Andrioti shipowner Ioannis Carastamatis was selected for his continuous effort in advancing the Greek Maritime industry and for his contribution to the cultural and social life of Andros island: The President and Board Members of the Peter and Marika Kydonieos Institution for the cultural, social, financial and educational support to Andros: The President and Board Members of the Andros Society of USA for the organization’s contribution to the island throughout the last decades: Mr. John Rigas, General Secretary of the Andros Society of USA, for his efforts in helping Andrioti immigrants in the US: Last but not least, NEO’s Margarita Vartholomeou, Board Member of the Athens Andros Society, who was honored for her tireless effort in enhancing ties among the Andrioti diaspora.

Athens Mayor Niketas Kaklamanis addressed the event, as did Members of Parliament Vroutsis and Papamanolis. Among the dignitaries present was Metropolitan Bishop of Siros - Tinos - Andros - Kea - Mylos and Myconos Dorotheos B', Commodore Constantinos Gionis, Provincial Governor of Andros Ioannis Maltabes, honorary member of the Athens Andros Society Epaminondas Logothetis, the President of the Peter and Marika Kydonieos Institution, “Andriaki” Newspaper Publisher Marianna Fotopoulou and “Kykladikon Fos” Publisher Eleni Terzopoulou.

The society’s main purpose is to maintain some of the island’s traditions alive and pass them to future generations. “If we keep our values, our heritage, our traditions and our history, we can see future with clarity, transparency and real optimism,” said honoree Margarita Vartholomeou. “In the difficult days that we are all facing, living in a period of crisis, where money is devalued day by day, moral cohesion and values closely related to our tradition seem to be the only way out.”