The AHEPAN Summer 2023 - 4

A MESSAGE FROM SUPREME PRESIDENT JIMMY KOKOTAS
A Thank You Note
It has been an honor to serve as AHEPA Supreme President for two terms, including during the Order's
landmark centennial anniversary. Many special moments and memories were made thanks to the hard
work and sweat equity of Ahepans.
Fully out of the clutches of the pandemic, it has been another fast-paced and productive year for
AHEPA and the AHEPA family as we strive to meet our mission.
Our community displayed its outspoken pride for Hellenism through masterful events that comJimmy
Kokotas
memorated the 202nd anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. My sincere appreciation goes to
the organizers and participants at each of these celebrations. I commend their passion and dedication
to Hellenism. From parades to flag-raising ceremonies to events that showcase Greek culture, we made
an effort to showcase them in this issue. Let's capture that high level of energy we see during this special
time of year and spread it all year around.
On several occasions, I was fortunate to travel overseas. The most recent, our annual Leadership
Excursion, demonstrated AHEPA's continued value on an international stage thanks to our global reach.
We were well received by high-level government officials and military officers. They truly appreciated
the vital role AHEPA plays to strengthen the diaspora and lead it in support of initiatives that advance
our mission.
AHEPA is making a difference throughout the world. I am immensely proud of how the Order
responded to secure humanitarian assistance for the victims of the deadly Turkey-Syria Earthquake. I
am equally proud of how Ahepans from Buckeye District 11 rallied to provide assistance to victims of
the toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, and how our Brothers in Canada continue to raise tens
of thousands of dollars to donate to charities annually.
As we set our sights on the 2023 AHEPA Family Supreme Convention in Las Vegas, and the close
of the administrative year, we must attend to the business of the Order and celebrate its accomplishments.
I remain in awe of the invaluable and relevant contributions the AHEPA family provides to the
community, helping to strengthen it daily. Our mission, carried out through community service and
volunteerism and performed with an emboldened spirit of Hellenism, will continue to light the way for
the next 100 years. I implore you to lend what resources you can to ensure our torch burns bright and
remains a beacon for future generations.
As Vegas approaches, I sincerely thank every Ahepan and AHEPA family member, and their families
and friends, for welcoming me during my travels. Everyone's words of support, encouragement,
advice, and the hospitality afforded me during my two terms as Supreme President always will be
remembered fondly. I also congratulate Daughters of Penelope. Grand President Georgette Boulegeris,
Sons of Pericles Supreme President Ryan Marinos, and Maids of Athena Grand President Maria Ana
Pantelous for presiding over outstanding years. Finally, I am forever grateful to my wife, Kelly, and
daughter, Katerina, and my entire family, for their love and unwavering support and understanding as
I had the unique honor to lead this amazing organization, the Order of AHEPA, into its next " Century
of Service. "
4 | THE AHEPAN · Summer 2023
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The AHEPAN Summer 2023

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