2010 SOP News
Atlanta SOP Chapter President Attends Governors' Conference 2010
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Attending the 2010 AHEPA National Governors' Conference in Washington, D.C. was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life! Being that I had never attended any type of AHEPA event before, I was quite anxious to get there and see what all the hype was about! My first encounter with an AHEPAN, other than the Sons Supreme President, Spiro Nicolopoulos ,whom I was traveling with, was at the Airport with the National Sons Advisor, Chris Economides, also known as “Mr. E”. After having listened to a few of his entertaining jokes and some raving about how good of a time we were going to have, I knew that everything was going to be OK!
Upon arrival to the Ritz Carlton Hotel, I was immediately impressed with the value that AHEPA placed upon this regal conference. Not only was I excited to be there, but I knew it was going to be a first-class experience from the beginning. Friday night we were invited to AHEPA Headquarters for some food and drinks. Here I got to experience the hospitality and filoxenia of the AHEPA family firsthand. Everywhere I turned, people were shaking my hand and introducing themselves to me. They asked me if I was enjoying myself, who I was, and where I came from. Admittedly I did fall into a small routine after having answered the questions over and over again, but it was enjoyable every time none-the-less! After dinner was served, I made my way up to the rooftop of AHEPA Headquarters. There I was introduced to a few Sons who I know I will be friends with for the rest of my life! We talked, shared stories, and just got to know one another as we overlooked the breathtaking D.C. skyline.
The following day was marked by important meetings in the morning during which I gave an update of my local chapter and in the afternoon we attended an exclusive tour of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History! Further, the Sons made an ever memorable donation with the money that we raised for our National Project to the ALS Association, which made me PROUD TO BE A SON!
In all, this trip to Governors' Conference was a great success! I had a great time meeting new and exciting people and enjoyed seeing the organization from a top to bottom perspective. I hope to share this enthusiasm and excitement with our local Atlanta Chapter in hopes of attending many more conferences and events in the future!
