American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

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American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

Abbreviation	AHEPA
Formation	July 26, 1922; 99 years ago (1922-07-26) Atlanta, Georgia
Purpose	"To promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism."[1]
Headquarters	Washington, D.C., US
Membership	60,000+ (2011)[2]
Supreme President	George G. Horiates
Supreme Vice President	Jimmy Kokotas
Supreme Secretary	Jim Stasios
Supreme Treasurer	Savas Tsivicos
Website	ahepa.org

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia. AHEPA was founded to fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry, and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. It is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe.^[1]

The mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.^[1]

History[]

The AHEPA was founded as a fraternity in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 26, 1922. Its initial mission was to promote the image of Greeks in America, assist them with citizenship and assimilation into American culture, and combat prejudice. During that inaugural meeting, it was decided that AHEPA's purposes would be:^[3]

(a) To advance and promote pure and undefiled Americanism among the Greeks of the United States, its Territories and Colonial possessions;
(b) To educate the Greeks in the matter of democracy, and in the matter of the government of the United States;
(c) To instill the deepest loyalty to the United States;
(d) To promote fraternal sociability;
(e) To practice benevolent aid among this nationality.

With the full assimilation of Greek Americans, its mission evolved toward philanthropy, education, and promoting and preserving the Hellenic identity of the Greek Americans and the ethnic Greeks of other countries where AHEPA is present, such as Australia, Canada, the Bahamas as well as Greece and Cyprus.^[4][5] In recent years, AHEPA has also expanded to other countries in Europe, besides Greece and Cyprus, including Austria, Belgium,France, Germany, Netherlands and UK.^[6]

The founders of the fraternity were eight men, all residents of Atlanta, who conceived the idea of the establishment of an association of mainly citizens of Greek descent, although not limited only to such members. The eight founders of the Order of AHEPA, who were also the members of the first Supreme Lodge of the organization, were Nicholas D. Chotas, James Campbell, Spiro J. Stamos, Harry Angelopoulos, George A. Polos, John Angelopoulos, George Campbell, James Vlass.^[3]

Franklin D. Roosevelt was initiated into the Delphi Chapter on March 11, 1931 and was an active dues-paying member for 14 years, to the time of his death.^[7]

The office of Supreme President is the highest office in the Order of AHEPA. There have been 68 Supreme Presidents since the founding of the organization on July 26, 1922.^[6]

Past Supreme Presidents[]

^[8]

Period	Supreme President
2018-2019	George E. Loucas
2017-2018	Carl R. Hollister
2016-2017	Andrew C. Zachariades
2015-2016	John W. Galanis
2014-2015	Philip T. Frangos
2013-2014	Anthony Kouzounis
2011-2013	Dr. John Grossomanides
2009-2011	Nicholas A. Karacostas
2007-2009	Ike Gulas
2005-2007	Gus J. James II
2004-2005	Frank R. Manios
2003-2004	A. Jack Georgallas
2002-2003	Dr. James F. Dimitriou
2001-2002	Andrew T. Banis
2000-2001	Johnny N. Economy
1999-2000	George J. Dariotis
1998-1999	Lee George Rallis
1997-1998	Steve A. Manta
1995-1997	Dr. Spiro J. Makris
1994-1995	Charles M. Georgeson
1993-1994	John N. Economou
1992-1993	Dr. Gus A. Constantine
1991-1992	John T. Pappas
1990-1991	James S. Scofield
1989-1990	Charles P. Tsaffaras
1988-1989	A. Steve Betzelos
1987-1988	Nicholas L. Strike
1986-1987	John G. Plumides
1985-1986	George P. Gabriel
1984-1985	Cleo N. Zambetis
1983-1984	Peter H. Cardiges
1982-1983	Peter Kouchalakos
1981-1982	Gustav Coffinas
1979-1981	Nick Smyrnis
1978-1979	Dr. Peter V. Paulus
1977-1978	Peter N. Dervis
1976-1977	Xenophon K. Microutsicos
1974-1976	William G. Chirgotis
1973-1974	William P. Tsaffaras
1972-1973	Dr. Michael M. Spirtos
1971-1972	Sam Nakis
1969-1971	Louis G. Manesiotis
1968-1969	Gus Cherevas
1967-1968	Andrew Fasseas
1965-1967	Kimon A. Doukas
1964-1965	Nicholas J. Chirekos
1963-1964	John G. Plumides
1962-1963	George J. Margoles
1960-1962	Nicholas Coffinas
1959-1960	George E. Loucas
1957-1959	CP Vernis
1956-1957	John L. Manta
1954-1956	Stephen S. Scopas
1953-1954	Leo J. Lamberson
1951-1953	Peter L. Bell
1947-1951	John G. Thevos
1947-1949	William Helis
1945-1947	Harris J. Booras
1942-1945	George C. Vournas
1940-1942	Van A. Nomikos
1935-1940	VI Chebithes
1934-1935	Achilles Catsonis
1931-1934	Harris J. Booras
1929-1931	George E. Philles
1927-1929	Dean Alfange
1924-1927	VI Chebithes
1924	George Demeter [9]
1923-1924	Hugh N. Wells [10]
1922 - 1923	Nicholas Chotas[11]

