Chapter 1 - The Mother Lodge
Atlanta, Georgia
American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association
AHEPA NEWS
The AHEPA MOTHER LODGE CHAPTER No. 1 EDUCATIONAL FUND was established in 1986 and now serves the cultural and educational programs of AHEPA Chapter No. 1, DOP Chapter No. 53 and AHEPA Chapter No. 519. In that capacity on Sunday, June 4, 2017 the AHEPA Educational Fund was joined by 225 family members, friends, and members of the AHEPA family for the presentation of the 31st Scholarship Awards Ceremony at the Parish Life Center of the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, Georgia. Since 1986, over $867,900 in scholarship money has been awarded to students, at the college and post Baccalaureate level, to help them with their college education.
AHEPA Prometheus Chapter No. 519 from Marietta provided a light lunch following registration of students, parents, presenters and guests. Opening remarks were made by Father Panayiotis Papageorgiou, PhD, and a welcome was given by Dr. Pandeli Durbetaki, Chairman of the AHEPA Educational Fund. The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of scholarships totaling $75,350 to fifty students from the greater Atlanta area. The scholarships were presented by Board Members Athena Economy, Karen Stamatiades and William Kantsios. Traditionally, additional scholarships are presented in memory of deceased members of AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. This year, scholarships were presented in memory of Mrs. Bess Marianes, Mrs. Bessie Nikas, Mr. Peter Rumanes, Mrs. Fannie Sparks, and Dr. George Simitses, one of the Founders of the AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter No. 1 Educational Fund.
A special presentation was made by Tom Kantsios, former Chairman, to Mercedes Paxton for her service as Secretary. Dr. Pandeli Durbetaki, Chairman of the Foundation and Founding Board member was honored with a Distinguished Service Award for his leadership and commitment to the program for the past thirty-one years.
AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter No. 1
Educational Fund Inc. Directors
Pandeli Durbetaki, PhD, Chairman
Thomas S. Kantsios, Past Chairman
Ted Kipreos, Vice Chairman
Mercedes V. Paxton, Secretary
William T. Kantsios, Treasurer
Athena G. Economy, Member
Zack A. Kollias, Member
Audrey J. Marianes, Member
George P. Patterson, DDS, Member
Keath Paxten, Member
William G. Simitses, Member
George Skoufis, Member
Ron Sprouse, Member
Karen B. Stamatiades, Member
Rebecca E. Stamatiades, Member
Michael Tsurutis, Member
William B. Marianes, Esq., Legal Counsel
AHEPA Mother Lodge Chapter No. 1 Educational Fund Awards $75,350 in Scholarships