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TheSower

The American Farm School


Thessalonica Agricultural & Industrial Institute
Thessaloniki, Greece

Summer 2010

Issue 165

American Farm School students raising day-old chicks to 30-35 day-old pullets for egg production. Each spring the girls and boys sell local
farmers a total of some 5,000 birds. The pullets grow into laying hens in approximately one year.
The American Farm School
Thessalonica Agricultural & Industrial Institute
From the President
American Farm School

I
Dimitris Perrotis College t is a great privilege to join the company of presidents of
Marinou Antipa 12, Post Office Box 23
GR-55102 Thessaloniki, Greece
this exceptional institution, and to be challenged, as all
Tel +30-2310-492-700 of them were, by the task of leading students, staff and
Fax +30-2310-492-710 supporters into a secure and dynamic future.
info@afs.edu.gr

U.S. Office I am indebted to the Board of Trustees for the faith it has
1133 Broadway, Suite 1226 invested in me. In the short time I have served to date, I have
New York, NY 10010
Tel +1-212-463-8434
already been rewarded with the enthusiasm voiced by Board
Fax +1-212-463-8208 members and staff, as well as by donors and friends of the
usoffice@amerfarm.org American Farm School and Perrotis College, who have reacted
www.afs.edu.gr
positively to the ideas and directions I have placed before them.

TheSower
As we move forward, you will be reading in more detail about strategic initiatives designed to
help the School better meet contemporary educational demands and to build creatively for
Published semi-annually for friends and
the future. Two examples of such initiatives are illustrated by topics that appear in this Sower
contributors to the institution. issue: capitalizing on the American character of the institution to strengthen the opportuni-
ties we offer young people to achieve excellence; and the School’s being recognized as the
Chairman of the Board of Trustees regional forerunner in agricultural and life science research. I hope you will enjoy reading
Charlotte P. Armstrong
about the outstanding American interns who are mentoring our students; our graduates
Vice Chairman
Stavros Constantinides
who are completing Ph.D.s in the U.S.; and the agreement the School recently signed with
John R. Crunkilton the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural
William A. Tsacalis Research Service to undertake projects of mutual scientific
Secretary interest. Other developments that harmonize with our It is a great
privilege to join
Sharon W. Vaino strategic initiative of making the School a more technologi-
Treasurer cally advanced institution include offering a specialized cur-
Barbara K. Heming
Trustees
riculum in the Secondary School for Milk Processing and the company of
Cheese Making; newly equipped laboratories for Chemistry
David G. Acker
George P. Argerakis and Biology; and the use of interactive electronic boards in presidents of
Sheila Baird
Peter Bien
an increasing number of our classrooms.
this exceptional
The Sower news also includes the opening of the new
institution, and
Frank Bledjian
John H.Cleave
Joannie C. Danielides
Educational Dairy and Milk Processing Training Center, a
Constantine N. Darras
Spyros Dessyllas
modern facility that extends the School’s historic leadership
position in dairy science and is the result of multiyear invest-
to be challenged,
Christos S. Folias
Seth E. Frank
ment from private and public funders on both sides of the as all of them
Dimitri Gondicas
Constantinos Hadjiyannakis
Atlantic. In her commencement ceremony address this June
to the recipients of the first BSc (Hons) degrees awarded were, by the
Truda C. Jewett
Lydia Legakis
by the Dimitris Perrotis College of Agricultural Studies,
benefactress Mrs. Aliki Perroti spoke of the new residence
task of leading
students, staff
Annie Levis
Pantelis Panteliades hall she has endowed that greatly enhances our capacity
Anastasia Pappas
Joel S. Post
Gail D. Schoppert
to accommodate the College’s international student body
on campus, giving them the benefit of an American-style and supporters
Manita R. Scocimara
Judson R. Shaver
residential college experience. Few educational institutions
are in the extraordinary situation to have realized two such
into a secure and
Charles L. Thomas, Jr.
President
major improvements to infrastructure in today’s lean global dynamic future.
Panos Kanellis economy. For this we are immensely grateful.
Vice President for Institutional Advancement The most noteworthy feature in this Sower issue, however, is the entire roster of donors to
Joann Ryding-Beltes
the Annual Fund in the United States for the previous fiscal year, and a summary of those
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Tasos Apostolides
who gave in Greece during the same period. To the loyal supporters of the American Farm
School and Perrotis College who make our work possible, and help to provide our students
Vice President for Administration and Finance
John Ziambras with the educational opportunities they so deserve, we are profoundly thankful.
Communications Director
Randall Warner

Printed on FSC certified paper

Design & Printing Panos Kanellis, Ph.D.


