The Class of 2026 Officially Welcomed into the Alumni Community
ACS Athens held its 4th Annual Alumni Insight Session on November 12th, bringing together an inspiring group of alumni guest speakers and the entire Class of 2026 for a morning of conversation, guidance, and connection. Organized collaboratively by the ACS Athens Global Team and the Class of 2026, the event carried a special sense of ownership and pride—students helped shape an experience designed specifically for their transition into life beyond high school.
The day unfolded across two campus locations—the Administration Building’s Conference Room and the Mindfulness Center—giving the morning a lively flow as students circulated between two simultaneous panels. From the very start, alumni emphasized a message that resonated deeply: once you are part of the ACS Athens community, you are always connected—no matter where in the world you go or how life unfolds. This reminder set a warm, welcoming tone that carried through every discussion.
MCs Adel Toom and Maria Iliadi (Class of 2026) opened the session, walking everyone through the simple but effective structure: brief introductions from each alumni speaker followed by wide-open Q&A. Students jumped in immediately, asking questions that ranged from academic uncertainty and career turns to personal fears and myths about university life.
Two parallel panels anchored the morning:
Panel 1, moderated by Ms. Natalia Dadidou, IB Business and Economics Faculty Member, featured:
- John Margetis (Class of 1991) – Consultant
- Panos Karamertzanis (Class of 1993) – Engineer & Entrepreneur
- John Karamanos (Class of 1997) – Maritime Industry
- Raneem Ghuneim (Class of 2021) – MSc Applied Economics (Banking & Financial Markets)
Panel 2, moderated by Dr. Peter Papageorgiou (Class of 1993), member of the ACS Athens Global Advisory Committee, included:
- Ilias Karapiperis (Class of 1992) – Coach & Entrepreneur
- Nick Atzoutzoulas (Class of 1997) – Entrepreneur
- Dimitri Kaliviotis (Class of 1995) – Designer, Artist, Educator & Writer (Hollywood Special Effects)
- Celia Peza (Class of 2014) – Artist
After about twenty minutes, panelists switched locations so that every student could meet every speaker. This rotation brought fresh energy into the rooms and allowed students to form more personal connections as the morning progressed.
The Q&A conversations quickly became the heart of the experience. Alumni shared real stories—mistakes that turned into opportunities, paths that twisted unexpectedly, and moments of uncertainty that eventually made sense. Students took note, realizing that there is no single “correct” way to navigate life after high school. The candidness in the room made the sessions feel less like formal panels and more like conversations among community members who genuinely understand one another.
This year’s event also welcomed two special guests: Dean Kalavritinos, ACS Athens alumnus, and Coach Connie Kalavritinos, former ACS Athens PE teacher and beloved basketball coach. Her presence carried special meaning—she once coached Annie Constantinides when Annie was a student at ACS Athens. Today, Annie serves as the Director of Athletics, creating a beautiful full-circle moment that highlights the school’s enduring bonds and long-standing tradition of mentorship.
Again and again, alumni emphasized that the ACS Athens network stretches far beyond campus. Whether in Greece, Europe, the U.S., or anywhere else in the world, graduates stay connected—supporting one another in careers, friendships, and life’s unpredictable turns. That sense of lifelong community is what the Alumni Insight Session is built to celebrate.
By the end of the morning, the Class of 2026 walked away not only with practical advice but also with a powerful message: they are stepping into adulthood backed by a global, multigenerational family. The smiles, handshakes, and lingering conversations that wrapped up the event made it clear that the bond between current students and alumni is stronger than ever.
Organized with care by the ACS Athens Global Team and the Class of 2026, the 4th Annual Alumni Insight Session once again succeeded in bringing the school community together—past, present, and future—reminding everyone that once you belong to ACS Athens, you belong for life.
