The afternoon of Saturday, June 7, 2025, Saint Basil Academy (SBA) celebrated its 78th Annual Commencement Exercises in Garrison, New York.
Saint Basil Academy is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese’s home for children in need and a national not-for-profit philanthropic center for children and young adults, with a mission to provide a safe and supportive environment where children and young adults are nurtured to become healthy members of society with vision and hope.
Seven students graduated across SBA’s family and youth programs, and graduation day attendees witnessed the children sharing their beautiful talents, receiving awards, and offering reflections of their time at Saint Basil. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Chairman of the Saint Basil Academy Board of Trustees, encouraged the students:
“[Saint Basil] saw the value of learning, wherever the knowledge came from, and he increased his own capacity to embody God in every aspect of his life. I pray that you will take from what you have learned here at Saint Basil Academy, and you will apply it in your lives for the rest of your lives. You have learned what it is to love and to be loved; to forgive and to be forgiven, to be kind and to receive kindness. These are the most valuable lessons of all, for they are the lessons that are eternal.”
Remarks were also offered by Despina Koulianos, Mistress of Ceremonies; Dr. Steven Gounardes, DDS, President of the SBA Board of Trustees; The Honorable Consul General of Greece, Iphigenia Kanara; Eleni Constantinides, speaking on behalf of the national Philoptochos; Eliud Suarez, a Saint Basil Alumnus; and Fr. Constantine L. Sitaras, Executive Director of the school.
Fr. Constantine shared, “Saint Basil Academy Commencement exercises are a joyful celebration of the success of our children and their life journeys. We are so very proud of each and every one of them, whether a high school graduate or middle school or kindergarten. Each young person is celebrated.”
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Dimitrios Panagos
