Odyssey Charter School hosted Ambassador of Greece to the United States Antonis Alexandridis and the Consul General on Thursday, April 16, during the ambassador’s first official visit to Delaware.
The Delaware trip also included the state legislature, a meeting with Gov. Matt Meyer, and a visit to the University of Delaware.
At Odyssey, the visit unfolded inside classrooms as students and educators presented the school’s work.
That setting matters at Odyssey because Greek language is part of the school’s daily curriculum, not simply an occasional cultural feature. Odyssey says Greek instruction begins in kindergarten and continues through grade 12, and its English-Greek dual-language immersion program launched in the 2017–2018 school year.
“This was a significant milestone for our school,” said Elias Pappas, CEO of Odyssey Charter School. “Hosting both the new Ambassador and Consul General highlighted our commitment to fostering global awareness while celebrating our Greek heritage.”
Alexandridis is still new to the Washington post. Greek News USA reported in January that he had assumed his duties as ambassador to the United States after presenting copies of his credentials on January 16, succeeding Ambassador Aikaterini Nasika.
What gave the stop its wider meaning was the setting itself. Odyssey was included in an official diplomatic itinerary because Greek language and Hellenic education are part of the school’s everyday academic life.