Alternative Graphic Solutions, Inc. President
2    The Sower Summer 2010
Dear Sower Readers,
ed as the
w Panos Kanellis, who has been appoint
I am pleased to invite you to get to kno offi ce last
ool by the Board of Trustees. He took
8th president of the American Farm Sch reciated
McGrew’s distinguished and deeply app
December at the conclusion of William
service to the School.
brates and
ide the outstanding leadership that cele
Dr. Kanellis is superbly qualified to prov advances
distinctive strengths and core values, and
builds on the American Farm School’s and life scie nces. In
in agriculture, food systems,
its mission of preparing future leaders omi c condi-
under increasingly challenging econ
a rapidly changing environment, and strengths
tions, Dr. Kanellis also brings valuable
tions for nonprofit educational organiza ntist and a
neurship to those he has honed as a scie
in business management and entrepre
trative leader.
seasoned senior academic and adminis
Kanellis
t of the American Farm School, Dr.
Prior to beginning his role as presiden Ana tolia Col lege,
Chief Operating Officer for
served as Executive Vice President and -yea r bus ines s
ion in Thessaloniki operating a four
a U.S. nonprofit educational institut two -yea r
MBA program, K-12 schools, and a
and liberal arts college with a graduate tolia’s ter-
He also held the post of Provost of Ana
International Baccalaureate program.
Thessaloniki.
tiary division, the American College of
went on
graduated from Anatolia College and
A Thessaloniki native, Dr. Kanellis was ing his Ph. D. in Bio-
studies in the U.S., earn
to complete undergraduate and graduate teac hing and
ity of Houston. After several years of
Organic Chemistry from the Univers ts at U.S .
chemistry during academic appointmen
research in the field of bio-organic agerial pos i-
Greece, where he held several top man
universities, Dr. Kanellis returned to
to serve his alma mater.
tions in private industry before electing
trative
in academe, capped by his deep adminis
We believe that Dr. Kanellis’ background rou gh und erst and-
itions in private industry, tho
experience at Anatolia, his executive pos ven lead ersh ip
ure of both Greece and the U.S., pro
ing of the educational systems and cult root in
ed
the future of the American Farm School
skills and, finally, energizing vision of successful
mission, will ensure an inspiring and
a recognition of its unique history and nt Boa rd app roval of
ip, culminating in the rece
presidency. His first months of leadersh itut ion.
, augur well for the future of the inst
his President’s Strategic Initiatives Plan
Sincerely,

Charlotte P. Armstrong
Chairman of the Board of Trustees

The Sower Summer 2010    3


Thanks to Hardworking Volunteers, U.S. Events Raise Funds and Friends
Maliotis Center Pays Tribute to Former Ambassador Nicholas Burns
Trustee Arthur G. Dukakis Addresses New York Committee’s
Friends and supporters of the American Farm
School gathered at the Maliotis Cultural Center of
Benefit Event
Hellenic College in Brookline, MA on December Former Ambassador to Greece R. Nicholas Burns addressed
3rd to pay tribute to the memory of Arthur G. an audience of friends and supporters invited by the New
Marianthi
Dukakis, a former Trustee of both the School and Karampoukouki York Committee of the American Farm School at a benefit
the Maliotis Center. dinner at the Yale Club on April 19th.

Guests also enjoyed the photographic exhibit based “Ambassadors come and go, but the American Farm School,
on Brenda Marder’s history of the School, “Stewards serving Greek and Balkan students for over a century, remains
of the Land: The American Farm School and the a strong and visible example of what is best about America,
Development of Modern Greece,” and remarks and does more for U.S. relations abroad than almost any
Stephanie Andrews other kind of investment we could be making in the region.”
by Trustee Peter Bien, former President of the and Patti Dukakis
School, George Draper, and others. American Farm
School alumna from the class of 2006, Marianthi
Karampoukouki, spoke movingly on how the
School prepared her to excel at Mount Holyoke
College, where she graduated in May 2010 with a
double major in Biology and Classics, and to envi- Brenda Marder and
sion her future career in pharmaceutical research. Clotilde Zannetos

