NEW YORK – The Ancient Greek Theatre students of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools (HCCS) in Brooklyn (Park Slope) and Staten Island recently visited Greece. HCCS Chief Operating Officer Joy Petrakos, who oversees both the Brooklyn (HCCS-PS) and Staten Island (HCCS-SI) campuses, shared photos from the “educational journey to Greece with the Ancient Greek Theatre (AGT) students of Hellenic Classical Charter Schools in Brooklyn (Park Slope) and Staten Island.”
“This year’s visit was especially historic for our school community,” Petrakos said. “For the first time in our history, students from both campuses traveled together, bringing nearly 60 students, educators, and chaperones to Greece. As our Staten Island campus continues to grow, we proudly welcomed its first 7th grade class this year, making it possible for both schools to participate in this remarkable journey side by side.”
The Ancient Greek Theatre students of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools (HCCS) in Brooklyn (Park Slope) and Staten Island recently visited Greece. Photo: Courtesy of HCCS
“One of the most meaningful moments of the trip was standing together at the Acropolis of Athens, where our students experienced the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theatre,” she continued. “For our community— dedicated to the study of classical Greek civilization— this was truly a historic and emotional moment. Sharing this experience together during Park Slope’s 20th anniversary year made it even more special for our HCCS family.”
The Ancient Greek Theatre students of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools (HCCS) in Brooklyn (Park Slope) and Staten Island recently visited Greece. Photo: Courtesy of HCCS
“During their time in Greece, students explored some of the most important landmarks of ancient Hellenic civilization, including the Acropolis and Parthenon, the Theatre of Dionysus, Ancient Mycenae, the Isthmus of Corinth, and the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus,” Petrakos noted. “Walking the same paths as the ancient Greeks allowed our students to deepen their appreciation for the history, philosophy, and dramatic traditions they study throughout the year.”
The Ancient Greek Theatre students of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools (HCCS) in Brooklyn (Park Slope) and Staten Island recently visited Greece. Photo: Courtesy of HCCS
“This experience is part of our schools’ Ancient Greek Theatre program, where students study and perform classical tragedies as a living connection to the legacy of Greek drama,” she pointed out. “This spring our students will present Euripides’ Bacchae at HCCS Staten Island on May 20, and Sophocles’ Elektra at HCCS Park Slope on May 21.”
The Ancient Greek Theatre students of the Hellenic Classical Charter Schools (HCCS) in Brooklyn (Park Slope) and Staten Island recently visited Greece. Photo: Courtesy of HCCS
“We are incredibly proud of our students and look forward with great excitement to these performances, which celebrate the timeless power of ancient Greek theatre and its enduring influence on education and culture,” Petrakos said. “It is always a great honor to share these moments with the Greek-American community, whose heritage and traditions continue to inspire the mission of Hellenic Classical Charter Schools.”