Students at Plato Academy Pinellas Park commemorated Veterans Day and the Greek “όχι“ Day through two moving ceremonies that showcased both American patriotism and Greek cultural heritage.
The morning program, featured kindergarten students alongside second, fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth-graders. Following a formal flags entrance and the principal’s welcome address, attendees observed a moment of silence to honor military service members. Second-grade students opened the performances with renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the Greek National Anthem, establishing the dual cultural framework that would define both ceremonies.
Young voices filled the space as students recited poetry dedicated to US veterans and OXI Day, the historic moment when Greece refused to surrender to Axis forces during World War II. The kindergarten class drew applause with their military parade and performance of the Greek parade song “Pernaei o Stratos.” Fourth-graders connected American and Greek experiences of freedom through performances of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Δόξα στην Ελλάδα” followed by traditional Greek dance. The morning ceremony concluded with eighth-graders presenting a patriotic dance drama that synthesized the themes of resilience and determination.
The afternoon ceremony at noon brought together first, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students for a second tribute where first-graders performed both national anthems. Third-graders delivered a particularly ambitious segment that included “This Land Is Your Land,” the Greek peace song “Θέλουμε Ειρήνη” and a choreographed peace sign formation on the court, culminating in a dance performance titled “Hero.”
Fifth-grade students demonstrated their musical versatility with “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and the traditional Greek song and dance “Ένα το χελιδόνι” known as Hasapikos. The program’s final performances featured eighth-graders performing the Tsamikos dance “Ένας Αϊτός,” while sixth and seventh-graders presented the Kalamatianos dance “Μήλο μου κόκκινο” An eighth-grade patriotic dance drama brought the afternoon ceremony to a close.
Both programs reflected months of preparation and coordination among faculty and students. Music teacher Mr. Keating prepared students for their vocal performances, working with each grade level to develop proper technique and confident stage presence. The Greek department, comprising Mrs. Kapetaneas, Mrs. Orfanos, Mr. Giokas, and Mr. Bachtalias, coached students through the linguistic and cultural components of their performances, while Greek teacher Maria Mylonakou distinguished herself not only by planning the event but also dancing alongside her students, adding a dimension of joy and authenticity that the students visibly enjoyed being part of.
The dual ceremonies underscored Plato Academy’s educational mission of cultivating bilingual, bicultural students who understand the value of freedom through multiple historical lenses. Each grade level contributed performances appropriate to their age and skill level, ensuring comprehensive participation across the school community.