Greenwich Taverna 2010


New York Committee Chair
President Panos Kanellis, Mrs. and Trustee Joannie Danielides,
Aliki Perroti, Ambassador R. Susan Stupin Gamble, Trustee
Nicholas Burns Manita Scocimara

R. Nicholas Burns came to know the work of the American


Farm School as U.S. Ambassador to Greece 1997-2001. Burns
served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, U.S.
Ambassador to NATO, State Department Spokesman, and
Senior Director for Russia, the Ukraine and Eurasia Affairs
on the National Security Council. He is currently Professor
of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Politics at the
Harvard Kennedy School and one of the nation’s top experts
on foreign policy.
Audience members also had the opportunity to meet President
Greenwich Taverna 2010 Committee Members. Front row, l to r: Vicky Kyriakou, of the American Farm School Panos Kanellis, and to hear
Soulas Rizzos, Manita Scocimara, Nafsika Chalekian. Back row, l to r: Teresa
Vassileiou, Natalie Gianesello, Anna Lycouris, Anna Povinelli, Maria Allwin, about new initiatives being planned for the institution.
Elizabth Chu, Amanda Spyrou, Darcy Hadjipateras, Diane Hamilton-Papas, Benefactress Mrs. Aliki Perroti was also on hand at the event,
Nancy Mortimer, Afroditi Skeadas. as was AHEPA Supreme Secretary Anthony Kouzounis,
One of the School’s most successful and longstanding biennial events, orga- among the many new and long-time friends and supporters
nized by the Greenwich, CT Committee and chaired by Trustee Manita in attendance.
Scocimara, was held at the Milbrook Club on March 6, in support of the
Annual Fund and the Greek Summer
program. Special guests included
Greenwich High School Band Direc­
tor John Yoon, about to embark on the
band’s highly successful Greek Tour that
included a performance on the School’s
Thessaloniki campus; and many Greek
Summer participants, counselors and American Farm School Chairman of
the Board Charlotte P. Armstrong, Jamie Hutchinson, Trustee Joel
parents from previous Greek Summer Teresa Vassileiou, Manita Scocimara, and Trustees Constantinos Darras, Post, Holly Bodman, Tim Hartch,
throughout the decades. John and Anna Lycouris, Panos Kanellis. Joannie Danielides Trustee Barbara Heming

4    The Sower Summer 2010


Perrotis Graduates Are Committed American
to Careers in Research Farm School,
Integral to the vision that drove the American Farm School to establish Perrotis College in
1995 was inspiring students to continue their education beyond the undergraduate level,
and encouraging their desire to pursue scientific research in the ever-expanding and diver- USDA Agree
on Joint
sifying areas of agriculture, food, and renewable natural resources. This year, two members
of the Perrotis College Class of 2001 manifested that vision with the achievement of their
Ph.D. degrees at U.S. universities that are preeminent centers of agricultural and agriculture-