Organization[]

Originally AHEPA was organized on a lodge system like that of the Masons or Oddfellows. Local units were called "Subordinate Lodges" and state or territory structures were called "Superior Lodges". Now local groups are called "Chapters" and regional organizations are called "Districts". The national structure is still called the "Supreme Lodge", however, and all of its officers have "Supreme" in their title such as Supreme President, Supreme Treasurer etc.^[12][13]

The Order of AHEPA has over 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, and Europe. In addition, the chapters report to 28 different districts. Those 28 districts report to the Supreme Lodge and Headquarters located in Washington, DC.

Membership[]

Originally, membership was restricted to only Greeks. At its third meeting, the Order decided to change this, allowing non-Greeks to join. In 1979, AHEPA had over 25,000 members in 400 chapters.^[14] By 1989, the number climbed to 60,000, despite an overall decline in memberships of fraternal groups during this period.^[15]

There have been 540 chapters chartered in the United States, 16 chartered in Canada, 30 chartered in Greece, 5 chartered in Cyprus, and 10 chartered in Europe. There are "sister" chapters in AHEPA Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). An estimated 500,000 men have been inducted into the Order of AHEPA over its 90-year history.^[16]

Supreme Convention[]

"In accordance with the provisions of the AHEPA Constitution, the Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA shall be the highest constituted body of the entire AHEPA; it shall remain in session until it is adjourned by a majority of its members; its powers over the entire Order shall be limited only by the AHEPA Constitution and the AHEPA BYLAWS, over which it shall have the exclusive power to alter; and it shall consist, in its composite whole, of the Voting Members of the Convention.

The Supreme Convention has the authority to overturn, overrule, reject or rescind decisions of the Supreme Counselor, Board of Trustees or Supreme Lodge, including the authority to reject, rescind or terminate contracts after the consequences of such action is explained to them. Any such decision of the Supreme Convention to overturn, overrule, reject or rescind any decision of Supreme Counselor, Board of Trustees or Supreme Lodge can be made by a majority vote of the registered Voting Members of the Convention then present and voting at the time as long as those voting in favor represent at least a majority of the Voting Members of the Convention duly registered at such Convention."^[17]

Politics[]

AHEPA has taken a stand on the Cyprus issue since 1955 when it formed the "Justice for Cyprus" committee to support Cyprus' independence.^[18] Through the decades, the organization has continued advocate on issues relating to Greece and Cyprus in Washington, while also educating the public about these topics.^[15]

• Congressional scorecard

For each Congress, AHEPA compiles a Congressional scorecard on issues of importance to the American Hellenic community and to the organization. The purpose of the scorecard is to educate AHEPA's membership and the community on how engaged members of Congress are on these issues, or at the least, their level of awareness.

Awards[]

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AHEPA recognizes distinguished achievements in various categories such as Public Service, Government, Law, Business, Journalism, Science, the Arts, Military Service, Humanitarian. Below is a list of AHEPA awards and recipients over the years.

Socrates Awards[]

The Socrates Award recognizes prominent men and women who have emulated ancient Hellenic ideals. This is the most prestigious award AHEPA awards.

AHEPA's premier social event, the AHEPA National Banquet, was held for the first time on February 26, 1929, at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC. In 1948, the name of the event was changed to the "AHEPA Congressional Banquet" and for the first time, a United States President, Harry Truman, attended. In 2000 AHEPA reverted to a more appropriate name of this event, The AHEPA Biennial Banquet.

