Orpheus Youth End of Year Celebr

Orpheus Youth End of Year Celebration-Party
May 31, 2009
Giordano's Pizza
Click here to read the graduate speeches

(Morton Grove, IL - May 2009)

Antonis Anagnostopoulos

The time I have spent in the Orpheus youth group has not only been an opportunity for me to learn more about my Greek heritage but it has become a place were people can come together to celebrate their Greek ethnicity. Each Thursday for the last two years has been an opportunity for me to learn more about my Greek customs and culture. Everyone reads and is taught about their Greek heritage; on the other hand Orpheus has allowed me to express the love for my heritage through song and dance. The skills I have learned in the course of the youth group have allowed me to grow as a person and has allowed me understand the importance of preserving our irreplaceable and unique traditions.

I would like to thank all my teachers and everyone that contributed to such a great year.

Paige Arvanitis

Hi my name is Paige. I can’t believe another year has ended so quickly, time flies when you’re having fun-especially since this is my last year in the youth group. Ever since I first saw Orpheus perform at a church picnic, I’ve wanted to join the group. I finally joined when I was a Sophomore in high school- that was last year.
I really enjoyed learning a variety of different dances, not just the typical Kalamatino and Tsamiko. I never realized how much fun it would be. Some of my favorite dances are Xsyrtos, Dendritsi, Raekos,Dimitroula, and Koulouriastos to name a few. Without the dedication of wonderful instructors like Bessie and Yianni we wouldn’t have learned all these unique dances that make me proud to be Greek.
My memorable experiences include dancing at the 20th anniversary, the Thanksgiving day parade and at the Museum of Science and Industry. I recently performed at the Midwest Young Artist Festival in Highwood- where several of my aunts, uncles and cousins came to see me. My youngest cousin Panagoula, she’s almost two, couldn’t believe it was me dancing in a costume and she was laughing and pointing at me. The whole family had a great time as did all those watching us perform.
I have to mention one other memorable experience. As a new driver finding the driveway to the Thursday night class has been a challenge, but I managed to find it and even get to class on time. I was the car with the “NEW DRIVER” sign on the back-mom and dad you can take that sign off now. If I can drive on Milwaukee under construction, I can drive anywhere.
In closing I would like to say I have enjoyed my time with the Orpheus youth group. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and hello adult group I look forward to creating new memories with you.

Paul Grosso

I have been with Orpheus as far back as I can remember. I remember being little and going to practice with my mom and my sisters. I used to watch and dance on the side while they were practicing and I would jump around.
I like dancing it makes me feel good. I went on so many trips with the group. Some of my favorites, were Greece 2007 where we went to Kalamata, going to the beach with my friends and playing volleyball. I liked walking through town in Finnikounda where Izaki and I played our instruments and everyone walked to the theater. New York and dancing on the train and playing my toumbeleke in the lobby in Mahantan on a table at 3:00 in the morning.
I remember Jimmy throwing me up in the air at the Vasilopita every year and doing zebekekos on his shoulders. I went to Florida and I loved swimming in Boca Rotan, it was so hot we danced in the pool. I met a lot of friends over the years. The music group is fun with Eve and George.
We jam out and learn new Greek songs. I want to thank everyone, Yannis for teaching me kicks and having great parties, Kostas for driving one full year to Greek dance from school and showing me tsamikos kicks. Yannis and Kostas always help me and teach me how to be a good person and try my best. I love going out to eat after practice and talking with everyone.
My mom for bringing me to Orpheus and taking me along with her everywhere. She could have left me home especially on trips with the adult group but always made sure to bring me along. My dad for always being there with me every step of the way, every event, every trip. He always has a big smile on his face. Thanks for all the good times. I hope I can help others learn to dance and play music. Have a great summer.

Estelle Pappas

Hi! My name is Estelle Pappas.
All I can say is timing is everything-- I join Orpheus the year they went to Greece!
Three years ago when I joined Orpheus, that summer they had invited the whole group to dance in Kalamata for a week. Immediately I thought “OH MY GOD, we have to go, it would the first time to Greece for me, what a way to do it in style, but I was hesitant since I wasn’t sure my dad would go for it! Believe it of not my dad made plans early in February for plane tickets, and with several extra practices we were off!!
It was like a dream, those are the only words I can put together to describe it, a dream. Walking into the town of Finikounda singing, while others played there instruments, and the look of excitement on the locals faces was unforgettable. And to this day I will never forget what this woman was screaming to her husband saying “Ta americanikia eilthane.” She just wasn’t kidding. My whole family along with my cousins, aunts, uncles, godparents, koubari were all there with Orpheus.
Now looking back on that amazing trip, I thank Orpheus for making it happen, for making that dream come true along with so many others. Thank you to Yanni, Kosta, and Mrs. Grosso for 3 amazing years, I look forward to dancing in the Adult group next year! Thank You!