Research
related research.
Christos Kolympiris was recently awarded a Doctor
of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics from the The United States Department of Agricul­
University of Missouri in Columbia, MO, having suc- ture, through its Agricultural Research
cessfully defended his dissertation entitled “Three Essays Ser­vice, has signed a Memorandum of
on Location Aspects in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship.” Understanding (MOU) with the American
After earning the Perrotis College Associate Degree, he Farm School to conduct and coordinate
completed his BSc at the University of Arkansas, as well sustainable agricultural research on topics
as an MSc in Agricultural Economics there with “An of mutual interest. Areas of investigation
Optimization Model for Winery Capacity Use” as his include crop and animal production and
thesis topic. protection, as well as agricultural utilization
He was drawn to the University of Missouri with a fully
paid research assistantship that has focused on the role of
universities in affecting entrepreneurial outcomes in the
biotechnology industry. Christos explains, “I do research
that is informative on practical matters that can really help
people…The field invites the researcher to employ ideas, techniques and methods from dif-
ferent sources.” He is now engaged in postdoctoral research into regional welfare brought
about through start-ups of local biotechnology firms, and forces that affect market outcomes
for GMO products.
Alexandros Doukopoulos is a researcher at Auburn University in Auburn, AL, in the area
of Plant Breeding and Genetics. For the Ph.D. dissertation he plans to defend in December
2010, Alexandros has worked on the evaluation and adaptation of a legume species called
Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), pictured in Front row: Catherine E. Kay, Dr. Daniel
the photo. This has entailed constructing Strickman, Dr. Panos Kanellis
experimental designs, managing the field and Back row: Farm Director Dr. Athanasios
Giamoustaris, Vice President Joann Ryding,
growth-chamber experiments, and perform- Javid Kashefi, Head of Lifelong Learning
ing statistical analysis of the collected data. and Coordinator of Research Activities Dr.
Evangelos Vergos.
His Associate Degree studies at Perrotis
College set Alexandros on a firm path to and bioenergy. The document was signed
higher studies in plant science. His BSc in Thessaloniki on March 1 by Dr. Panos
degree in Crop Management completed at Kanellis and Dr. Daniel Strickman, leader
the University of Arkansas was followed by an of the National Program for Agricultural
MSc in Molecular Biology in the Department Research Service, Veterinary and Medical
of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, and Urban Entomology at USDA, and wit-
nessed by U.S. Consul General Catherine
with the thesis “Phylogenetic Analysis of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) from the Caribbean
E. Kay. The School looks forward to this
Basin and Florida.” In 2006, the Department of Agronomy and Soils at Auburn University
long-term partnership through coopera-
awarded him a full research assistantship to pursue his Ph.D.
tion with research specialists based at
Alexandros feels his graduate studies in the United States have made him highly qualified public and private universities and science
for employment in “research positions in academia and industry, regardless of the country.” institutes throughout the United States.
Christos Kolympiris believes that future graduates of Perrotis College can learn from the The USDA Agricultural Research Service
positive experience of his decision to earn the highest degree possible in his field of study and operates a satellite laboratory of its main
commit to a career in research. He further stresses that, “Regardless of career objective, I would European Biological Control Laboratory
strongly advise students to take on graduate studies outside their country of birth. Besides the in Montpelier, France, in facilities located
straightforward educational benefits, doing graduate studies in another country helped me on the American Farm School campus, and
develop as a personality, and I think most students can realize the same benefits as I did.” headed by entomologist Javid Kashefi.

The Sower Summer 2010    5


Perrotis College Awards First BSc (Hons) Degrees
A milestone in the 106-year history of the American Farm School
was achieved the evening of June 24, 2010 as Trustees, special
guests, graduating students and their parents gathered for the cer-
emony to award the first BSc (Hons) degrees to the graduating class
of 2010 in the School’s division of higher learning, the Dimitris
Perrotis College of Agricultural Studies.
Mrs. Aliki Perroti, whose generous gift in 1995 made possible the
founding of the College, was a guest speaker, as was Trustee Dr.
John R. Crunkilton, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and Dr.
Eleri Jones representing the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff.
In her remarks in honor of the graduating students, Mrs. Perroti
pointed out that the new residence hall she has recently funded,
whose construction and furnishing will be completed in September,
will double the residential capacity for students to study and pursue
Trustees, graduates and faculty
a rich program of extracurricular activities. Perrotis College is the on the steps of Princeton Hall
only residential institution of higher education in Greece and neigh-
boring countries, and is based on the U.S. model of young men
and women living on campus and participating in holistic education that teaches them the
values of citizenship and service to society, in addition to challenging them with academic
knowledge and practical skills.
At the same ceremony, Dr. Philippos Papadopoulos, Program Coordinator for the International
Agribusiness major, was awarded with the Athinoula A. Martinos Professorship for 2010-2011,
established through the generous endowment of donors Thanassis and Marina Martinos.
Perrotis College graduates earned their BSc (Hons) degrees, which are validated by the Univer­
sity of Wales Institute, Cardiff and recognized worldwide, in Management of Environmental
Systems, and International Agribusiness. Mr. Seth Frank and Mrs. Aliki Perroti

Tad Lansdale presents the


Dr. Philippos Papadopoulos Valedictorian Spire Bruce and Tad Lansdale
Dr. John R. receiving award from Perrotis Arsov and President Salutatorian Ivance Dimitrevski Leadership Award to
Crunkilton College Dean Don Schofield Panos Kanellis awarded by Trustee Seth Frank Viktor Ivanovski

