2026 Chrysalis Awards Nominees

Empowering Youth To Soar Beyond Boundaries (3)

Honouring Our Youth and Their Achievements

The Chrysalis Awards, presented at the Chrysalis Gala on May 9, 2026, honour the exceptional achievements and contributions of youth within our community. Hellenic organizations, associations, schools, and community groups are encouraged to nominate outstanding young individuals who exemplify the timeless Hellenic values that have influenced Western civilization for centuries.

Meet the 2026 Nominees…

This year, Hellenic organizations across Montreal have nominated outstanding youth across a range of categories, from civic responsibility and cultural preservation to academic excellence and community impact. We invite you to explore the profiles of this year’s inspiring nominees—each of whom is already making a difference in their own way. Their stories reflect not only individual excellence, but also the collective strength of our community’s next generation.

Panagiotis Argiropoulos

Nominated by the Messinian Brotherhood of Canada (U18 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Panagiotis is a courageous young advocate whose story is defined by perseverance and resilience. Diagnosed with autism at a young age and non-verbal until four, he has worked tirelessly to overcome challenges and find his voice. Today, at 15, Panagiotis visits schools to share his story, raise autism awareness, and inspire others. His leadership is helping build greater understanding within both the autism community and the Greek community in Montreal.

Peter S. Katsepontes

Nominated by North Star Academy Laval (U18 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Peter is an intellectually curious and creative student whose achievements reflect innovation, compassion, and drive. A top Secondary 5 student at North Star Academy Laval, he has earned academic recognition and represented his school at the Quebec Regional Science Fair with a sustainable energy project. He also manages two YouTube channels with over 25,000 followers and more than 3 million views, creating animated content that educates and inspires. Through philanthropy, environmental care, and creative storytelling, Peter is already making a meaningful impact.

Konstantina Anastasakos

Nominated by the Pontian Association of Montreal (U24 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Konstantina is a dedicated young community volunteer whose contributions reflect service, culture, and civic responsibility. She regularly performs for community associations, enriching cultural events through her talent and presence. She also volunteers at her church, participates actively in MET Youth, and serves as a dance instructor for young dancers with the Pontian Association of Montreal. Through her reliability, generosity, and commitment to mentoring others, Konstantina helps bring people together and strengthen community life.

Massimo Briganti

Nominated by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal (U24 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Massimo is one of the youngest members ever elected to the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal. His leadership has helped advance youth engagement, civic awareness, and cultural pride. He spearheaded the initiative to rename Chemin du Souvenir in Laval to Chemin Hellénique and led the Philotimo Project, which collected and distributed food baskets to families in need. Through his initiative and dedication, Massimo continues to inspire young people to serve and lead.

Kalli Kaklamanis-Wagner

Nominated by a member of the McGill Hellenic Students’ Association Advisory Council (U24 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Kalli is an exceptional young leader who brings together academic excellence, cultural engagement, and service. A McGill Honours Biochemistry student on the Dean’s Honour List in the Faculty of Science, she has contributed to biomedical research at leading institutions including the Goodman Cancer Institute and the Lady Davis Institute. As Director of Internal Affairs for the McGill Hellenic Students’ Association and a longtime VoiceCamp counsellor, Kalli supports youth mentorship, cultural programming, and the celebration of Hellenic identity through creativity and care.

Dennis Klapsis

Nominated by the National Hellenic Students’ Association (U24 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Dennis is an outstanding young leader whose record of service began in his early teens. At 19, he is currently in his final semester at Marianopolis College and will be pursuing a Bachelor of Education this upcoming fall. As President of the Marianopolis Greek Student Association, he revitalized the group and helped connect CEGEP students to the National Hellenic Students’ Association. Through student governance, youth mentorship, and Hellenic community engagement, Dennis is helping build stronger pathways for future leaders.

Athena Verdone

Nominated by MOA Montreal, Maids of Athena Montreal (U24 Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Athena is a thoughtful young leader whose work connects science, service, and community engagement. A graduate of Behavioural Neuroscience from Concordia University, she has presented research on bilingualism and Alzheimer’s disease at undergraduate research conferences. Beyond her academic work, she volunteers at the Montreal Neurological Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital, supports students with diverse learning needs at Crestview Elementary, and serves as President of the Maids of Athena Montreal Chapter. Her leadership is grounded in compassion, mentorship, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

Michael Crilis

Nominated by the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, Montreal Regional Board of HCGM, MET Youth Canada, and the Maniates Association (25+ Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Michael is a deeply committed community leader whose service spans cultural, spiritual, and youth organizations. A Concordia graduate in Human Relations, he currently serves as National President of MET Youth Canada, helping strengthen youth engagement across the country. His roots in the community include 20 years with the LEM Dance Group, 15 years as an altar boy, and long-standing volunteer service at HCGM events and festivals. Known for his warmth, reliability, and generosity, Michael leads by example.

Katerina Zoï Sita

Nominated by the LEM of HCGM (25+ Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Katerina’s journey is one of resilience, academic excellence, and purpose. While undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she completed her bachelor’s degree with distinction honours. Now 6.5 years in remission, she maintains a 4.0 GPA while completing a Master of Education in General Educational Psychology and working full-time as Assistant to the Chief of Psychiatry at the Jewish General Hospital. Through her studies and advocacy, Katerina is committed to supporting children facing serious health challenges.

Lia Zaharakis

Nominated by MET Youth Montreal and the HCGM Board of Directors Youth Department (25+ Changemaker of the Year Nominee)

Lia is an inspiring young leader whose work brings together faith, community-building, and philanthropy. As President of MET Youth Montreal, she has helped unite youth across six parishes and strengthen Orthodox youth engagement locally and nationally. She also founded the “For the Girls” campaign, collecting and distributing over 500 boxes of feminine hygiene products to women’s shelters. With a background in psychology, research, and theology, Lia leads with compassion, vision, and a deep commitment to empowering others.