ASTORIA, NY – GNUSA [Photos by ETA Press]
Demeter Despina (Demi) Stathakopoulos, 19, a first‑year Biology student at Cornell University, was awarded the title of Miss Greek Independence 2026 at the annual competition hosted by the Cultural Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York οn March 22 at the Stathakion Cultural Center.
This year’s competition was named in honor of Manto Mavrogenous, a prominent figure in the Greek War of Independence, and focused on participants’ knowledge of Hellenic history, public presence, and community involvement.
Stathakopoulos, who impressed judges with her presentation and understanding of Greek heritage, will represent the Federation at official events leading up to the 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. She has roots in Chios, Crete and Peloponnesos and earlier this year she won the title of Miss Chios.
The court of honorees includes 1st Runner-Up Olga Gotsis, 2nd Runner-Up Maria Chasapi, Miss Thessaloniki Vasiliki Kokiasmenos, and Miss Kerkyra Clio Kiropoulos.
Last year’s titleholder, Eleni Kapsokavadi, performed the crowning and expressed her gratitude to the organizers for the opportunities she experienced during her year as Miss Greek Independence.
Parade Committee Co‑Chair Yiannis Stroubakis congratulated all contestants for their participation.
The competition was organized under the direction of Nomiki Kastanas, Chair of Parade Cultural Events, as part of the Federation’s cultural program schedule ahead of the 2026 Parade. The organizing committee also included Sofia Stroubakis, Avgerini Katechis, Spyridoula Tsoukalas, and Margarita Skourlis.
The judging panel included Greece’s Consul in New York, Petros Dorizas, along with former Parade Committee co – chair and community benefactor Helen Psaras and educator Eleftheria Oikouta.
The program featured piano performances by maestro Fytos Stratis and a vocal performance by Victoria–Anastasia, adding a distinctive musical touch to the event.
“This is not simply a pageant, it is a celebration of character, intellect, and leadership, inspired by the extraordinary legacy of Manto Mavrogenous, one of the great heroines of the Greek War of Independence”, Lou Katsos, Parade Committee General Chairman, posted on FB.
“These young women represent the very best of our community—confident, thoughtful, engaged, and deeply connected to their Hellenic identity. They are the next generation of leadership in the Diaspora”, he added.