Since 1964, the AHEPA National Banquet has also featured presentations of the organization's most coveted honor, the Socrates Award.

A list of past recipients of the Socrates Award:

• Henry R. Luce – 1964 – Publisher of Time and Life magazines
• Lyndon B. Johnson – 1966 – President of the United States of America
• Everett Dirksen – 1968 – Senator from Illinois
• Spiro T. Agnew – 1970 – Vice-President of the United States of America
• Richard M. Nixon – 1971 – President of the United States of America
• Holiness Athenagoras I Ecumenical Patriarch – 1972
• The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives – 1976
• Hubert H. Humphrey – 1978 – Vice-President of the United States of America
• Claiborne Pell – 1982 – Senator from Connecticut
• Bob Hope – 1984 – Entertainer
• Ronald Reagan – 1986 – President of the United States of America
• Archbishop Iakovos – 1988 – Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of North and South America
• George W. H. Bush – 1990 – President of the United States of America
• William "Gus" Pagonis – 1992 – Lt. General
• Mary Matthews – 1992 – Philanthropist
• Paul Sarbanes – 1993 – Senator from Maryland
• William Clinton – 1996 – President of the United States of America
• Patriarch Bartholomew – 1997 – His All Holiness, Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch
• George W. Bush – 2002 – President of the United States of America
• Tassos Papadopoulos – 2007 – President of Cyprus
• Costas Karamanlis – 2007 – Prime Minister of Greece
• George A. Kalogridis – 2014 – President Walt Disney World Resort
• Joe Biden – 2015 – Vice-President of the United States of America
• John Boehner – 2015 – Speaker of the House of Representatives
• Philip Christopher – 2019 – President of the International Co-ordinating Committee "Justice for Cyprus"
• Michael Psaros - 2019 - Co-founder and Managing Partner of KPS Capital Partners

AHEPA Socratic Award Winners: https://ahepahistory.org/AHEPA-Awards/AHEPA-Socratic-Award-Socrates-Award.html

George E. Paraskevaides O.B.E. Philanthropic Award[]

Past recipients include:^[6]

• George Paraskevaides (2006)

Pericles Award[]

The Order of AHEPA developed the Pericles award on both the National and District level to honor those individuals in Government. Past national recipients include:

• Senator Paul Tsongas
• Senator Paul Sarbanes
• Senator John Glenn
• Congressman Mike Bilirakis
• Congressman Gus Bilirakis
• Congressman Gus Yatron
• Congressman George Gekas
• Efthimios E. Mitropoulos
• Congressman John Lewis – 2015
• Congressman Peter J. Visclosky – 2016
• Panos Kammenos – Minister of Defense of the Hellenic Republic – 2017

Also several United States Governors have been honored with this award as have many local government officials.

Solon Award[]

This national award is given to a member of the bar for excellence in the field of law.

• Honorable Charles P. Kocoras – 2016

Homer Award[]

This is a special award to be presented only by the Supreme Lodge at their discretion to any outstanding individual.

Past recipients:

• Dr. Mary Lefkowitz, Andrew Mellon Professor of Humanities, Wellesley College
• Nicholas Gage – Author
• Thea Halo – Author

Aristotle Award[]

This award is to be presented by the Supreme Lodge at the Grand Banquet of the Supreme Convention to an Outstanding Hellene who has distinguished himself in his respective profession or field of endeavor.

• Yiannakis Matsis (2012) – Member of the European Parliament
• Robert W. Peck (2015) – Canadian Ambassador to Greece
• Theofanis Economidis (2015)
• John P. Calamos (2016)
• Michael Zampelas (2016) - Founder and CEO of Coopers & Lybrand in Cyprus and Athens, Greece
• Timothy P. Tassopoulos (2017) – President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A

Public Service Award[]

An award developed for recognition of members both national and local for their devotion and hard work in the field of public service.

Academy of Achievement Awards[]

These awards were funded by the Educational Foundation to honor individuals who excel in various areas of expertise. Awards can be given in the fields of business, journalism, the arts, science, and other liberal sciences.

