SENATE RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION (AHEPA) CHAPTER 106 "SOPHOCLES" OF PROVIDENCE ON THE JOYOUS OCCASION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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2026 -- S 3054
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE
ASSOCIATION (AHEPA) CHAPTER 106 "SOPHOCLES" OF PROVIDENCE ON THE
JOYOUS OCCASION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Introduced By:
Senators Raptakis, Gallo, Tikoian, Euer, Ciccone, Patalano, Kallman,
LaMountain, de la Cruz, and Vargas

Date Introduced:
Maart 11, 2026

Referred To:
Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar
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WHEREAS, The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was
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founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, during a time of intense discrimination against Greek
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immigrants in the United States. Established in response to bigotry and hostility—particularly
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from the Ku Klux Klan—AHEPA stands for civil rights, justice, and the full integration of Greek
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Americans into the civic life of this nation. AHEPA is rooted in the timeless Hellenic ideals of
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education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and personal excellence. AHEPA grew
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to become the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage
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and Philhellenes, with chapters throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe; and
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WHEREAS, AHEPA Chapter 106 “Sophocles” of Providence was founded on May 30,
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1926, and for a century has served as a pillar of leadership, service and cultural pride in Rhode
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Island. In 2026, the chapter marks its 100th anniversary, a milestone commemorated at its
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Centennial Gala on June 13, 2026, at the historic Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, reflecting one hundred
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years of continuous service, leadership, and community engagement. For generations, the chapter
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has been a cornerstone of the Greek-American community of Rhode Island, promoting Hellenic
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culture and heritage while striving to help its members become good American citizens,
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encouraging civic-mindedness, and fostering a deep commitment to the enduring values and
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democratic ideals of this country; and
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WHEREAS, From its earliest years, Chapter 106 established itself as a respected and
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effective civic organization whose influence has spanned generations. In 1939, the chapter

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proudly hosted the 16th Supreme Convention of the Order of AHEPA, welcoming thousands of
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delegates and visitors to Rhode Island and highlighting the strength of the local Greek-American
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community. At that convention, the chapter dedicated the Samuel Gridley Howe Memorial
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Flagpole, which still stands at Brown University today, honoring Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, the
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distinguished American physician, humanitarian, abolitionist, and Philhellene who served as a
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volunteer surgeon during the Greek War of Independence; and
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WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Chapter 106 has demonstrated an unwavering
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commitment to education and youth, maintaining a long-standing scholarship program that has
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supported students and families for decades. The chapter also fosters intergenerational
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mentorship, creating enduring bonds of friendship and leadership within the community. As part
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of its support for youth development, the chapter provides an annual award to students who excel
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in the Greek Language School program of the Church of the Annunciation and hosts an annual
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luncheon recognizing Sunday School students; and
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WHEREAS, Locally, Chapter 106 maintains a deep and enduring partnership with the
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Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation of Cranston, where members generously give their
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time, treasure, and talent in support of parish life, cultural programs, and community events,
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including the Cranston Greek Festival. Through this volunteerism, leadership, and charitable
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support, the chapter helps strengthen the cultural and communal foundation of the local Greek-
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American community; and
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WHEREAS, The chapter’s record of philanthropy and service is extensive. Members
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raised substantial funds in support of the American war effort during World War II through the
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purchase of war bonds and later provided relief to Greece in the aftermath of the war. Many
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Brothers have also honorably served in the Armed Forces of the United States. The chapter has
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long supported public health initiatives, including fundraising and awareness efforts for Cooley’s
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Anemia, and has been a national leader in support of Saint Basil Academy in Garrison, New
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York—so significantly that a hall there is named in honor of former Chapter President, Supreme
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Treasurer, and Chairman of the AHEPA Board of Trustees, Spiro C. Samaras; and
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WHEREAS, Chapter 106 has also played an important role in public affairs and Hellenic
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advocacy, supporting strong relations between the United States and Greece, advocating for
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justice in Cyprus, and assisting refugees following the 1974 Turkish invasion while maintaining
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close relationships with local, state, national, and Greek officials. The chapter is working
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alongside Rhode Island State Senator Leonidas Raptakis on the Rhode Island Hellenic Heritage
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License Plate initiative. Chapter 106 regularly participates in the annual Greek Independence Day
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observances at the Rhode Island State House hosted by Senator Raptakis, as well as other civic

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commemorations honoring Hellenic heritage and American democratic ideals; and
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WHEREAS, For one hundred years, AHEPA Chapter 106 “Sophocles” has embodied the
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values upon which AHEPA was founded—service, faith, patriotism, education, community
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leadership, family and personal excellence, and the preservation and promotion of Hellenic
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heritage—making a lasting impact on Rhode Island and proudly sustaining its cultural legacy for
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future generations; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby joyously congratulates
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the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Chapter 106 “Sophocles”
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of Providence on the joyous occasion of its 100th Anniversary; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the President of AHEPA Chapter 106
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"Sophocles" of Providence, Mr. George Coclin.
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