CHERRY HILL, NJ – [Photos by Steve Lambrou]
Τhe St. Thomas Hellenic School in Cherry Hill, NJ held its commencement ceremony honoring the 12 students of the graduating class of 2025 on June 1.
Presiding priest of the community Fr. Avgoustinos Psomas expressed his admiration for the students and their families, praising their diligence and enthusiasm in attending Greek School and emphasizing how they cultivate a love for the Greek language and culture. In addition, he congratulated the teaching staff for their excellent educational work and their dedication to the students.
Mrs. Glykeria Fountoglou spent the final year of their Greek school journey with them, preparing them for Ellinomatheia and encouraging them to carry their language, faith, traditions, and culture with them as they venture out into the world.
Dimitrios Rozanitis, vice president of the Parish Council and school board member, stressed the importance of preserving and promoting our extraordinary Greek language and culture throughout their lives.
Principal Margarita Zografos Vrettos congratulated the graduates and thanked the teachers, parents, and everyone in the community for their cooperation and support to help the students and school progress.
Valedictorian, Ioannis Barbouletos, and Salutatorian, Lemonia Horiates, both received awards for their academic excellence and shared speeches with memorable memories and motivating messages with everyone in attendance.
Awards for perfect attendance, academic performance, and classroom achievements were given to many students in the class, recognizing their performance and effort throughout the year.
Nikoletta Gerakios received the AHEPA award which was presented by Past Supreme AHEPA President George Horiates who spoke of the instrumental role of the AHEPA establishing the first Greek school in the area, in Camden, NJ. He also addressed the graduates as heroes, praising them for their efforts and accomplishments over the past seven years.
All graduates received a gift from the PTO to commemorate this special occasion.
