On Friday, November 8, 2024, Plato Academy Largo’s 6th-grade students participated in an educational journey to one of Florida’s most iconic cities: St. Augustine. Accompanied by two of their teachers, Ms. Kendrick (History) and Mr. Giavaras (Greek), along with five supportive parent chaperones, these young explorers set out to uncover the stories of Colonial Florida.
Exploring St. George Street
The day began with a walk through St. Augustine’s historic St. George Street, where the students passed through the storied City Gates. Their first stop was the Oldest Schoolhouse, where they gathered to hear tales of early colonial life in Florida.
There, they learned about Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish colonist who ventured to the Mediterranean island of Minorca in search of indentured servants to work on his indigo plantation in New Smyrna. Among those who made the journey was Ioannis Giannopoulos, a Greek man who, like many others, was promised a new life but found himself in challenging conditions. Giannopoulos and other settlers eventually sought refuge in St. Augustine. Here, Giannopoulos settled in what would become known as the Greek and Minorcan Quarter.
Florida’s First Schoolhouse and a Story of Resilience
Inside Giannopoulos’s humble home, he and his daughter set up a one-room schoolhouse to teach children of other settlers.
Greek Heritage at the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine
Their journey continued down St. George Street to the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, a landmark dedicated to the contributions of Greek settlers to Florida’s history. Inside, the students met with Mrs. Polixeni “Polly” Maouris Hillier, the Executive Director of the shrine. She shared the story of the shrine’s location in the Avero House, which had served as a sanctuary for Greek and Minorcan settlers fleeing hardships in New Smyrna. Mrs. Hillier explained that St. Photios was the first national shrine of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in the United States, preserving the heritage of Greek settlers and honoring their resilience.
For the students of Plato Academy, this was an opportunity to experience history up close, connect with the diverse heritage of early Florida settlers, and gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of the people who helped shape St. Augustine.
A Journey to Remember
We returned home with great memories and knowledge of St. Augustine’s rich history. This hands-on experience deepened their appreciation of Florida’s unique cultural heritage and instilled a sense of connection to the stories and traditions that form the roots of their community.
