Plato Academy Tarpon Springs honors Greek language, history, art, and culture
Plato Academy Tarpon Springs ignited the spirit of Greek heritage on March 8, 2024, in anticipation of the upcoming Greek Independence Day.
Students, teachers, and guests gathered to celebrate Greek history, art, language, and culture in Plato Academy’s unique way.
The festivities began in the auditorium with a stirring performance by students dressed in traditional Greek uniforms, handmade in the Greek town of Pyrgos. As the echoes of the USA national anthem faded, the melodies of the National Anthem of Greece filled the air. It was a heartwarming moment as even those seated in the auditorium joined in the singing – a familiar ritual since this is part of the daily curriculum in every classroom at Plato Academy.
Amidst the performances, students on stage shed light on the plight of the missing Caryatid statues from the Erechtheion temple in Athens. Through a poignant video and a live enactment, six students brought these iconic statues to life, advocating for their return to their rightful location at the Acropolis of Athens.
Families and friends joyously sang and clapped along to the rhythmic tunes as the student choir delighted the audience with beloved Greek songs. Accompanied by a vibrant image slideshow showcasing Greek landmarks, the performance transported everyone to the beautiful landscapes and sights of Greece. The addition of a lively and beautiful dance group further enlivened the atmosphere, making it a true celebration of Greek culture.
Theatrical skills took center stage with a rendition of the ancient Greek myth of Pandora. Through this timeless tale, students explored the profound messages embedded within Greek mythology, delving into themes of curiosity, hope, and human nature.
Adding a modern twist, the event concluded with a playful reenactment of the famous movie “Grease,” humorously retitled as “Greece”.
Courtyard performances
Following a delectable lunch featuring Greek delicacies, the celebration was transferred into the courtyard, where younger students dressed in traditional Greek outfits (created in the town of Pyrgos in Greece), celebrated with traditional Greek dances. The spectacle was elevated by older students showcasing the zeibekiko dance, during the transitions between each performance.
A Greek museum on campus
Venturing into the transformed school cafeteria, visitors were welcomed to a Greek museum. Under the guidance of Greek teachers Mrs. Tanya Parker, Tina Papagiannis, and Fotis Kokalidis, as well as classroom teachers and especially the school’s art teacher Mrs. Annick Reis, students curated an impressive collection of projects inspired by Greek art and culture.
Doric-style ancient Greek columns where built in the middle of the cafeteria room and served as the perfect backdrop for student artwork. From pottery decorated with depictions of Greek mythology to AI-generated posters envisioning the Olympian gods in modern times, ancient Greek food recipes, gypsum based pottery decorated by students, papyrus style portraits of students and school staff… Each exhibit showcased their creativity, personal touch, and reverence for Greek heritage.
At the core of the museum project was a series of museum kits graciously donated to the school by the Acropolis of Athens museum administration. They included guides, a wealth of information related to Greek history, and tools that revealed a world of deeper understanding.
Mrs. Tanya Parker extends her heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Kaimara and Ms. A. Leonti (Acropolis Restoration Service / Office of Information and Education) for entrusting her with the museum kits. She also wishes to express her appreciation to Director Ms. B. Eleftheriou for the generous decision to donate these kits to our schools.
Η εκπαιδευτικός Τάνια Πάρκερ ευχαριστεί προσωπικά την κα Ε. Καϊμάρα και Α. Λεοντή (Τομέα Ενημέρωσης και Εκπαίδευσης της Υπηρεσίας Συντηρήσεως Μνημείων Ακροπόλεως) για την εμπιστοσύνη που έδειξαν στην παραχώρηση των μουσειοσκευών, και την Διευθύντρια της υπηρεσίας κα Β. Ελευθερίου για την απόφασή της, να δωρηθούν οι μουσειοσκευές και να παραμείνουν μόνιμα στα σχολεία μας.