• Efthyvoulos Paraskevaides – Academy of Achievement in Business (2010)
• Photos Photiades – Academy of Achievement in Business (2011)
• Rev. Dn. Chris Avramopolos – Academy of Achievement in Community Service (2016)
• Eleni Bousis – Academy of Achievement in Philanthropy (2016)
• Basile Katsikis – Academy of Achievement in Arts (2016)

Archbishop Iakovos Humanitarian Award[]

This award was developed to honor the Archbishop of North and South America who was an active and vocal member of the AHEPA. Archbishop Iakovos helped define a generation of Orthodox faithful in the Americas. His vision and support of Human rights and compassion are a testament to his being a unique life force for all. This award is given to those individuals who surpass any standard of giving in support of Human rights and freedom.

List of recipients:

• Andrew A. Athens – Global Hellenic Diaspora Leader
• Eugene Rossides – American Hellenic Institute Founder
• Andrew S. Natsios – Former USAID Administrator
• George Behrakis – Businessmen/Philanthropists
• George Marcus – Businessmen/Philanthropists
• B'nai B'rith International – First organization to receive the award (2014)
• Stavros Niarchos Foundation (2015)

Medal of Freedom/Military Medal of Honor[]

Awarded to active and retired members of the military in honor of their service to their country.

This award was developed to honor those individuals who sacrifice their lives or put their lives in harm's way in executing their duty. After the tragic events of 9/11 this award was created and awarded to the brave first responders. Additionally, this award is also reserved for any individual who sacrifices his or her own safety for those of others.

• Col. Alan C. Macaulay (2015)
• Lt General Ilias Leontaris (2019) - Chief Cyprus National Guard

Demosthenes Award[]

An award developed exclusively for those individuals who excel in the area of broadcasting or reporting the news, in any form. Television and or radio news personalities and other such journalists are eligible for this award.

Lifetime Achievement Award[]

This award is bestowed exclusively by the Supreme President of the Order of AHEPA on a member of the Order for a lifetime of achievement in the Order of AHEPA.

• Gus J. James II – AHEPA Past Supreme President (2015)
• James S. Scofield – AHEPA Past Supreme President (2016)
• George Rigos – Founder of the Odyssey Charter School (OCS)(2018)

AHEPAN of the Year[]

The AHEPAN of the Year award is in recognition of outstanding leadership, devoted services, and unselfish contributions toward the advancement of the programs and progress of the Order of AHEPA over an AHEPA fiscal year.

All National AHEPA awards are awarded by the AHEPA Supreme Lodge and are reviewed and the criterion is always changing as dictated by the times by the AHEPA Supreme Lodge.

Athletics[]

In 1970, the AHEPA athletic program took form. AHEPA athletics include: softball, golf, bowling, basketball, with regional and national tournaments held annually. Each year, at the Supreme Convention, inductions are made into the AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame.^[19]

In 1975, the Order of AHEPA, at the suggestion of Past Supreme President, Louis Manesiotis and through the leadership of Supreme Athletic Director Dr. Monthe N. Kofos, established the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame to honor outstanding Hellenic athletes and sports personages. As of 2013, 130 members have been inducted. Annually, a representative and diverse of Ahepans appointed by the Supreme Athletic Director select worthy and eligible candidates for induction, after a nomination process pursuant to established written guidelines for both nomination and selection. The hallmarks of said process are objectivity, transparency and accountability.

Categories of selection[]

There are two categories of selection;

1. ATHLETES who have excelled in their particular field of play, being eligible after the passage of three (3) years from the end of their playing days (retirement); and
2. CONTRIBUTORS, being individuals who have contributed in some fashion to the field of athletics; for example, Athletic Directors, Coaches, Supporters and Media Personalities.

Formal induction into the AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame is accomplished annually at the annual AHEPA Supreme National Convention during the Athletic Awards Luncheon.

AHEPA is honored to recognize Hellenes of outstanding athletic accomplishment. The AHEPA ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME serves to memorialize these individuals and recognize their outstanding achievements.

ELIGIBILITY and nomination process[]

• A nominated candidate must be of Hellenic descent.
• Nominated candidate was considered exemplary in their particular sport or athletic field. (Criteria as set forth in the guidelines includes both accomplishments and good character)
• Nominated candidate needs to be nominated by an AHEPAN, supported by his chapter, and accompanied by the completion of the appropriate nomination forms attached hereto.
• A current photograph (head shot) of the candidate, as well as an action shot (if applicable), is requested.
• Once the nomination application is received, it is reviewed by the selection committee, and determined is thereafter included on the selection ballot.

AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame[]

Member	Year inducted		Member	Year inducted
Harry Agganis	1975		Alex Aronis	2000
Dee Andros	1975		George Bollas Sr.	2000
Peter Clentzos	1975		Alex G. Spanos	2000
Alex Kampouris	1975		Peter G. Stark	2000
Alex Karras	1975		Jimmie Angelopoulos	2002
Jim Londos	1975		John Critzos II	2002
Milt Pappas	1975		Charles George	2002
Pete Pihos	1975		Michael Siganos	2002
Lou Tsioropoulos	1975		Peter Angelos	2003
Gus Zarnas	1975		George Dimit	2003
Alex Grammas	1976		Jim Korfas	2003
Johnny Morris	1976		Tom Palis	2003
George Saimes	1976		Jim Carson	2004
Dr. George Kaftan	1977		Jim Daopoulos	2004
James Kekeris	1977		Nick Pappas	2004
Gus Triandos	1977		Lou Skizas	2004
Mike Castronis	1978		Mike Balitsaris	2005
William Mackrides	1978		Chris Kontos	2005
Gus Zitrides	1978		Manuel Scarmoutsos	2005
Arthur Gregory	1979		Ernie Serfas	2005
Billy Loes	1979		Anthony Loukas	2006
Anton Christoforides	1980		George Makris	2006
Gus Niarhos	1980		Carl Angelos	2007
Nick Kerasiotis	1981		George Pappas	2007
Andy Marefos	1981		Andy Sideris	2007
Chris Pelekoudas	1981		John Galaris	2009
Nick Kladis	1982		Greg Manesiotis	2009
Dr. Monthe Kofos	1982		Vasili (Billy) Pappas	2009
Archie Matsos	1982		Pete Sampras	2009
Nick Rassas	1982		Gus Constantine	2010
George Zaharias	1982		Eric Karros	2010
Ted Karras	1983		Steve Lappas	2010
John Maskas	1983		Stanley Maratos	2010
Nick Matis	1984		Art Anastopoulo	2011
Leah Poulos-Mueller	1984		Adam Archuletta	2011
Chris Farasopoulos	1985		Nick Kypreos	2011
Dr. George Poloynis	1986		Stan Spirou	2011
Nick Rodis	1986		George Theodore	2011
John Mellekas	1986		Dean Lampros	2012
Plato Andros	1987		Steve Leondis	2012
Louis Manesiotis	1987		Nick Pappageorge	2012
John Karras	1988		Tom Pappas	2012
Menil Mavraides	1988		Leonidas Tsantiris	2012
Eugene Rossides	1989		William Atessis	2013
Nickos Spanakos	1989		Nick Galis	2013
Petros Spanakos	1989		Bill Gazonas	2013
Van Nomikos	1990		Greg Louganis	2013
Peter Tountas	1990		Charles Theokas	2013
Alex Athas	1991		Peter Karmanos Jr.	2014
Bob Costas	1991		Joe Panos	2014
Louis Karras	1991		Matt Stover	2014
Archie Kodros	1991		Kirk Vidas	2014
Mike Schooles	1991		Theodore ("Ted") Leonsis	2015
Nick Conteas	1992		Christina Loukas	2015
Bill Korinthias	1992		Bob Barnek	2015
Lee Palles	1992		Paul J. Kaliades	2015
George Theodoratos	1992		Nicolette Gianulias	2016
Joe Collins	1993		Niko Koutouvides	2016
Ted Gregory	1993		John Margaritis	2016
Spiros Siaggas	1993		Steven Schubert	2016
Chris Vagotis	1993		Christos Tsiotos	2016
Al Campanis	1994		May Kotsopoulos	2017
John Diamantakos	1994		Dan Mavraides	2017
Peter Kouchalakis	1994		Nick Tsiotos	2017
John Scolinos	1994		Aleke Joy Tsoubanos	2017
Jimmy Caras	1995		Dr. James Vailas	2017
George Dales	1995		Harry Cicma	2018
James Poulos	1995		Michele Koclanes	2018
David Psaltis	1995		George Papadakos	2018
Augustus Ganakas	1996		Mark Philippoussis	2018
Dr. Tom Katsimpalis	1996		George Ravanis	2018
John Tsitouris	1996		Lt. Colonel Thomas Bellairs	2019
Paul Xanthos	1996		Valorie Kondos Field	2019
Ernest Afaganis	1997		Peter Laskaris	2019
Phil Bouzeos	1997		Adam Rand	2019
John Pachivas Sr.	1997		George Veras	2019
Lou Tsipis	1997
Nick Sacrinty	1998
Robert Samaras	1998
Fred Smerlas	1998
Leo Thalassites	1998
George Catavolos	1999
Art Demmas	1999
Tom Laris	1999
Diana Nyad	1999

