10th Annual YouSmile Awards for Students

PRESS RELEASE

10th Annual YouSmile Awards for Students

More than 4,500 children have proven that generosity, solidarity, and action can change the world.

Over the 10 years of the initiative, more than 51,130 students from 1,141 schools have been honored, highlighting hundreds of stories of courage, innovation, and social contribution.

Thirty years ago, a child, Andreas Yannopoulos, led the way; today, thousands are following his example

The 10th anniversary YouSmile Awards, an initiative of “The Smile of the Child,” which for a decade has been recognizing children, young people, school communities, and individuals who, through their actions, inspire society and demonstrate that generosity, solidarity, and active participation can change the world, were hosted with great success at Technopolis, organized by the City of Athens.

The event took place in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, Nikos Papaioannou, who delivered a welcoming address, while Dimitris Ouggarezos hosted the event for the tenth consecutive year, consistently supporting an institution that highlights the power of children and volunteerism.

The YouSmile Awards were opened by the YouSmile volunteers themselves, and all the awards were presented by children and young volunteers from the program, proving in practice that when young people are given a platform, they can inspire society as a whole.

In this year’s competition, 4,530 children from 148 schools across the country were recognized, while over the ten years of the program, more than 51,130 students from 1,141 schools have been honored, highlighting hundreds of stories of bravery, innovation, and community service.

During the evening, children who saved lives were honored, as were student groups that developed innovative scientific and environmental initiatives, young people who promoted inclusion through sports, created projects with a social impact, and took initiatives to defend children’s rights, as well as school communities that demonstrated that collective action can provide meaningful help to society.

The award presented to the citizen who played a decisive role in rescuing a four-year-old girl was particularly moving, serving as a reminder that responsibility and immediate action can save lives.

The 10th anniversary YouSmile Awards confirmed that, despite the daily barrage of negative news, there are thousands of children who choose to be part of the solution. Through their

actions, they serve as role models for their peers and adults alike, proving that hope, cooperation, and generosity remain the strongest values in our society.

Because when we trust children, they prove that they can change the world.

The 10th YouSmile Awards

1. Adult Who Helped a Child

Nikos Hatzakis was honored for spotting a four-year-old girl wandering alone in Marousi and, through his immediate action, playing a decisive role in ensuring her safe return to her family.

2. Children Who Helped Others

Students from the Marathon High School were honored for selflessly entering a burning building and helping to rescue an elderly couple.

3. Science & Technology

Students Eva Golikova, Eleftheria Tzagaraki, Alexandra Papadogiorgaki, and Julien Charalambaki from the Theodoropoulos Schools in Chania were honored for creating an innovative device designed to manage anxiety in adolescents.

4. Sports

Students from the 1st Gennadeio Model General Lyceum and the Agia Paraskevi Special High School were honored for their participation in the inclusive sports initiative “I Play Sports – I Dream – I Aim High with the Power of My Soul,” which highlighted the power of sports to bring people together.

5. Environment

Students from Class C3 of the 1st Zografou Junior High School were awarded. Through the “Cool City – Smart City” program, they designed and presented comprehensive proposals to address the urban heat island effect and improve their school environment.

6. Advocacy for Children’s Rights

Students from the 1st Vocational High School of Stavroupoli were honored for their short film “In Between,” which sensitively addresses adolescent mental health and helps combat social stigma.

7. Art & Culture

Eleven-year-old Andreas Anagnostopoulos was honored. Despite the hardships he faced due to the war in Ukraine, he stood out for his dedication to the zeibekiko dance and Greek cultural traditions.

8. School That Helped the Community

Students from the 1st Gymnasium of Alexandroupoli were honored for carrying out a significant charitable initiative in support of the Alexandroupoli Municipality’s Women’s Counseling Center, providing assistance to women who have suffered abuse.

You can find photos from the event here

“The Smile of the Child” extends its warmest thanks to the event’s sponsors and supporters:

• Technopolis of the City of Athens
•  National Institute for the Deaf and the sign language interpreters, Androniki Xanthopoulou and Rosalia Founta
•  AKZOT ART photographyü AVGERINOS BALONIA
• CAR BAR
•  EVENTORA
•  FREENOW
•  FRESHLIME
•  INTERSPORT
•  JOHNIE HOT DOG
•  STERGIU
• MOXY ATHENS CITY + SWOT HOSPITALITY
•  NOVOTEL ATHENS
•  PHOENIXGLASS
•  ROYALTY HOTELS & SUITES
•  SKY EXPRESS
•  AB VASILOPOULOS
•  VIKOS
•  DOMI
•  PLAISIO