Greece’s Minister of Agricultural Development Addresses


Secondary School Graduation
The 2010 graduates of the Secondary School, their families and
special guests, as well as Trustees of the American Farm School
who had gathered for their annual meeting on campus, were
greatly honored to welcome Mrs. Katerina Batzeli, Greece’s
Minister of Agricultural Development and Food as the keynote
speaker for the June 25 commencement ceremony. Earlier in the
day, Mrs. Batzeli toured the School’s newly-opened Educational
Dairy and Milk Processing Training Center and was briefed by
President Panos Kanellis on the Milk Processing and Cheese
Making specialization to be introduced this September, and on
the news that day students from the city of Thessaloniki will eli-
gible for admission as of fall 2010 to follow the same academic
and practical skills training program offered to students with
rural backgrounds who board in the School’s dormitories.

6    The Sower Summer 2010


Planned Giving Androus Foundation
Planned giving allows supporters of the American Farm School to
integrate gifts into the their overall financial, tax, and estate plan-
Strengthens Learning
ning. A planned gift enables a donor to make a positive financial
difference for the donor and his or her family, while also contribut- Support through the
Arcadia Program
ing significantly to the School. Planned gifts are often thought of
as leaving a legacy that benefits not only the donor and the donor’s
family, but also future generations.
Deborah Androus of Alexandria, Virginia, recently reaf-
BEQUESTS firmed her long-standing support of the School’s initiative
By including the American Farm School in their wills, the following to provide professional diagnosis and counseling to stu-
individuals provided a final gift to strengthen the School’s endowment. dents with a broad range of learning challenges. Thanks
Esther Carhart to Mrs. Androus’ help via the Androus Foundation, the
Maria Couvaras School has been a pioneer in this field in Greece, bringing
Alexander Drapos qualified help to students, most of whom are from rural
Elizabeth M. Godley areas where dyslexia and other forms of learning challenges
Eve Curie Labouisse are not widely recognized or acknowledged. With steady
Eleanor McKay Norris assistance through the years, the School’s program led by
Winifred E. Weter English teacher Mary Chism and now administrated by
Lyceum Principal Catherina Diafa, offered the consulta-
ESTATES AND TRUSTS tions of a learning disabilities expert and a psychologist to
By creating an estate or trust, the following individuals provide students in a limited number of classes.
annual support to the American Farm School past their lifetimes.
Esther Carhart
Ernest Thomas Chepou
Philip and Hazel Constantinides
Fred W. Kolb
Mary P. Gill
Henry T. Maijgren
Dean C. Zutes

METAMORPHOSIS SOCIETY
The Metamorphosis Society recognizes and honors the generosity
and foresight of those individuals who have made provisions in
their estates to include the American Farm School, and who have
apprised the School of their intentions. The name “Metamorphosis”
is chosen for the resonance this word has in the School’s tradition
of education that brings about positive change, or metamorphosis,
in the individual; and by association with the titles of books by
Bruce M. Lansdale, Metamorphosis: Why Do I Love Greece? and by
Elizabeth Lansdale, My Metamorphosis.
Deborah Androus, left, pictured with Catherina Diafa, center,
David Acker and Trustee Manita Scocimara during Morning Assembly of
Secondary School students in James Hall.
Charlotte Armstrong
Peter Bien
Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carson Jr. The generous new commitment of funds by the Androus
Marvin Fisher Foundation establishes the Arcadia Program, named after
Phillip G. and Mary Foote the region in the Peloponnese where Mrs. Androus’ family
Truda Jewett originates, and bestowing on the effort the affirmative con-
Edmund and Mary Keeley notation the word “arcadia” implies. As of 2010, students
Lois Kerimis who are in need of support to contend with and overcome
Bruce M. and Elizabeth (Tad) Lansdale learning disabilities from all three years of the Secondary
Mary R. and Charles F. Lowrey  School’s educational programs will be helped.
Nicholas Pisaris
Charles L. and Joan Thomas
Barbara Wood

The Sower Summer 2010    11


Emphasizing “American” in American Farm School
One of the most valued aspects of an American Farm School education is the chance for students in the Secondary School and Perrotis
College to come into daily contact with recent graduates of U.S. colleges and universities who spend ten months on campus, opening stu-
dents’ eyes to a world of new ideas about American culture while sharpening Greek and international students’ English language skills in
the process. Student Life Interns for academic year 2009-2010 Jacques Edeline, a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta and crack soccer
coach, and Emily Schneider, a graduate of Berea College in Kentucky and all-around athlete, taught, mentored, and acted as role models for
students. They share highlights of what they experienced:

During my ten months in Thessa­ When I was given the news last
loniki, the American Farm School year that I was accepted to intern
has become much more than a at the American Farm School, I
place of employment; it has become was struck with many different
my second home. Committing to emotions. I was to travel half
live and work 10,000 kilometers way around the world, live ten
from home is a daunting task, months in a place I had never
however the family atmosphere been, try to understand the lan­
at AFS was undeniable from the guage and then communicate my
moment arrived on campus. I am English skills with the students. I
grateful to have been welcomed made my journey with hopes of
into this community with open helping this AFS community and
arms. The unique environment at to learn as much as I could about
AFS produces a special experience the Greek culture.
for students, staff, and anyone who comes to know the
As my time here has past I have many memories that
school even for a short period of time; my year at AFS
will never leave my heart. Not only did the AFS
was no exception.
family accept me with warm smiles and open arms
My personal odyssey at the American Farm School has they also taught me how to grow and I am forever
been life changing and profoundly educational; I hope grateful for this. Working with the students every day
my relationship with AFS has been reciprocal and has taught me patience, understanding and how to
my presence has enriched the overall experience for live life with happiness. The AFS staff has gone out
others. My involvement with the secondary school and of their way with any issues or help that I needed
Perrotis College has heightened my understanding of and that alone shows how kind and humble their
the world at-large. Every day spent at the American hearts are. My time here at The American Farm
Farm School bolsters my belief in the innate goodness School has opened my eyes to a new form of respect
of humankind. My interaction with the students and for education. AFS creates such a unique and special
exposure to their contagious energy has unlocked in environment for students to learn. AFS, thank you
me a renewed enthusiasm for life. The warmth of the for all of the great memories. I will never forget such
AFS staff has redefined my definition of hospitality, a wonderful place and family.
and I am eager to return the favor in my reception of — Emily Schneider
others. Immersion in Greek culture has reminded me
to celebrate life on a daily basis.
— Jacques Edeline

Vered Yakovee, attorney and graduate of University of Southern also be devoted to enhancing Secondary School students’ written
California Law School in Los Angeles, spent the 2009-2010 aca- and spoken English skills, using her extensive experience in oratory
demic year in a similar role, mentoring and serving as a role model and other speech and debate coaching. Matthew Hartman from
for students of Perrotis College. Havre, Montana will join the other Americans from September
through December, serving as this year’s International Four H
For academic year 2010-2011, the Secondary School welcomes Exchange Program Ambassador to the Secondary School. And
Carrie Rosenblum from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire Perrotis College welcomes Ashley Douglas from the University of
and Micah Smith from Berea College in Kentucky as Student Life Florida who will be engaged in strengthening English language skills
Interns. Kate Peterson, a Fulbright Foundation English Teaching of, and sharing aspects of American culture with, that international
Assistant recently graduated from Linfield College in Oregon will student body.

12    The Sower Summer 2010


The joint cultivation of Echinacea
purpurea by students of the American
Farm School and Greece’s award-
winning manufacturer and global retailer
Korres Natural Products has expanded
to nearly three times the size of the
crop originally planted last year. The
handsome purple flower, with leaves,
stems and roots also considered valuable
Building on its uninterrupted thirty seasons of performances, the Theater Club of the Secondary as medicinal and cosmetic ingredients, is
School this April presented a highly contemporary and original play by Chryssa Spilioti entitled native to North America, but also grows
“Who Discovered America?” directed by Maria Rapti. The 18-member cast also performed at well under local Greek conditions. The
a regional meeting of student theater groups of northern Greece, and has been invited to give national certifying body ΔΗΩ certifies
a special performance to the public during Thessaloniki’s prestigious international “Dimitria the organic cultivation methods the
Festival” in fall 2010. students use to raise the crop.