AHEPA athletics recognizes outstanding athletic achievements in many ways. AHEPA athletics department award scholarships to deserving scholar-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding achievements both in the classroom and the athletic fields. The funds are available through the athletic booster trust fund established through the donations of individuals.

AHEPA hosts many regional and national tournaments in sports such as golf, bowling, basketball, and softball. Winners of the tournaments are awarded in many cases free travel to the national tournament during the Supreme convention.

The most prestigious AHEPA athletic award is the Harry Agganis Hellenic Athlete Award, which is awarded annually to the outstanding Hellene in the field of athletics professional or amateur of college level and above.^[20]

Harry Agganis Award winners[]

Year	Award winner	Sport		Year	Award winner	Sport
1955	Alex Aronis	Football		1990	Pete Sampras	Tennis
1956	George Spanes	Football		1991	Karen Choppelas Horstmeyer	Basketball coach
1957	Alex Karras	Football		1992	Steve Lappas	NCAA basketball coach
1958	Lou Tsiriopoulos	Basketball		1993	Chris Kontos	Hockey
1959	Gus Triandos	Baseball		1994	Alkis Panagoulis	Soccer coach
1960	Milt Pappas	Baseball		1995	John Mitsopoulos	Weight lifting
1961	Chris Pelekoudas	Baseball umpire		1996	Peter Karmanos Jr.	Hockey
1962	Alex Grammas	Baseball		1997	Spiros Siaggas	AHEPA athletics
1963	George Saimes	Football		1998	Peter Clentzos	Olympic pole vaulter
1964	NONE	NONE		1999	James Daopoulos	NFL Super Bowl Referee
1965	Chris Pelekoudas	Baseball umpire		2000	John Korfas	Basketball
1966	Peter Tountas	Bowling		2001	Matt Stover	Football
1967	Dee Andros	Football		2002	None	None
1968	None	None		2003	None	None
1969	Angelo Loukas	Football		2004	Tom Pappas	Decathlon
1970	George Allen	Track		2005	NONE	NONE
1971	George Pappas	Bowling		2006	NONE	NONE
1972	Gus Ganakas	Basketball		2007	NONE	NONE
1973	Chris Farasopoulos	Football		2008	None	None
1974	Alex Strike	World Judo Champ		2009	Nick Markakis	Baseball
1975	Leah Poulos	Olympic Speed Skater		2010	George John	Soccer
1976	NONE	NONE		2011	Dan Mavraides	Basketball
1977	John Scolinos	Baseball Coach		2012	William Vlachos	Rimington Finalist
1978	NONE	NONE		2013	Niko Koutouvides	Football
1979	Alec Campanis	L.A. Dodgers GM		2014	Kostas Koufos	Basketball
1980	Lee Palles	Decathlon		2015	Giannis Antetokounmpo	Basketball
1981	Fred Smerlas	Football		2016	Mike Moustakas	Baseball
1982	Art Demmas	NFL Referee		2017	Giannis Antetokounmpo	Basketball
1983	Greg Louganis	Olympic Diving		2018	Dean Karnazes	Ultra-Marathoner Runner
1984	Mike Castronis	NCAA Football Coach		2019	Cody Bellinger	Baseball
1985	Greg Louganis	Olympic Diving		2020
1986	Peter Dalis	UCLA Athletic Director		2021
1987	Greg Tafralis	Track		2022
1988	Tom Patsalis	Track		2023
1989	Chris Chelios	Hockey		2024

Structure[]

The AHEPA Family consists of four organizations, the AHEPA (men), Daughters of Penelope (women), Sons of Pericles (young men) and Maids of Athena (young women). AHEPA publishes The AHEPAN, which is the second largest Greek American publication in circulation. The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association also maintains ties with the similar .

