Victorian Greek Educators Awards 2026 celebrate teachers preserving Greek language in Victoria

The Modern Greek Teachers’ Association of Victoria (MGTAV) has honoured 21 outstanding educators at the Victorian Greek Educators Awards 2026, recognising the teachers who continue to safeguard and strengthen the Greek language across Victoria.

Held on Sunday, 22 February at Axion Estin Monastery in Northcote, the ceremony marked World Greek Language Day in a warm and inspiring setting attended by teachers, community members and distinguished guests.

The evening opened with a welcoming reception accompanied by live music from musician Nikos Kapralos, whose bouzouki and guitar set a distinctly Hellenic tone.

MGTAV President Despina Sarandis welcomed guests and paid tribute to Greek language teachers across the state.

“Teachers keep our language alive, inspire our students, and strengthen Greek culture within our community every day,” she said, highlighting the vital role educators play in sustaining Greek heritage in the diaspora.

A particularly moving moment came with the recitation of The Teacher by Kostis Palamas, performed by educator Niki Farfara, followed by a reading from Report to Greco by Nikos Kazantzakis by Chrisoula Stamopoulou. The literary tributes underscored the moral depth and cultural responsibility embedded in the teaching vocation.

Awards were presented with the participation of Dr Steffie Nikoloudi, Head of the Greek Studies Program at La Trobe University, alongside members of the MGTAV committee. Each educator received warm applause in recognition of their sustained commitment to Greek language education in Victoria’s schools.

As President Sarandis noted in her closing remarks, the Greek language lives and breathes through the passion, care and vision of those who teach it — ensuring that future generations remain connected to their linguistic and cultural heritage.

The 2026 awards ceremony served not only as a tribute to excellence in teaching, but as a broader affirmation of the Greek language’s enduring presence in multicultural Victoria.

21 educators recognised across six award categories

The ceremony continued with the presentation of the MGTAV Awards for Excellence in Greek Language Education, acknowledging dedication, innovation, collaboration and lifelong service.

• Award for Inspiration and Dedication

Voula Imprisimi, Yiota Stavridou, Androula Papaconstantinou

• Award for Creativity and Innovation

Ourania Papageorgiou, Christina Soumi, Efi Bintevi

• Award for Passion and Contribution

Natasa Spanou, Christina Soumi, Denise Diakodimitriou, Loukia Andreou

• Award for Collaboration and Teamwork

Mary Christofidies

• Award for Enthusiasm and Energy

Marianna Theodossi, Stella Lambrou, Toula Terazaki

• Award for Lifetime Contribution to Greek Education

Eleni Dimitriou, Marianna Theodossi, Niki Farfara, Connie Diakodimitriou, Yiota Stavridou, Christina Gliogou, Maria Kefalidou, Amalia Vasiliadi, Koula Antoniou

Founded in 1971, MGTAV continues to support Greek language teachers through professional development, advocacy and innovative educational initiatives.