TAMPA, FL — Amid the rush of travelers navigating the concourses of Tampa International Airport this holiday season, a sense of calm and joy emerged as the voices of Plato Academy students rang through the terminal. For years, this annual tradition has brought festive cheer to one of Florida’s busiest transportation hubs, with students performing a medley of holiday carols in Greek and English.
Gathered near the brightly lit holiday decorations in the main terminal, the choir, composed of students from Plato Academy of Clearwater, captivated onlookers with their harmonious voices. Dressed in their neatly pressed uniforms, they delivered a performance that blended timeless classics like “Little Drummer Boy” with traditional Greek carols, including the beloved “Trigona – Kalanta”: the Greek version of Jingle Bells.
“I was rushing to catch my flight, but their singing stopped me in my tracks,” said Maria Papadopoulos, a traveler en route to Chicago. “Hearing those Greek carols reminded me of my childhood. It was a very pleasant surprise.”
This annual performance beyond spreading holiday cheer is an embodiment of Plato Academy’s mission. The network of nine Florida-based charter schools, which integrates Greek culture into its curriculum, has made events like these a cornerstone of its community engagement.
“It’s a celebration of who we are,” said Konstantinos Aretis, the choir director and lead of the Greek program at Plato Academy Schools. “Our students are not only learning about the beauty of the Greek language-the foundation of human thought and sciences but also sharing it with others, which is what makes this tradition so meaningful.”
The students rehearse for weeks leading up to the performance, mastering songs in both languages. For many, it’s more than a music lesson but also an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and bring joy to those around them.
Airports during the holiday season can often feel frenetic, with the sounds of rolling luggage, and hurried conversations. But as the students began their first song, a hush fell over the terminal.
Travelers paused to listen, some capturing the moment on their phones, while others quietly sang along. Parents of the performers looked on with pride as their children’s voices carried through the bustling terminal.
“It’s moments like these that remind us of the importance of connection during the holidays,” said one parent, watching.
As the final notes of their performance faded into the background noise of the terminal, the students received a round of applause from their impromptu audience. Many travelers stopped to thank them for bringing a bit of warmth to an otherwise hectic day.
For Plato Academy, the tradition is a way to showcase the school’s commitment to blending culture, education, and community engagement.
“We can’t wait to come back next year,” said one student, still clutching a sheet of music. “It’s fun singing these songs and looking at people smiling at us as they walk by.”
As the students returned to their school and travelers resumed their journeys, the echoes of their voices lingered—a reminder of the joy that music and tradition can bring, even in the most unlikely places.
