SPECIAL EVENTS

48th Annual Anniversary Awards Dinner Makes Triumphant Return

AHI hosted its 48th Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement and Public Service Awards Dinner, March 19, 2022, Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C. After a twoyear absence due to the pandemic, the dinner returned to its traditional format, honoring a distinguished set of individuals based upon their important career achievements and contributions to the Greek American community or community at-large. They were: George Gigicos, Co-Founder and CEO, Dynamis Strategic Advisors, LLC and Co-Founder and Chairman, Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC); John Koudounis, President and CEO, Calamos Investments; Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, Lt. Governor of California; and James Harry Lagos, Partner, Lagos & Lagos PLL Attorneys at Law.

AHI Board Member Elizabeth Z. Bartz introduced Mike Emanuel, chief Washington correspondent for Fox News, who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. AHI Foundation President Leon Andris offered greetings and introduced AHI President Nick R. Larigakis, who reviewed the Institute’s initiatives and programs that are provided to the community. The Marines of Headquarters Battalion presented the colors, and the American and Greek national anthems were performed by international soprano, Anastasia Zannis. Reverend Father Konstantinos Pavlakos of Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Falls Church, Va., offered the invocation. Apollonia provided musical entertainment.

As part of the weekend’s festivities AHI hosted a Greek Night held at WHINO in Arlington, Va., with live music by Golden Flame. DCGreeks co-sponsored the event.