wfn.org | 2008 LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION AWARD TO ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS

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> Stavros Papagermanos
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> Press Release

> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> November 25, 2008

2008 LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION AWARD TO ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS

NEW YORK ? Archbishop Demetrios of America received this year's Distinguished Leadership in Education Award sponsored by the New York State Coalition of Independent and Religious Schools, during a Luncheon on November 17, in Albany, the State Capital.

Tom Hogan, from the Office of Nonpublic Schools/ New York State Education Department in reading the award citation said,"You have demonstrated Leadership in support of Hellenic Culture, Orthodox Christian Theology and Education. You have upgraded the schools, granted scholarships, opened horizons and been a constant positive presence to the children, resulting in a hope-filled future for the Youth."

Following the presentation, His Eminence expressed his gratitude to the Coalition and the hundreds of educators present. He called teaching
"the noblest of professions," and said, "It is the school teacher that makes history today." The Archbishop related his "shared passion and dedication for education" and remarked on the four-step process of classical Paideia, the all-encompassing Greek term for education, which consists of surprise, amazement, question and finally knowledge. "We have a duty," he said, "to make this process towards knowledge and education a work full of interest and joy."

The luncheon marked the opening of the 24th Annual Conference for Administrators of Independent and Religious Schools, which offers the opportunity to the administrators of faith-based schools in the State of New York to attend workshops and meet with representatives of the State Education Department. Many of the principals, clergy and administrators of the New York Greek Orthodox schools attended. The New York State Board of Regents joined the conference this year for the first time. Among the many other officials and educators present were: James Anderson of the Office of Nonpublic Schools/New York State Education Department, the two conference co-chairs Rabbi David Zwiebel, director of Agudath Israel of America and James Cultrara, director for Education of the NYS Catholic Conference, Dr. Catherine Hickey secretary for Education of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, Marlene Lund of the Lutheran Schools Association and Rabbi Dr. Marty Schloss, director of the Board of Jewish Education. Rev. Fr. Patric Legato of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Albany NY offered the invocation.

The New York State Coalition of Independent and Religious Schools is comprised of the following organizations: the Agudath Israel of America, the Association of Christian Schools International, the Board of Jewish Education, the Lutheran Schools Association, the NYS Association of Independent Schools, and the NYS Catholic Conference. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is one of its affiliate organizations represented by Maria Makedon, Director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education who serves on the Chairs Committee.

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