Students in the first year of the


Vocational School wanted something
different this year. Rather than rotating
with students from other classes and
sharing responsibility for vegetables
grown in the gardens and greenhouses,
they proposed new cultivations for their
afternoon horticulture projects, from
seed selection to marketing the produce.
And they wanted something out of
the ordinary – not the more common
cabbages and carrots, spinach and green
onions. They wanted something that
Greek cooks were not used to serving,
and they aimed to – and succeeded – in
educating the consumer in the process.
The students choose the pale green bulb-
shaped fennel, which makes a crisp,
distinctive addition to salads when sliced,
and a flavorful alternative to potatoes
when cooked in the oven with cheese Scenes from the 2010 trip to Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show, Texas A & M University,
and breadcrumbs. Their other selection local farms and ranches and other attractions, generously sponsored by the Pan Macedonian
was the beautiful Italian radicchio, with Association of Greater Houston. Deepest thanks go to Harry Simeonidis, President of the
its deep green outer leaves and ruby red Association, Peter and Nina Peropoulos, Antonis and Linda Sideris, Dionysis Moustakis, Dan
interior leaves that is delicious when the James, Barbara Scott, George Moore, AHEPA Supreme Secretary Antonis Kouzounis and others
whole head is charcoal broiled, and adds who made this visit such a success and an unforgettable experience for the students who were
a pleasantly bitter flavor when mixed chosen to participate: Sophia Tatsi, Olga Tialiou, Tasos Chatzipapadopoulos, Vasilis Korakis,
with other salad greens. and escorting teacher Anna Kalincheva with her daughter Michaela Kalincheva Kondou.

The Sower Summer 2010    13


A New Dimension to Dairy
The American Farm School’s historic – and at certain periods during Two of the classrooms are named, through an anonymous gift, for
the 20th century virtually solo – role in the development of Greece’s Dr. J.W. Sexton, a legendary figure in dairy science at Iowa State
dairy industry took on an entirely new dimension with the opening University, and for Senator William J. Fulbright.
this spring of the Educational Dairy and Milk Processing Training
Earlier, MEVGAL, one of Greece’s major dairy producers that is also
Center, a multiyear project for which Farm School educators and
scientists joined forces, and public and private funders on both establishing a North American presence, held a separate ceremony at
sides of the Atlantic contributed their support. Notably, both U.S. the new facility to inaugurate one of the cheese making laboratories
and Greek governments assisted in the effort, with grants from the the company had helped to fund, named after the founder of that
USAID ASHA (American Schools and Hospital Abroad) Program company, Constantinos Hatzakos.
and Greece’s Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food under The new facility enables the School to package milk in recyclable
the INTERREG Program. PET bottles and to adapt to cornstarch-based and other packaging
Trustees gathered in June for a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour in the future. To signal that the new packaging contains the same
of the new facility, which more than doubles the space of the exist- highest quality milk the School has been known for longer than any
ing historic brick dairy barn, reminiscent of farm structures in New other producer in Greece, distinctive new labels have been designed
England and the Midwest. Instead of just a milk pasteurization for the milk bottle, as well as for the American Farm School Omega
and bottling line, there are also production laboratories for making 3 eggs, prized by consumers in Athens and Thessaloniki. The words
several kinds of cheeses as well as yogurt, butter and ice cream. “γάλα” (milk) and “αυγά” (eggs) appear to be rendered in chalk on
And there are classrooms and laboratories on the second floor of a green board to remind the consumer of school days, reinforcing
the building where students can observe production while follow- the fundamental values of education and tradition that make the
ing academic and research aspects of the dairy science curriculum. School’s products unique in the market.

14    The Sower Summer 2010


Greek Summer 2010

The wonderful people of Mikro Dasos in the prefecture of Kilkis hosted Greek
Summer 2010, where participants built and landscaped a small outdoor
amphitheater next to the village cultural center. Kira Tolla (GSC ’07, ’08) was
the Head Counselor and Judy McGinley (GS ’96) and Sam Cuthell (GS ’06)
were Counselors. Campus-based staff included Thanos Kasapidis, Kyriakos
Anthoulakis, Klearchos Papacontantinou, and Rena Karypidou.

