AHEPA Sophocles Chapter 106 marked a historic milestone with a sold-out Centennial Gala celebrating its 100th Anniversary at the historic Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet. The event brought together AHEPA members, clergy, elected officials, community leaders, families, and guests from Rhode Island, New England, and beyond to honor a century of service to the Greek-American community.
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The evening celebrated the chapter’s remarkable legacy of philanthropy, civic engagement, scholarship, and cultural preservation while recognizing individuals whose dedication and leadership have strengthened AHEPA’s mission throughout the years.
The program was led by Centennial Gala Chairman Stephen Sterpis, while Chapter President George Coclin reflected on the chapter’s history, recent growth, and commitment to carrying AHEPA’s mission into its second century.
Among the distinguished guests was U.S. Senator Jack Reed, a member of Chapter 106, who spoke about the organization’s enduring contributions to Rhode Island and the Greek-American community. The chapter and its honorees were also recognized through Congressional Certificates of Special Recognition.
The Consul General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos, congratulated Chapter 106 on its centennial anniversary and highlighted the strong bonds between Greece and the United States, as well as the important role of Greek-Americans in preserving Hellenic heritage and values for future generations.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of several distinguished honorees whose contributions have left a lasting impact on AHEPA and the broader community.
The late Spiro C. Samaras was posthumously honored as the Centennial Honoree for his extraordinary service to AHEPA at every level of the organization, including his leadership roles as Chapter President, District Governor, Supreme Treasurer, and Chairman of the Supreme Board of Trustees. His legacy of humanitarian service, scholarship support, and dedication to St. Basil’s Academy continues to inspire future generations. The award was accepted by his daughter, Nikki Samaras Deary.
Constantinos “Costa” Perdikakis received the Centennial Benefactor Award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to Chapter 106 and numerous charitable, religious, and civic causes. One of the defining moments of the evening came when Perdikakis announced a personal and family donation of $50,000 to establish a permanent scholarship fund benefiting Chapter 106. Combined with the generosity of sponsors, donors, and guests, the gala raised a total of $100,000 for scholarships.
Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas “Lou” Raptakis was recognized as the Sophocles Chapter 106 Honoree for his distinguished public service and unwavering support of the Greek-American community. As the first Greek-American elected to the Rhode Island State Senate and President of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, Senator Raptakis has long championed Hellenic causes, Greece, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The chapter also recognized five scholarship recipients: Constantine Coclin, George Grammas, Gianna Degaitas, Alexander Vanikiotis, and Peter Grammas. The expansion of the chapter’s scholarship program reflects AHEPA’s enduring commitment to education and youth development.
Special recognition was given to the chapter’s past presidents and to the newly reactivated Sons of Pericles Plato Chapter No. 21, whose members represent the next generation of AHEPA leadership. The chapter also showcased a special historical exhibition featuring archival materials, photographs, records, and memorabilia spanning its 100-year history.
The Centennial Gala concluded a remarkable year for Sophocles Chapter 106. Earlier that same day, the chapter hosted the AHEPA District 7 Convention and was honored as District 7 Chapter of the Year. Chapter scholarship recipient Constantine Coclin received the AHEPA District 7 Scholarship Award, while Chapter President George Coclin was elected Lieutenant Governor of AHEPA District 7.
Founded in 1926, AHEPA Sophocles Chapter 106 has served the Rhode Island Greek-American community for a century through charitable initiatives, educational programs, civic engagement, and support for Hellenic causes. As it enters its second century, the chapter remains committed to AHEPA’s founding principles of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family, and individual excellence.
