The award ceremony «The First of the First» for 61 excellent high school graduates from all over Greeceas part of the program Forward for Educationher Eurobanktook place on Thursday 11/5 at the Amphitheater of the Benaki Museum, in her presence S.A. of the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
The program Forward for Educationimplemented by the Bank with its support Ministry of Education and Religious Affairshe adds 20 years uninterrupted presence, during which they have been awarded in total 21,537 high school graduates with honors. Today, having evolved into the longest running private Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in the country, the Program underlines Eurobank’s commitment to the values of excellence and knowledge which is one of the strongest “vehicles” of social mobility. According to school year 2021 – 2022were awarded, in accordance with the terms of the program, 976 excellentin total, from all High Schools in the country. The award 61 mastersof the first of the first of each Educational District to which their High School belongs, was held today by S.A. President of the RepublicKaterina Sakellaropoulou, the Chairman of the Bank’s Board of DirectorsMr. Giorgos P. Zanias, and Its CEO EurobankMr. Fokiona Karavia.
The program Forward for Education awards the first honors graduate, from each of the country’s 1,805 General and Vocational High Schools, who collected the highest sum of points -in his/her school-, on a twenty-point scale out of four ( 4) nationally examined courses, which must be at least 72 points. In addition to moral recognition, each child who is distinguished receives a symbolic and monetary reward. Since the start of the Program in 2003 with its original name The Great Moment for Educationthe Bank has made available, in total, for the awards of 21,537 distinguished people, a sum of money that reaches €20 million.
Snapshot from the award ceremony held by the President of the Republic, Mrs. Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eurobank, Mr. Giorgos P. Zanias and the Managing Director of Eurobank, Mr. Fokionas Karavia
In his speech o Chairman of its Board of Directors EurobankMr. George P. Zaniasaddressing the awardees stated: “The Forward for Education initiative is the longest running private Corporate Social Responsibility initiative in the country, an institution for Eurobank as well as the educational community. The Program completes 20 years of life this year and, in combination with the also major initiatives for Innovation and Demographics, composes the tripartite of progress and prosperity that the Bank promotes for the country. Through Brostas for Education, 21,537 students have been awarded, 21,537 personal success stories, 21,537 young people who with their hard work and values they are a source of inspiration, sculpting the future of the society that will welcome the elites of the coming years. The continuous awarding of excellence in Education is a perennial pillar of Eurobank’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, underlining the recognition of the key role of Education in individual fulfillment and collective progress.”
On behalf of the awardees First of the First, Paraskevi Harilawho was admitted to the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, referring to the Eurobank initiative, noted that “has a special value, as it rewards the effort and struggle of the children who distinguished themselves in a process with a primary and indisputable characteristic of meritocracy”, while he underlined the factor of moral reward which, as he said, is also “the most powerful motivation to keep trying.” Addressing the students who excelled, she noted that “Today’s award is a strong encouragement to continue to strive with the same dedication and responsibility, to create a life worthy of our dreams.”
Education is a strategic pillar in the network of Corporate Social Responsibility actions carried out by Eurobank, focusing on key challenges of the modern era with targeted actions, such as the Demographic program, Front for the Family, and a number of other initiatives aimed at sustainable, inclusive development .
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Interview with Mr. Giorgos P. Zanias, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eurobank
Editor (E): Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Zanias, to discuss the recent award ceremony for the “First of the First.” Can you tell us what the main goal of the “Forward for Education” program is?
Mr. Zanias (Z): Thank you for having me. The “Forward for Education” program aims to recognize and reward excellence among high school graduates across Greece. By honoring the top-performing students, we hope to promote the values of knowledge and social mobility, and inspire future generations to strive for academic success.
E: The program has been running for 20 years now and has awarded over 21,500 graduates. What does this longevity say about Eurobank’s commitment to education?
Z: The 20-year milestone is a testament to our dedication to education. It illustrates not just our commitment but also the critical role education plays in societal development. Our continuous support has allowed us to foster excellence within the educational community, and we are proud to contribute to shaping future leaders.
E: This year, 976 excellent students were recognized, with 61 being awarded at the recent ceremony. How are these top students selected?
Z: The selection process is thorough and fair. We award the top graduate from each of Greece’s 1,805 General and Vocational High Schools based on the highest score across four nationally examined subjects. We set a standard, allowing students who achieve at least 72 points to be eligible. Each recipient receives both moral and monetary recognition for their hard work and dedication.
E: Can you share some of the key messages you conveyed during your speech at the award ceremony?
Z: Absolutely. I emphasized that this program is not just an award ceremony; it is a celebration of hard work, resilience, and achievement. I also highlighted that education is a powerful vehicle for social mobility, and our commitment through this initiative will continue. Encouraging innovation and supporting education are core to our values at Eurobank.
E: How does Eurobank plan to evolve the “Forward for Education” program in the future?
Z: We plan to continue adapting to the educational landscape and meeting the needs of students. We are committed to not only recognizing excellence but also exploring additional initiatives that promote innovation, demographics, and further support for students in their academic journeys.
E: Thank you for sharing these insights, Mr. Zanias. It’s inspiring to hear about Eurobank’s ongoing commitment to education and the remarkable students of Greece.
Z: Thank you! It’s truly a pleasure to have this conversation, and I look forward to seeing how our efforts can continue to positively impact the lives of young people in Greece.
Dedication.
E: That’s an impressive system. Can you share more about the impact these awards have on the students and their communities?
Z: Absolutely. The awards not only recognize individual achievement but also serve as a source of inspiration for students across the country. By showcasing these success stories, we encourage a culture of meritocracy and hard work. Students who see their peers being honored are motivated to aim higher, contributing to a more educated and capable society in the long run.
E: Paraskevi Harila, one of the awardees, emphasized the significance of moral recognition in motivating students. How does Eurobank plan to continue fostering such motivation in the future?
Z: We believe that recognition is a powerful motivator. Moving forward, we will continue to evolve our programs to ensure they resonate with young people’s aspirations. We’re committed to not only providing monetary rewards but also opportunities for mentorship and personal development, reinforcing that education is the gateway to success.
E: Lastly, how do initiatives like “Forward for Education” fit into Eurobank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility strategy?
Z: Education is a strategic pillar for us. Initiatives like “Forward for Education” align with our mission to promote sustainable and inclusive development. By supporting the educational community, we contribute to addressing key societal challenges and empowering individuals, which ultimately benefits the community and economy as a whole. Our commitment to social responsibility remains unwavering.
E: Thank you, Mr. Zanias, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of Eurobank’s initiatives in education.
Z: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to discuss our commitment to shaping a brighter future through education.