The Journey of Greek and Cypriot-American Immigrants Essay Contest
Supported by AHEPA Port Jefferson Chapter #319, this annual essay competition focuses on documenting the experiences of people of Greek and Cypriot descent who immigrated to the US and who settled on Long Island, NY, as well as the stories of first‑generation Greek Americans. While the competition is open to all students, those enrolled in the Hellenic Studies minor or in Modern Greek classes are encouraged to participate.
Students will interview five senior Greek and Cypriot residents of Long Island and document how they were received and blended into American culture, learned the language, and became established in the community as citizens of the United States. Correlations could be drawn to the current immigration environment. Access to senior Greek and Cypriot residents of Long Island will be facilitated by the local AHEPA chapter. Students can also interview first‑generation Greek Americans, who may share both their parents’ immigration stories and their own experiences growing up in Greek American households in the US.
Essays should be submitted to the Center for Hellenic Studies. A committee of faculty will review the submissions and select the winner of the competition, who will receive an award of $1,000.
Timeline (specific dates to be announced):
- January – Announcement of contest
- Late-April – Deadline to submit essay
- Begining of May – Announcement of the winner
- Mid-May – Award ceremony
Faculty associated with the Center for Hellenic Studies are available to advise and support students as they conduct research and prepare their essays. Students may consider registering for EUR 487- Independent Study in European Studies to facilitate such advisement. Please contact Prof. Stella Tsirka for more information.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 essay contest!!
