The Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) hosted its annual Aroney Awards Night at The Lemnos on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
Thanks to a trust established by the late Kytherian benefactor, Nicholas Anthony Aroney, the KAA has been hosting the Aroney Encouragement Awards for over 30 years.
The Awards encouraged young Australians with Kytherian descent to further their scholastic endeavours by completing their Higher School Certificate.
This year, there were sixteen award recipients including: Billy Bourdaniotis (Top Award recipient who received a 99.95 ATAR, placing him in the top 48 students in NSW); Phillip Andrews; Emmanuel Aroney; James Nicholas Aroney; Nicholas Aroney; William Aroney; Chloe Avgoustou; Olivia Cassimaty; Elly Coolentianos; Theo Fatseas; Hannah Simos; Lily Simos; Mia Alice Simos; Athanasia Strikopoulos; Christopher John Tsolakis; and Jake Zantis.
READ MORE: Kytherian Association of Australia successfully launches its centenary celebrations.
The Awards were presented by Stephen Aroney, a Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust trustee, and Victor Kepreotis, a KAA Board member and ex-President.
Each of the Awardees received a financial prize of up to $1,000, a book on Kythera and a free first year membership as an adult with the KAA.
The second annual Youth Scholarship was also awarded to Abby Simos on the night. Last year’s winner, Andrea Conomos, and the Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Spiro Coolentianos, presented Abby with a certificate and a $2,000 prize. Victoria Alfieris and Georgia Galanas were named finalists.
This was followed by a nice recognition of past President, Peter Vanges, who served twice as President of the KAA in the early 1980s and 1990s. Peter was unable to attend the KAA’s Centenary Launch where there was a roll call of all past 24 Presidents and he was pleased to be recognised on the night.
Six of the limited edition KAA centenary gold medallions were also made available for silent auction on the night and raised $8,500.
READ MORE: ‘It’s a piece of our history’: Why three proud Kytherians bid on the Centenary Medallion.
After these formal proceedings were over, the KAA’s dance group performed modern and Kytherian dances where they wore the island’s traditional costumes, Spalleta, which the KAA maintains.
This was enjoyed by all in attendance including proud parents, KAA members and representatives from other community organisations such as the Kalymnian Association, the Cyprus Club, the Greek Australian Society, the Jewish Board of Deputies, SATH and The Greek Herald, who are proud Media Partner’s for the KAA’s Centenary Year.
After a night where dozens of youth ‘owned the dance floor, KAA President, Emmanuel Alfieris, closed the event by saying: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the future of our Association is here tonight.”
READ MORE: Zoe Sophios designs the official medallion for the Kytherian Association of Australia’s centenary.
*All photos copyright: Nick Bourdaniotis / Bourdo Photography.
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