Αἰὲν Ἀριστεύειν - Ever to Excel
Embracing the ideals of Hellenic Culture, the Washington Metropolitan Area Chapters of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Education Progressive Association) and the Daughters of Penelope (DOP) have sponsored for over 50 years the Washington Metropolitan Area Scholarship Awards Program. Thanks to the generosity of its donors, this program, since its inception in 1970, has recognized graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academic, athletic, civic, and cultural endeavors. Now in its 55th year, we are proud to have honored 1,805 students for their accomplishments and have awarded a total of $1,311,375 in scholarships. The amount of money distributed each year is generously donated by organizations and individual members of the local Greek-American and AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope community.
Award recipients are determined by an independent panel of evaluators, unaffiliated with the AHEPA family or the Greek community, based on a competitive evaluation of the students’ applications.
The Endowment Committee – The goal of attaining $100,000 was realized in 1997 and has since reset its goal to $200,000. Consistent with the Endowment Fund rules, the Awards Committee since 1999 has provided income from this annually for our scholarships. Since 2001, the Awards Committee has augmented the scholarships with donations received from Patrons, Sponsors, and Boosters.
The governing body of the Endowment Committee is comprised of Chapter representatives known as Board of Presidents. The Board of Presidents on the Committee is determined following chapter officer elections.
A Tradition of Excellence
Our Mission
To continue the Ancient Greek traditions of honoring excellence in mind and body, by publicly recognizing our youth’s outstanding achievements in academics, athletics as well as community involvement, ensuring that our youth has an everlasting connection to their Greek Orthodox heritage.
Objectives
- Recognize and celebrate outstanding student achievement
- Inspire and motivate students to strive for excellence, supporting academic engagement and community involvement
- Foster a culture of academic excellence within our Greek American Community and beyond
- Encourage next generation leaders to remain relevant, acknowledging their cultural background and continue being eager to do better.
Annual Scholarship Banquet
The Annual Scholarship Banquet is a unique event during which we salute our students and recognize their talents and accomplishments. The focus is to grant more than financial awards; it is to publicly express with pride our affirmation of the efforts and achievements that have brought the students to this point. We celebrate with anticipation all that they will become in the future as they actualize the full potential of their blessings and abilities. The Annual Scholarship Banquet strengthens bonds within the Greek Orthodox Community by bringing people together to praise our youth’s successes and applaud those who will take on significant leadership roles in various sectors of society.
The Annual Scholarship Banquet also provides the opportunity for the scholarship awards program to express gratitude to our donors for their generous and continuing support of our Hellenic youth.
Our message to the award recipients: As you celebrate this milestone, always remember the love and unwavering support of your family and friends who have brought you here. Their presence propels you forward into the next chapters of your life, where you will proudly reflect the values of Hellenism and Orthodoxy to the world. We envision you as a beacon of our community, guiding future generations with the same values and spirit that inspire us today. May you become a pillar of strength, steering our community towards an even brighter future.