![]() Gregory Maguire, son of a Greek immigrant mother and an Irish-American father, is a writer of novels for adults and children. His best-known work, WICKED, a novel for adults that inspired the blockbuster Broadway show of the same name. That musical is the fifth longest-running play in Broadway history. In addition to thirty-five other books for children and adults, Maguire has spent his career as an advocate for children’s literature and literacy and for Greek studies. Besides writing and performing original work for National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” he has been featured on Oprah and been a profiled in the New York Times Sunday Magazine. His books frequently make the New York Times bestseller lists. Perhaps, however, he is just as proud of his work in advocating for Greek cultural awareness. He is the chair of the Honorary Board of the Examined Life: Greek Studies in the Schools. He has established a Gregory Maguire Writing Center at the American Farm School / Perrotis College in Thessaloniki, supported scholarships for the International Board of Books for Young People’s convention in Athens, been the recipient of the Penelope Delta Award, and was Greece’s nominee for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
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![]() In an abundance of caution relating to the COVID crisis, the Board of Directors of the National Hellenic Society postponed the Heritage Greece 2021 Program until next year. Despite progress towards the mitigation of the virus’ impact, the risks and uncertainties abound and are accentuated with international travel plans. The safety, health and well-being of Heritage Greece student participants, peers, faculty, staff and team members remains NHS’ top priority. The Board of Directors assessed all available information and decided that postponement of the Heritage Greece Program until next year is the most prudent course to take. All Heritage Greece students previously accepted and acknowledged respective participation in the 2021 Heritage Greece Program shall be eligible to participate in either of the Program’s two sessions next year. This includes graduating 2020/2021 seniors. Candidates with pending applications will remain in place for consideration next year. NHS is grateful for the support and interest in the lifechanging Heritage Greece Program. NHS is committed to the future of the Program for the long-term. We are inspired by the Program’s impact on Heritage Greece Alumni, and we await the opportunity to welcome many more to the ranks of the NHS family in the years ahead. ![]() 2021 marks the bicentennial of Greece's Revolutionary War of Independence. The herculean challenges the underdog Greeks faced resonated globally reminiscent of King Leonidas' battles 2300+ years earlier. The stories of oppression and plight of the Greeks waging war against their Ottoman overlords resonated in America. After all, the Americans shared similar values, ideas and the quest for freedom. These epic stories of valiant heroes were on prominent display in headlines and echoed throughout the country. Americans were so inspired that they undertook a massive effort to help the Greeks. The Greeks' bravery, resolve and resilience motivated Americans to act. While the official U.S. government stance was one of neutrality, an emerging grass roots movement called the Greek Fire campaign developed to help Greece. Paradoxically, the Greek Fire campaign had a profound impact on the narrative surrounding the reprehensible phenomenon of slavery in America and second class treatment of women and their respective standing. Greek Fire provided a platform to shed light on the injustice and hypocrisy of slavery and subjugation of women. Dr. Maureen Connors Santelli joins NHS for a lively discussion on her comprehensive research and book. Greek Fire explores "the American fascination with an involvement in the Greek Revolution...and infused a global perspective into domestic conversations concerning freedom and reform." ![]() Join the National Hellenic Society as we introduce NHS Talks Excellence, a new series that highlights the work and accomplishments of young Greek Americans. Our first episode features Aynne Kokas, an associate professor of media studies at the University of Virginia and a senior faculty fellow at the Miller Center for Public Affairs. She researches and writes about United States - China Media and Tech Relations. |
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