On Wednesday, January 14th, Project Connect welcomed the New Year by uniting its vibrant community of pupils, educators, maritime professionals, and supporters for its annual Kick Start 2026 event—an energizing gathering built around the guiding principle Knowledge + Clarity = Progress.

The morning event set an optimistic tone for the year ahead, encouraging students to embrace learning, ask bold questions, and make thoughtful decisions that shape their personal and academic journeys. With an atmosphere full of curiosity and purpose, participants explored how clarity of direction and informed choices can drive meaningful progress in 2026.

Program Highlights

• Hosted at ACS Athens in Chalandri, Greece, the event opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens, who spoke about the power of knowledge and clarity. Dr. Pelonis emphasized: “Shipping is not just a job—it’s part of this country’s history, economy, and identity. From ancient sailors navigating by the stars to modern ships using advanced technology, the sea has always connected Greece to the world.”
• Ms. Irene Notias, Founder and Director of Project Connect, introduced the Kick Start concept, which she created during the 2020 pandemic to offer hope, connection, and meaningful engagement to students and members confined at home. She highlighted Project Connect’s expanding educational initiatives, including the Adopt a Ship and νιάτα ψηλά™ youth‑empowerment programs.
• Adopt a Ship pupils shared heartfelt letters exchanged with their captains, offering a touching look at the transformative impact of maritime mentorship.
• Keynote Address: Former U.S. Ambassador George Tsunis captivated the audience with his personal journey in America, encouraging students to broaden their horizons through global exploration and programs like Adopt a Ship.
• Spotlight Talk: Life Coach Michalis Fragkiadakis of FOS Breakthrough delivered an engaging session titled “Opinion and Knowledge,” focusing on critical thinking and self‑awareness, followed by an interactive Q&A with pupils.
• Pupils’ New Year’s Resolutions showcased thoughtful commitments from students, reinforcing the event’s central message of clarity, intention, and forward momentum.
• Closing Remarks: Ms. Notias and Dr. Pelonis expressed gratitude to speakers, students, partners, and ACS Athens, and highlighted upcoming follow‑up activities that will continue the year’s momentum.

Why This Matters

The Annual Kick Start event acts as a springboard for young people to begin the year with purpose, clarity, and achievable goals. By nurturing curiosity and linking education with real‑world maritime experiences, Project Connect continues to empower the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and global citizens.

This year, schools from across Greece and abroad watched the program online, while pupils from Elinogermaniki Agogi and Pierce participating in Adopt a Ship attended in person, adding vibrant energy to the event.

Project Connect has also expanded its impact with:

• The launch of the Only Good News Youth Podcast
• A formal proposal to the Ministry of Education for a National Maritime Week in Schools, supported by a full program designed by Academic Dr. Adamantia Spanaka, Project Connect’s Educator Consultant

Project Connect welcomes new members to join its network of prestigious shipping companies, united in strengthening maritime awareness and professional readiness in today’s youth through deep‑rooted, authorized programs such as Adopt a Ship.

Media coverage:

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