The commencement ceremonies in the Greek-American Community are among the most joyous and optimistic celebrations in our community.
They are celebrations of knowledge and education, of course, but they are also festivals of Greekness.

They are fetes dedicated to the future of the Community.

Among the schools that had their graduations last week were the high school of St. Demetrios in Astoria and the day school of St. Nicholas in Flushing, which held its 8th grade commencement.

It is noteworthy that at the graduation ceremony of St. Demetrios the keynote speaker was Dr. George Yancopoulos, Director of Science at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – which generated $5.8 billion in revenue and profits of $1.4 billion in 2017.

Dr. Yancopoulos also said:
“There are superheroes and they’re out there. They walk among us, they are ordinary people, but they have certain gifts. I urge you to honor the sacrifices of your parents and our ancestors. You are Greek and it is your duty to go out there and change the world and move it in a better direction.”

It is particularly impressive that three students of the school of St. Nicholas of Flushing were admitted to the renowned Bronx High School of Science, according to the announcement placed by St. Nicholas in our Greek language newspaper this weekend which lists the names of the graduates and the high schools to they were admitted.

The students are – in alphabetical order – George Balis, Michael Nicolaou, and Marina Tiligadas. I offer warm congratulations to all three.

And we highlight and congratulate two more students, George Dimou and Dimitri Donas, who will attend Chaminade High School.
Returning to our own community, I must note that I do not see the collaboration that we would expect between the two schools, St. Demetrios and St. Nicholas. One pupil from St. Nicholas, Alexandros Mouskas, is said to be  attending St. Demetrios Prep.

But that is not enough. Certainly a way must be found to foster closer cooperation between St. Nicholas and St. Demetrios.