The order of AHEPA consists of Chapters, Districts, and the Supreme Lodge.

Chapters[]

Any organization of men, but no fewer than ten, which individually and collectively, shall have duly petitioned for and received a Charter from the Supreme Lodge and which, thus Chartered and authorized, is functioning under the name and style of AHEPA, or its corporate name, shall be deemed to be a Chapter of the Order of AHEPA, and subject to its jurisdiction.^[21]

At the chapter level, the main officer positions are:^[22]

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Chaplain
• Warden
• Captain of the Guard

In addition, a chapter may also have the following officer positions:

• Vice-President/Director of Hellenism
• Vice-President/Director of Education
• Vice-President/Director of Philanthropy
• Vice-President/Director of Civic Responsibility
• Vice-President/Director of Family and Individual Excellence
• Inside Sentinel
• Outside Sentinel
• Athletic Director

The chapter also has a Board of Governors composed of a Chairman and a number of Governors selected in accordance with the number of members for whom per capita assessment has been paid to AHEPA Headquarters.

Number of Governors Based on Chapter Size:

• 10-25 Members 2 Governors
• 26-100 Members 4 Governors
• 101-200 Members 6 Governors
• 201-300 Members 8 Governors
• 301-400 Members 10 Governors
• 401-500 Members 12 Governors
• 501 and up Members 14 Governors

The Officers of a Chapter shall serve for a term of twelve (12) months, or until their successors are elected and qualified.

All AHEPA Chapters report to a specific District.

Districts[]

The Chapters within the jurisdiction of this Order may be organized by the Supreme Lodge into twenty-eight (28) Districts. Each District shall bear an individual name and number. Each District shall have a minimum of three (3) active Chapters. The Chapters in a District with less than three (3) active Chapters will be assigned by the Supreme Lodge to another District or Districts. The Supreme Lodge shall fix the boundaries of each District.^[23]

At the District level, the main officer positions are:^[24]

• District Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• District Secretary
• District Treasurer
• District Marshal
• District Warden
• District Athletic Director

In addition, a District may also have the following officer positions:

• Vice-President/Director of Hellenism
• Vice-President/Director of Education
• Vice-President/Director of Philanthropy
• Vice-President/Director of Civic Responsibility
• Vice-President/Director of Family and Individual Excellence

Each and every District of the Order shall hold a District Convention annually during the months of May, June, or July. The specific time, date and place for succeeding District Conventions may be chosen by the District Convention not more than two (2) years in advance. The Order of AHEPA in Canada may hold the District Conventions not later than the first week in August.^[25]

The Conventions of each District shall be composed of duly elected Delegates of the respective Chapters composing the District and the District Officers thereof, and the immediate retiring District Governor. All Past District Governors of any District in the AHEPA Domain may vote and have a sovereign vote provided that they are members in good standing of a Chapter of that District.^[25]

The District Conventions of the Order of AHEPA shall have power and authority to:

1. ALL MATTERS: Consider and discuss all matters affecting the affairs of the Order in the District;
2. LEGISLATION: Adopt such legislation as the Delegates may deem necessary and proper for the welfare of the District, provided that such legislation does not in any way conflict with the AHEPA CONSTITUTION and AHEPA BYLAWS and decrees of the Supreme Convention of the Order;
3. DECISIONS: Decide any and all things necessary and proper for the advancement of the District;
4. RESOLUTIONS: Pass resolutions and transmit them to the Supreme Convention through the District Governor; and
5. APPROPRIATE FUNDS: To appropriate monies had or to be had in the District Treasury, prescribe the manner and purposes of and for which such appropriations shall be used and designate the Officer or Officers who are to disburse the same.

