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.

In this episode of Owlcast, we welcome Anna Sugarman and Chris Perakis, two distinguished experts in inclusive learning and differentiated instruction. Their visit to ACS Athens this past week has been transformative, featuring workshops, classroom observations, and meaningful conversations with educators. Anna, an authority in gifted and talented education, and Chris, a specialist in special educational needs, bring decades of experience in fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Together, they have developed innovative strategies to ensure that all students can thrive, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, and students to support individual growth.

Anna and Chris discuss the vital role of student voice, mental wellness, and empathetic teaching in shaping a responsive learning community. They also talk about the future of education, exploring how tools like AI can enhance learning for neurodiverse students. This insightful episode underscores their shared belief in the transformative power of inclusive education and their commitment to advancing it globally.

In this episode, we welcome Catherine Papin, Marketing Officer of the Global Engagement Office from Griffith College in Ireland, who joins us in discussing the unique advantages of studying at her university. Catherine shares insights on the college’s multicultural environment, its strong industry connections, and the benefits it offers students post-Brexit. As she explains, Ireland has become an attractive alternative for EU and non-EU students, providing a cost-effective education and post-study work opportunities that the UK no longer readily offers. Griffith College’s commitment to career-focused education and strong academic programs make it an ideal destination for those looking for both quality and affordability.

Catherine Papin also highlights the support systems Griffith has in place to help international students adapt to life abroad, from open-door policies within the International Office to the college’s welcoming campus culture. She shares stories that reflect Griffith’s dedication to personalized education, noting the legacy of its founder, Dermot Hegarty, whose vision has created a nurturing environment for students over the past 50 years. This episode provides valuable insights into how Griffith College supports students in shaping successful futures while fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth. Annie Angelides from the Center for Student Success of ACS Athens is also joining us in the studio today! 

Today’s Owlcast explores how Science studies are important for students to choose, not only as a career but also as a driver for positive change in the lives of our youth and the world they’ll build. We are happy to introduce Dr. Allison Schwier, Deputy Director of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Science and Technology and Adviser to the U.S. Secretary of State. Dr. Schwier visited an ACS Athens joint class of AI and Biology students a few days ago and had the opportunity to talk to them about her role, Science, and the importance of choosing a career path that makes a true difference in our lives.

This episode of Owlcast "President's Edition" features a discussion on the importance of Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) learning in schools. President Pelonis' guests are Ryder Delaloye of Emory University and Michael Wolper of Verita School (and ACS Athens Alum), who share their insights and experiences in implementing SEE learning.

Delaloye emphasizes the mission of SEE learning to develop compassion, emotional intelligence, and ethical thinking in students. He highlights the positive impact of positive relationships on well-being and life satisfaction. Wolper discusses his motivation for starting Verita International School, driven by the growing stress and anxiety among teenagers. Both guests explore the challenges schools face in addressing students' emotional well-being, including the rising rates of stress, anxiety, and violence. They emphasize the importance of building resilience and emotional regulation. The episode concludes by touching on the influence of social media and technology on young minds and the potential role of SEE learning in helping students navigate these pressures.

Welcome to a special episode of Owlcast "College" Edition! We’re thrilled to have Roberta Geraci, Senior Recruiting Officer from Imperial College London, in the studio today. Whether you're a high school student thinking about your next steps or just curious about what it takes to get into top universities, this episode is packed with insights. Roberta is visiting ACS Athens to meet students, including those aspiring to join Imperial, and her journey from a small village in Sicily to working in London is sure to inspire. She shares her deep understanding of the challenges students face when moving from smaller towns to big cities and highlights the ways UK universities, like Imperial, offer structured support to help students adjust to their new environments—whether through student societies, orientation programs, or part-time work opportunities.

In this episode, we explore the value of taking risks and embracing the unknown. Roberta’s journey took her from Sicily to Rome, Sweden, and eventually London, with every opportunity—from nonprofit work to evening jobs—building toward her current role at one of the world’s top science and technology universities. She emphasizes the importance of personal growth by stepping outside your comfort zone and forming lasting friendships by trying new things with people you’ve just met. We also dive into practical tips on choosing a university, discussing how rankings aren’t everything and the importance of finding a place that fits your values and fosters real-world collaboration. Plus, we touch on AI’s evolving role in higher education and how it’s shaping both student experiences and staff efficiency. Tune in for invaluable advice on navigating college life and making informed decisions about your future!

Welcome to this week’s 100th episode of Owlcast, where we sit down with the new members of our school's leadership, Dr. Harry Leonardatos, Principal of the Academy, and Dr. Matina Stergiopoulos, Assistant Principal of the Middle School. Both have made the bold move from leadership roles in New York to join our international school in Greece, bringing with them a wealth of experience from both public and private schools. In this episode, we discuss their decision-making process, the excitement of moving to a familiar yet new international environment, and how they coaxed their families with the thought of more beach time and new adventures.

We also explore their thoughts on balancing tradition with innovation—whether it’s maintaining strong academic foundations or embracing change. Dr. Leonardatos and Dr. Stergiopoulos share their views on leading with kindness and understanding each student’s unique background, as well as the value of giving students space to be creative. As we look ahead, they touch on the role of AI in education and how it could be a game-changer in the learning process, helping students and teachers alike navigate the future of education with resilience and innovation.

The premiere episode of the fourth season of the Owlcast welcomes today Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens, as we are underway in an exciting and monumental year—our 80th anniversary celebration. As the entire school community reflects on eight decades of academic excellence, community impact, and global leadership, today’s conversation focuses not only on where we’ve been but, more importantly, where we’re going. This milestone year is more than a celebration; it is a bridge between the achievements of the past and the innovations shaping our future. The President shares her personal reflections on what this moment means to her, both as the leader of this institution and on a personal level, while highlighting the continuity of our mission and vision from the past year to the exciting road ahead.

The last Owlcast of the season proudly hosts Dr. Nancy Snow, a Fulbright Professor of Public Diplomacy at Panteion University, a Visiting Scholar at the Institute of International Relations (IDIS), and the Lead Author of "Propaganda and Persuasion," now in its 8th edition with Sage. Her expertise in intercultural communications, peace and conflict resolution, and US foreign policy, particularly public diplomacy, makes her a fitting guest for this season's finale.

Dr. Snow's discussion with ACS Athens President Dr. Peggy Pelonis, among many other topics, includes the evolving landscape of storytelling, particularly within academia. Professor Snow sheds light on the growing shift towards digital media platforms, driven by the need for speed and the diverse range of mediums and audiences now accessible.

Professor Snow also discusses her role as a communication catalyst at both state and local levels. Her work promotes mutual understanding and encourages curiosity as a vehicle for promoting diversity. She argues that diversity acts as a change agent, benefiting both professional growth and personal development. Her insights into how curiosity can drive engagement and learning are particularly timely in today's rapidly changing world.

Listen as we explore these themes and more with Professor Nancy Snow, celebrating a season of insightful discussions and looking forward to future explorations in public diplomacy and global communication.