FLUSHING, NY – The William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School graduation took place on July 2 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Flushing. Wearing their masks and keeping their distance, the students said goodbye to their school in a graduation ceremony unlike any other due to the restrictions during the global coronavirus pandemic.

The students and parents were welcomed by the presiding priest of the St. Nicholas community Rev. Fr. Paul Palesty, while PTA President Maria Siakavellas, Assistant Principal Georgia Kakivelis, and Parish Council President Paul Misthos offered their greetings.

The principal of the school, Mary Tzallas, addressed the students, saying, “You are heroes and role models for young and old, I admire and congratulate you. Use your talents and what you have been taught in this Greek school to make our world better, fairer. Fight for peace, for faith, for love, for freedom, for equality. I love you very much, congratulations and continued success as well.”

At the same time, the Pastor's Awards were given to members of the PTA, as well as awards and scholarships to the students.

Valedictorian Yianni Metis gave a moving speech, in very good Greek, and referred to all he learned at the school, but also the knowledge he received from his teachers. "Here I learned the Greek language, the language of science, the language that inspires human thought. Here I learned things that are not written in the textbooks, they are written in the hearts of my teachers and I thank them. I thank them all. Here I learned that my ancient Greek ancestors embraced humanity, surrounded him with dignity, and adorned him with virtues. This is where I was filled with excitement and pride for the achievements of my ancestors.”

Salutatorian Dimitrios Siakavellas also referred to what the school has provided him all these years and thanked his teachers and parents.