List of districts[]

• MOTHER LODGE DISTRICT NO. 1: All Chapters within the states of Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
• CITRUS DISTRICT NO. 2: All Chapters within the state of Florida, Puerto Rico and in Nassau, Bahamas.
• CAPITAL DISTRICT NO. 3: All Chapters within the states of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia and the Chapter of Bluefield, West Virginia.
• POWER DISTRICT NO. 4: All Chapters within the state of Pennsylvania, excepting Sharon-Farrell.
• GARDEN DISTRICT NO. 5: All Chapters within the state of New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware.
• EMPIRE DISTRICT NO. 6: All Chapters within the State of New York.
• YANKEE DISTRICT NO. 7: All Chapters within the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and the Chapter of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
• BAY STATE DISTRICT NO. 8: All Chapters within the State of Massachusetts, excepting the Chapter at Pittsfield.
• NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT NO. 9: All Chapters within the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
• AUTOMOTIVE DISTRICT NO. 10: All Chapters within the state of Michigan.
• BUCKEYE DISTRICT NO. 11: All Chapters within the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and the Chapters at Weirton, Huntington, Wheeling, Clarksburg and Charleston, West Virginia, and Sharon-Farrell, Pennsylvania.
• HOOSIER DISTRICT NO. 12: All Chapters within the state of Indiana.
• BLUE RIBBON DISTRICT NO. 13: All Chapters within the states of Illinois, Wisconsin.
• GRAINFIELDS DISTRICT NO. 14: All Chapters within the states of Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, all of Nebraska (excepting Bridgeport, Nebraska), and the St. Louis, Missouri Chapter No. 53.
• DELTA DISTRICT NO. 16: All Chapters within the states of Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and all the Chapters in Kansas City, Missouri.
• SILVER DISTRICT NO. 17: All Chapters within the states of New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and Colorado, the Chapters in Ely, Nevada, and Bridgeport, Nebraska.
• EL CAMINO REAL DISTRICT NO. 20: All Chapters within the state of Arizona, Hawaii, and in the city and south of Bakersfield, California; and Chapters in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada.
• GOLDEN GATE DISTRICT NO. 21: All Chapters north and exclusive of Bakersfield in California, and the Chapter at Reno, Nevada.
• FIREWOOD DISTRICT NO. 22: All Chapters in the states of Oregon and Washington, and Alaska.
• BEAVER DISTRICT NO. 23: All Chapters in the Provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Islands, and New Brunswick, Canada.
• ROYAL CANADIAN DISTRICT NO. 24: All Chapters in Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada.
• HELLAS DISTRICT NO. 25: All Chapters situated within Greece.
• CANADIAN DISTRICT NO. 26: All Chapters in the Province of British Columbia, Canada.
• CYPRUS DISTRICT NO. 27: All Chapters situated within Cyprus.
• EUROPEAN DISTRICT NO. 28: All Chapters situated in Europe except for Cyprus and Greece.^[26]

Regions[]

AHEPA also has Regions. There are ten Regions defined by the Order of AHEPA. Each Region is divided into a set of active districts. Each Region also has an elected Supreme Governor who makes up part of the Supreme lodge.

The ten Regions are:

• Region 1 – Districts 1 and 2. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee
• Region 2 – Districts 3 and 4. West Virginia, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia
• Region 3 = Districts 5 and 6. Delaware, New Jersey, New York
• Region 4 = Districts 7, 8 and 9. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
• Region 5 = Districts 10 and 11. Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, except Bloomfield WV
• Region 6 = Districts 12, 13 and 14. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, E. Nebraska, E. Missouri
• Region 7 = Districts 15, 16 and 17. Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, W. Missouri, W. Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Utah, except Salt Lake City
• Region 8 = Districts 20, 21 and 22. Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah
• Region 9 = Districts 23, 24 and 26. Canada: Maritimes, Quebec Ontario (23) Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta (24) British Columbia (26)
• Region 10 = Districts 25, 27 and 28. Greece, Cyprus and the rest of Europe ^[26]

Supreme Lodge[]

The "Supreme Lodge" of this Order shall be composed of the following Supreme Officers:^[27]

• Supreme President
• Supreme Vice President
• Canadian President
• Supreme Secretary
• Supreme Treasurer
• Supreme Counselor
• Nine Supreme/Regional Governors

See also[]

• AHEPA University Hospital

References[]

External links[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to AHEPA.

• Official website
• History of the Order of AHEPA
• Leber, George J. History of the Order of AHEPA 1922 - 1972. Washington DC, Order of AHEPA, 1972
• Daughters of Penelope Website
• Sons of Pericles Website
• Maids of Athena Website
• American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), National Office records at the Immigration History Research Center Archives, University of Minnesota Libraries