Heritage Weekend & Classic 2025 Recap

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Heritage Weekend in Scottsdale! Your presence, energy, and support made the event truly special. Whether you joined us for the western experience, to see your NHS parea, the inspiring speakers, or fun glendis, we’re so grateful to have shared this memorable weekend with you. Let's recap the weekend with photos, highlights, and more!

NHS kicked off the weekend with a warm welcome reception in the Palomino Hall. Guests enjoyed live music, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and refreshing cocktails, creating the perfect atmosphere to reconnect with familiar faces and greet new ones joining our parea. A big thank you to our Heritage Greece® and Heritage America alumni for guiding everyone to the venue and helping set the tone for a memorable weekend!

Heritage Weekend Educational Panels & A Western Themed Barbecue

Friday morning began with a breakfast buffet followed by a Heritage Greece Perspectives panel where Alumni from Heritage Greece® and Heritage America shared powerful stories and how their trips impacted them. The panel was also joined by representatives from our partner institutions: the American College of Greece, American College of Thessaloniki, and College Year in Athens.

NHS member Kostas Koeman captivated the audience with his work alongside underwater archaeologists uncovering ancient shipwrecks near Crete and Kythira. We also heard from John Saracakis and Katerina Sokou, President and Executive Director of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce on business synergies in Greece, and from Paris Karasso of Calamos Investments, who offered insights into current investment trends.

Around noon, guests enjoyed an exquisite buffet luncheon in the Palomino Ballroom. The afternoon offered time to unwind at the Fairmont’s beautiful pools and spa or join optional activities, including an escorted hike through the Sonoran Desert.

Meanwhile, the NHS Board held its annual business meeting.

Friday Evening, guests enjoyed a lively Old West-style BBQ at the Palomino Ballroom, complete with a staged "Fight at the Ola Kala Corral!" Sounds by Groove Machine and DJ Savas kept the party going as guests danced the night away. NHS provided cowboy hats, bandanas, and plenty of fun gear for a night to remember with our parea.

The excitement continued at Talking Stick Resort & Casino, just minutes from the Fairmont. This premier destination offered a vibrant mix of live table games, poker, slots, chic lounges, craft cocktails, and live music.

NHS Annual Meeting, Golf Tournament & Excellence Awards

Saturday began with a delicious breakfast buffet, followed by the National Hellenic Society’s Annual Meeting of Members. Attendees reviewed and voted on Board nominations, received financial updates from the Treasurer, and heard the independent auditor’s compilation report. NHS Committees also shared progress and plans for expanding programs, regional outreach, and exciting new initiatives.

After a short break, the focus shifted to innovation during a dynamic Robotics & AI Panel. Moderated by Bill Antholis, President of UVA’s Miller Center and Emeritus Managing Director of the Brookings Institution, the panel explored groundbreaking developments and the future impact of these transformative technologies.

Guests enjoyed a fantastic lunch followed by free time to explore a variety of a la carte activities. From desert dune buggy rides and horseback riding to relaxing by the Fairmont’s pools or indulging in a spa massage. Christopher, former nationwide accessories executive at CHANEL®, also led an exclusive shopping experience at Scottsdale’s finest boutiques.

Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts headed to the adjacent TPC Champions Course, home of the epic Phoenix Open.

Saturday Evening, cocktails kicked off at 6:30 p.m. in the Palomino Ballroom, where guests enjoyed the Glambot® photo booth, lively conversation, and a delicious plated dinner. The evening featured the NHS Excellence Awards in honor of Michael and Francesca Halikias. Later, Mylos took the stage, energizing the crowd with upbeat Greek dance hits that kept the celebration going late into the night.

Farewell Arizona!

On Sunday, NHS hosted a rolling brunch starting at 7:30 a.m. and it was the perfect chance to stop by, enjoy brunch, and say Αντίο (farewell) to friends and parea before heading home.

For those who stayed on, a visit to St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, Arizona, offered a peaceful spiritual retreat. Founded in 1995 by Athonite monks and nestled in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, guests explored the monastery’s seven chapels, gardens, orchards, and Byzantine-inspired architecture on a self-guided tour starting at the bookstore. Visitors admired the beautiful iconography and fountains, enjoyed quiet moments of reflection, and captured photos of the serene grounds.

We'll see you next year!

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