Greek Summer 2010 Participants


Marcelle Abi-Esber Tyler Gaw Peter Lansdale Olivia Ryding
Danvers, MA Lynnfield, MA Santa Cruz, CA Taunton, MA
Danvers High School Landmark School Pacific Collegiate School St. Mary Academy – Bay View

Alexander Alexakos Buchanan Gores Mary Lempres Jimmy Salgado Juarez


Old Greenwich, CT San Francisco, CA Berkeley, CA Santa Rosa, CA
Hackley School The Webb School Bishop O’Dowd Santa Rosa High School

Elizabeth Argy Asha-Kai Grant Anthea Levi Anteneh Sarbanes


Dover, MA Bethesda, MD New York, NY Baltimore, MD
Dover Sherborn High School Sidwell Friends Trevor Day School Mt. St. Josephs

Robert Beecher, III William Hamel Suzanne Moss Ilana Silverman


Arnold, MD Merrick, NY
Hyattswille, MD San Rafael, CA
Severna Park High School John F. Kennedy High School –
Sidwell Friends San Rafael High School
Bellmore
Margaret Harris
George Drew Rochester, NY Sarah Pender William Skoufalos
Cincinnati, OH Pittsford Sutherland High Los Altos Hills, CA Old Greenwich, CT
Cincinnati Country Day School School Castilleja School Greenwich High School
Georgia Eager Alea Krause Maxwell Phelps Emily Thompson
Princeton, NJ Boulder Creek, CA Pittsford, NY Naples, NY
Princeton High School Pacific Collegiate School McQuaid Jesuit Naples High School
Grace Gardner Andrew Kyriakos Samantha Rathbun Eliza Wehrle
New York, NY Greenwich, CT Naples, NY Locust Valley, NY
Trevor Day School Low-Heywood Thomas Naples Central School Brooks School

The Sower Summer 2010    15


Dear Friend of Greek Summer,
I think all of us who have been involved with Greek Summer over the years, as a participant
or a counselor, or as a parent, grandparent or other sponsor, have our own ways of expressing
how special this intercultural program is. But the words of Sam Cuthell, GS’06, and a Greek
Summer counselor this year, come as close as anyone has done to articulate why the feelings
about this life-changing program are so strong:
“Take the happiest moment of your life; seriously think about it. Take that moment and stretch
it out six weeks. Now share that moment with your best friend, so that you can have inside jokes,
and someone who can relate to the experience. And turn your best friend into the 35 participants
who have become your best friends. You will have my trip to Greece with Greek Summer!”
Wanting to reunite with classmates to savor our Greek Summer experiences, and to support
the future of the program, volunteers across the country have banded together to orga-
nize “Celebrate 40 Years of Greek Summer,” three delightful events based at the Radisson
Martinique on Broadway Hotel in New York City on 5-7 November. First, the opening
reception Friday night hosted by Tucker Robbins (GS’70); then a Gala Greek Taverna
Evening Saturday night, and finally a Sunday breakfast to visit with GS friends and learn
about exciting future directions of the American Farm School and Greek Summer. Tad
Lansdale, widow of beloved former president of the American Farm School Bruce Lansdale,
will be the Honorary Chair for these festivities. Tad and I warmly invite you to join us in
New York City in November. Your participation will help to make this celebration the
great success we all look forward to.
Warm wishes,

Joel Post, GS’83


Trustee, American Farm School
Chairman, Celebrate 40 Years of Greek Summer
P.S. To register to attend the event, become a sponsor, and/or make a contribution to
“Celebrate 40 Years of Greek Summer,” please complete and return the enclosed registration
form to the U.S. Office of the American Farm School, or do so online at www.afs.edu.gr/
gs40reunion. And find photos, maps, and much more about Celebrate 40 Years of Greek
Summer on the Greek Summer Alumni-American Farm School Facebook Page.

Tad Lansdale’s tender memoir, My Metamorphosis, recalling hers and her husband Bruce
Lansdale’s lifetime of devotion to the American Farm School and to Greece, was recently
published in Greek translation. Mrs. Lansdale made several appearances to inform audiences
about the book and to autograph copies, including at the Alumni Reunions for the Classes
of 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000 held on campus in May. She is pictured here, left
to right, with graduates and staff members Babis Simeonides, Thanos Kasapidis, Nikos
Papaconstantinou, Stephanos Kessides, and Sotiris Yalamas; and flanked by students Kostas
Malakides and Dimitra Hina. Tad will be autographing copies of the English edition of My
Metamorphosis and Metamorphosis at the “Celebrate 40 Years of Greek Summer” events.

16    The Sower Summer 2010

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