NEW JERSEY – AHEPA “Alexander Hamilton” Chapter #54 New Jersey held its annual celebration on June 6 at The Graycliff in Moonachie. This year, the chapter honored philanthropist and former chapter president Steve Siderias and awarded 10 scholarships to high school graduates.

Siderias spoke with the National Herald, warmly thanking the board for the honor and wished the graduating high school students the best for good progress in their lives.

“Always,” he said, “be guided by the values and ideals of Hellenism and Orthodoxy. Only in this way will they prosper and be happy.”

The AHEPA Chapter #54 President, Ioannis Kontolios, thanked Steve Siderias for his great contribution to the Greek community.

“Today,” he said, “with great joy and honor, we are awarding an excellent person for his great charity work and support of AHEPA. Steve Siderias has made countless donations to institutions and churches not only in New Jersey but also to his beloved island, Chios. Many congratulations to the graduates, children of AHEPA members. I wish their lives to follow the principles, values, ??and ideals of AHEPA that are to preserve the language, customs and traditions of the homeland, charity, responsibility, individual and family excellence.”

Jerry Markopoulos, Vice President of AHEPA Chapter #54, expressed the joy and pride he feels for graduating students.

“Thirteen years ago,” he said, “you went to school for the first time in kindergarten. Some of you were happy, others were scared and others were crying. But none of you imagined how far you have come today. All of you have exceeded the dreams and aspirations of even your own parents. You are excellent students, with ethos and personality. The future is yours. Today, apart from the students, we honor Steve Siderias, a tireless servant and benefactor of Hellenism and the Church.”

AHEPA “Alexander Hamilton” Chapter #54 New Jersey held its annual celebration and honored philanthropist and former chapter president Steve Siderias. (Photo by TNH/Mihalis Kakias)

AHEPA “Alexander Hamilton” Chapter #54 New Jersey held its annual celebration and honored philanthropist and former chapter president Steve Siderias. (Photo by TNH/Mihalis Kakias)

Chian Federation Executive Council President Ioannis Kontolios. (Photo by TNH/Mihalis Kakias)

AHEPA “Alexander Hamilton” Chapter #54 New Jersey held its annual celebration and honored philanthropist and former chapter president Steve Siderias. (Photo by TNH/Mihalis Kakias)