Erin Sidereas, a member of the Class of 2026, is the recipient of the 2025–2026 Margaret Sanders Student Scholarship Award for the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) region, sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE).
The award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional character, including persistence, motivation, resourcefulness, cultural acceptance, and a sustained commitment to the welfare of others. The award reflects Erin’s academic dedication and her meaningful contributions within and beyond the ACS Athens community.
Erin arrived at ACS Athens six years ago from Chicago, beginning seventh grade. Since then, she has grown into a student whose passion for science, communication, and service extends well beyond the classroom.
From an early age, Erin discovered a love for public speaking–a passion that has developed into leadership. This year, she serves as President of the TED-Ed Club, mentoring new members and delivering talks at the school’s annual event. For Erin, public speaking is not simply about confidence; it is about connection and the power of sharing ideas with purpose.
That same passion for science drives her commitment to science communication. Erin has led projects that make science engaging and accessible for younger students, including Curious Chemist, a science-based theatrical production, and Space Week during the ACS Athens Innovation Summit, creating opportunities for younger students in grades 5 through 10 to engage with space science.
Through carefully designed, age-appropriate activities that she developed, Erin enabled students to explore topics such as rocket design and astrobiology—one of her greatest interests—through creative and engaging learning experiences.
She has also dedicated significant time to mentoring younger students through Math Circles at ACS Athens, volunteering weekly with second and third graders for two years. Guiding students through puzzles she once solved herself, she discovered a love for teaching and mentoring.
Erin pictured with Academy Principal Dr. Harry Leonardatos, ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, and Head of Academic and College Guidance Ms. Ifigeneia Rodopoulou
This year, she is working to expand her initiatives by combining two major interests at ACS Athens: science and Model United Nations. She is currently developing a project that aims to introduce students to space science policy through an MUN-style simulation, encouraging thoughtful discussion about the future of space exploration, ethics, and international cooperation.
Her commitment to service extends beyond science. As a member of a student-led club supporting the PKP Community Center in Bali, Indonesia, Erin has contributed to fundraising efforts that support women transitioning out of abusive relationships. Through initiatives such as secondhand clothing sales and holiday fundraisers, the group is working toward a $10,000 goal to help the center relocate and continue its vital work.
Looking ahead, Erin plans to pursue planetary science or astronomy, with aspirations for hands-on research and continued science communication at the university level and beyond. She hopes to help others see science not as distant or intimidating, but as human, relevant, and essential.
At ACS Athens, Erin values the school’s strong sense of community–something she hopes to find again at the university she will attend. Curious, driven, and deeply engaged with the world around her, Erin exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond.
Her journey is a powerful reminder that the future of science depends not only on discovery, but also on communication, compassion, and community.