At ACS Athens, the Optimal Learning Program (OLP) is built on a simple but powerful belief: every child learns differently. Coordinator Evi Evloyia who leads the OLP, brings that message to life every day with her team of specialists, teachers, and administrators. “Every brain is unique,” she says—and everything they do stems from that idea.

In a diverse school environment like ACS Athens, students come from different countries, speak different languages at home, and have varied academic backgrounds. To meet their learning needs, the OLP takes a thoughtful, personalized approach. It starts with getting to know each student well. As Ms. Evloyia explains, a lot of time is dedicated inside and outside the classroom, observing students academically and socially. These insights are turned into learning profiles that guide every teacher who works with the child.

Welcome to this special episode of “Owlcast,” where we spotlight a powerful journey of empathy and inclusion led by ACS Athens middle school students. What began with a Disability Awareness Day in December—featuring Paralympic sports, guide dogs, and inspiring speakers—grew into a transformative, three-phase project with real-world impact. Students visited local centers, built relationships, and came away with a deeper understanding of ability, dignity, and community. Now, they’re gearing up for the grand finale: the 24-hour Swimathon on May 9–10. Join us as we explore how awareness turns into action—one story, one step, and one stroke at a time.

In today's President’s edition, hosted by Dr. Peggy Pelonis, we talk about the cutting edge of science, education, and innovation. Dr. Pelonis welcomes a very special guest: Dr. Meenakshi Wadhwa, a celebrated astrophysicist, planetary scientist, and educator whose work has deepened our understanding of the solar system and our place within it. The President of ACS Athens discusses with Dr. Wadhwa:

• Growing Curiosity: Dr. Wadhwa’s scientific journey began with a sense of wonder in the foothills of the Himalayas, proving that innate curiosity can spark a lifelong passion for discovery.
• Planetary Science Exploration: Her transition from geology to researching meteorites and isotopes highlights how interconnected scientific fields can shed light on the formation and evolution of our solar system.
• Antarctic Adventures: Hunting for meteorites in the harsh conditions of Antarctica underscores the thrill of fieldwork and the vital collaboration needed to uncover rare cosmic treasures.
• Mars Sample Return Mission: As the Principal Scientist, Dr. Wadhwa plays a pivotal role in one of NASA’s most ambitious endeavors—collecting and returning Martian rocks to Earth for deeper study.
• Championing Diversity: From mentoring future scientists to advocating for broader representation in STEM, Dr. Wadhwa emphasizes the power of opportunity and the importance of engaging all voices in scientific research.

...and much more!

If you missed, now you can listen to it!

The 80th Anniversary Gala of ACS Athens was an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, reflection, and celebration, held at the iconic and festively lit Grand Bretagne Hotel in central Athens, on Valentine’s Day. After opening remarks from President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, Board of Trustees Chair Pascal Apostolides, and U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Maria Olson, the spotlight turned to alumni who have made a global impact.

Award-winning filmmaker Alexander Payne delivered a powerful message on nurturing creativity, while NASA astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski reflected on how ACS teachers helped him believe in himself—lessons that took him from the basketball court to space. Honorees Charles Eliot (’74), George Petropoulos (’97), and Hollywood producer Mark Wolper shared their heartfelt gratitude for how ACS Athens shaped their journeys, from pioneering software development to leading humanitarian missions and producing award-winning films. The night closed with a deep sense of camaraderie and pride, as generations of ACS alumni came together to honor the school’s enduring legacy—one that will continue to inspire and uplift future global leaders for decades to come.

In this special alumni edition of Owlcast, we welcome Pandora Bethea, a distinguished alumna of ACS Athens and a celebrated author and poet. Reflecting on her years at ACS during a time of cultural and historical significance, Pandora shares how her experiences at the school and the guidance of inspiring teachers like Mrs. Priles fueled her passion for literature and poetry. Highlighting the transformative power of storytelling and self-expression, she emphasizes the importance of creativity as a vital force that connects humanity and enriches our lives.

As ACS Athens celebrates its 80th anniversary, Pandora’s reflections serve as a heartfelt reminder of the enduring relevance of art and literature in education and community life. Through her words, she inspires students to embrace their unique voices and explore their creativity, reinforcing that the written word remains one of humanity’s most powerful tools. Join us as we delve into her journey, the influence of her alma mater, and her message for the next generation of writers and artists.

Welcome to a special Art & Literature edition of the Owlcast, with virtual sights and sounds from the vibrant 1st Annual ACS Athens Artists & Authors Spotlight, aptly titled "Introspective Dialogues: A Journey Through Visual and Literary Narratives." The Spotlight was organized by the Office of Development and the ACS Athens Global Alumni community on December 16 to 20 and was hosted at the lobby of our Theater. The art and literature exhibition hosted works of our Alumni and members of our community.

Although an audio piece cannot possibly do justice to a highly visual event, it is always a good exercise of our imagination when we listen to the creators themselves trying to make their works audible. So let’s picture the ACS Athens campus in the cold December evening at the opening of the Spotlight. Students playing music on guitar and the grand piano, classical music in the background, and the air of creativity inviting guests who gather to celebrate the creative talents within the community. The exhibition space buzzes with excitement, walls adorned with a kaleidoscope of artworks, each piece telling its own unique story.

Welcome to a special episode of Owlcast, where we embark on a journey through the rich and transformative history of the American Community Schools of Athens, or as we all know it for the past 20 years, ACS Athens. Over the past 80 years, ACS Athens has evolved from a modest education institution serving the children of British military personnel into a leading international school that embodies educational excellence and cultural diversity. In this year-long series, we'll explore some pivotal moments that have shaped the school, guided by the personal narratives of teachers, alumni, parents, and community members who have witnessed and participated in its development.

Today, we are excited to talk to Paul Cabaniss, from his home in Dallas, Texas, a beloved elementary school teacher who devoted more than two decades to ACS Athens starting in the mid-1960s. He shares vivid memories of the close-knit community and vibrant traditions that defined the school during his tenure. So, let’s open the pages of the ACS Athens History Book with Paul Cabaniss.

In this episode of Owlcast, we explore the inspiring journey of the Intersection Club, a dynamic group of IB DP students and their teacher-advisors who brought their groundbreaking project to the IB Global Conference in Budapest, Hungary. Under the conference theme “Inspiring Learners, Realizing Potential,” their presentation, “Empowering Minds: How to Bridge DP Biology and DP Psychology through Dynamic Student-Led Learning,” captivated a global audience of educators, administrators, and leaders. Join us as we uncover the creative projects, insightful reflections, and interdisciplinary innovations that earned them a spotlight on this prestigious international stage and discover how they are shaping the future of education.