Order of AHEPA, Thomas Edison Chapter #287

The American Hellenic Educational Association (AHEPA) was founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, to protect Hellenes from bigotry and to help them assimilate into American society. The AHEPA Mission today is to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence. Pride in our Greek history has motivated AHEPA to preserve and promote the principles of Hellenism and its ideals within and beyond the Greek American community.

The Thomas A. Edison Chapter of Asbury Park, NJ, was constituted on October 29, 1931. Twenty-four members were initiated into the chapter on that day with Spiros Pappaylion serving as its first president. The Chapter immediately exhibited considerable spirit and enthusiasm. So much so, that the District Convention, sponsored by the Thomas A. Edison Chapter, was held at Asbury Park in June 1932.

The Chapter has been active in fostering brotherhood and in serving AHEPA goals. Among undertakings, the AHEPA honors and awards medals to the graduates of the Greek School, supports the St. George Greek Orthodox Church and the programs of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, lobbies for justice for Cyprus, has adopted a Cypriot child, and. together with the local Daughters of Penelope chapter, recognizes high school and college graduates and sponsors a scholarship program for high school graduates.