WASHINGTON, DC – This year’s American Community Schools (ACS) Athens Lifetime Achievement Award honoree is alumna Stephanie E. Joannides, class of ‘71, and former Senior Superior Court Judge of Anchorage, Alaska. Her professional achievements and exemplary leadership with Ethos and Service to Humanity were a few of the many reasons she was selected for the award, according to ACS Athens’ President Dr. Stefanos Gialamas.

Joannides received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Clara and a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, in Spokane, WA. She has worked as a State Prosecutor in Juneau, in the Office of the Statewide Chief Prosecutor in the Criminal Division and in the Attorney General’s Special Litigation Office in Anchorage. She served as a judge on the State District Court, the State Superior Court, and as a pro tem judge on the Alaska Court of Criminal Appeals from 1994 to 2011. Since then, she has been on senior status, presiding over civil and criminal cases, involved in a variety of court projects and committees, and sitting pro tem on the Criminal Court of Appeals.

The second ACS Athens Alumni Achievement Award ceremony took place on April 6 at the Capital Hilton in Washington DC. The prestigious event has come to be an important part of the recent history of ACS Athens honoring its excelling alumni and bringing the school’s community around the globe together with noteworthy professionals, prominent members of the community, and fellow educators. Alumnus and ACS Athens Board Member Nick Karambelas hosted the event as the Master of Ceremonies.

The woman of the hour, Stephanie E. Joannides, gave an emotional, heartfelt speech, sharing moments that impacted her, noting how important it is to help people and most of all to stand up for what you believe is right and true.

Harvard University Professor Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece and former ACS Athens parent, was the guest speaker of the evening. In his speech, Prof. Burns reminisced about his and his family’s time in Greece, as well as the relationships that he and his family still hold dear to their heart. He emphasized that Greece’s relationship with the United States is now stronger than ever.

ACS Athens President Dr. Stefanos Gialamas acknowledged the Board of Trustees and the school’s stellar leadership and staff. He proceeded to extend a recognition award to alumna and Coordinator of the Alumni and community online platform, acsathensglobal.org, Belina Korovessis, for her dedication and tireless work throughout the years. The award was accepted on behalf of Ms. Korovessis by Athletic Director and alumna Annie Constantinides.

ACS Athens Vice President Dr. Peggy Pelonis and Harvard University Professor Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to Greece. Photo: Courtesy of ACS Athens

ACS Athens’ New International Advisory Council

The Advisory Council to ACS Athens inauguration meeting took place on April 5 prior to the Gala event also at the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC. Dr. Peggy Pelonis, ACS Athens Vice President, presided over the meeting introducing members to the ACS Athens vision and goals and shared ideas about developing global, ethical citizens through intentional excellence. Members of the council included University leaders and prominent members of the business and banking communities. Members agreed that the partnerships that encompass the K-through-Graduate Education Paradigm of ACS Athens are essential in developing global citizens. They pledged their commitment to continue working with ACS Athens towards such goals which ultimately serve the betterment of society.

More information about ACS Athens is available online: acs.gr.

Alumnus and ACS Athens Board Member Nick Karambelas hosted the event as the Master of Ceremonies. Photo: Courtesy of ACS Athens

ACS Athens Athletic Director and alumna Annie Constantinides accepted the award on behalf of honoree and fellow alumna Belina Korovessis, ACS Athens Coordinator of the Alumni. Dr. Gialamas presented the award. Photo: Courtesy of ACS Athens