to bright futures for them all. We are also celebrating Pasithea Chapter’s 80th Anniversary, and we invite everyone to join us.”
Mrs. Pappas was also honored on the occasion of her birthday. President Anastasios Stampolis praised her contributions, saying, “Joanne has been an elegant leader for many years. She has served twice as District Governor and Chapter President. I’ve lost count of how many members came up to me tonight to remind me that today is also the birthday of our beloved Daughters of Penelope Pasithea Chapter #141 President, Joanne Pappas.”
“I am honored to appear at this chapter named after my father, Constantine Cassis,” said Elaine Cassimatis. “He was deeply touched when the chapter was named in his honor in the 1980s, as he had been an active and dedicated member for many years. He cherished his connection to St. Paul’s Cathedral and his involvement with AHEPA. He was a true champion of our Hellenic heritage and Greek Orthodoxy. I am proud to be his daughter and to carry on his legacy in any way I can.” The scholarship awards program is generously sponsored by Nick and Fotini Cassis, Emmanuel Cassis, and Elaine Cassimatis.
“I would like to make a special tribute to Stratis Zaferiou, who has gone above and beyond for many years,” said President Stampolis. “He has faithfully served as our Chapter Secretary and Treasurer and continues to support us in countless ways. I want to personally thank Strat for the wonderful dinner he provided as one of our generous sponsors tonight. Strat has been a dedicated member of our chapter for 37 years, and his family is actively involved in AHEPA. Happy Birthday, Strat!”
“Christos Anesti,” said Fr. Nikiforas Fakinos, Vicar of Nassau County and of St. Demetrios Church, Merrick, NY. “AHEPA has the same span of history as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. AHEPA has a great legacy of dedication, contribution, and promotion of Hellenism and education. On behalf of all of us, we thank you for your good works and inspiring contributions.”
The members of Constantine Cassis Chapter #170 include: President Anastasios Stampolis, Vice President James Ginis, Executive Secretary Anton Skrivanek, Treasurers Peter Cosmas and Leo Yioupis, Board of Governors Chairman Harry Raptakis, Governors Peter Cosmas and James Versocki, Trustees Demis Pamboukes, Jim Ginis, and others.
Daughters of Penelope Pasithea Chapter No. 141 members include: Joanne Pappas (President), Tatiana Stampolis (Vice President), Maria Vasilakis (Recording Secretary), Roula Partridge (Corresponding Secretary), Demetra Versocki (Treasurer), and others.
Sons of Pericles Lord Byron Chapter No. 233 members: Georgios P. Cosmas (President), Constantinos E. (Dean) Athanailos (Vice President), Peter E. Athanailos (Secretary), Lucas Demas (Chairman of the Board), and others.
Maids of Athena Victory Chapter No. 76 members include: Anastasia Vani (President), Joanna Tavoulareas (Vice President), Antonia Kouridakis (Recording Secretary), Melina Ehrenkranz (Corresponding Secretary), Grace Yeostros (Treasurer), and Haroula Papaleontiou (Social Chair).
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Demetra Versocki, Treasurer.
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