Every Monday after school, Room 009 at Bronx Science transforms into a lively hub of discussion and camaraderie. Instead of the bread and olives that might have been offered in an Ancient Greek symposium, students are greeted with pizza and chocolate — a modern twist on communal gatherings. These eager learners convene for the newly established Ancient Classics Club, founded in January of 2024.
The club, founded by Philip Mezitis ’25, is dedicated to diving deep into the rich tapestry of Ancient Greek history and culture. Since his ninth grade year, Mezitis noticed the lack of representation of Greek history outside of core classes, something that he wished to fix. After long discussions and thinking, in his junior year, he decided to take the incentive to initiate this club. Members explore a wide array of topics including mythology, epic literature, geography, and the daily lives of the Ancient Greeks. Each meeting kicks off with a meticulously prepared presentation by Mezitis, often delivered via PowerPoint and slideshows. Discussions have ranged from the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses to the legendary Trojan War and the intricacies of ancient governments and philosophies. The sessions conclude with spirited Kahoot competitions that reinforce their newfound knowledge. The club attracts a wide range of students from different social and ethnic backgrounds and grade levels, making it that much more welcoming to the Bronx Science student body. With around 15 to 20 students per meeting, the atmosphere is both relaxed and intellectually stimulating. Students not only learn about the ancient world but also develop presentation skills and engage in lively debates, which enrich their overall educational experience.
After attending one of their meetings, I had the pleasant opportunity to interview Mezitis about the club, hoping to learn more about its backstory.
Danny: Can you tell us about the Ancient Classics Club and its main objectives?
Philip: The Ancient Classics Club is all about diving into the fascinating world of Ancient Greece. Our goal is to explore and appreciate its rich history and culture — everything from mythology and epic literature to historical events and daily life. We strive to create a fun and engaging space where students can learn, discuss, and share their love for ancient history.
Danny: What motivated you to start the Ancient Classics Club?
Philip: Growing up Greek, I was always fascinated by our ancient culture and history. My love for Greek myths began when I was a kid and only grew stronger as I learned more in school. While we do have a Greek club, I noticed there wasn’t a place specifically for students to dive deep into these ancient topics. I wanted to create a space where people with similar interests could come together, learn, and share their passion for Ancient Greece. That desire to connect and inspire others is what led me to start the Ancient Classics Club.
Danny: How has the club impacted you and its members?
Philip: The club has been amazing for all of us. Personally, it’s been so rewarding to see other students get excited about the same topics I love. It’s also helped me grow my skills in research, presentation, and leadership. For the members, the club offers a space to dive into interests that aren’t always covered in school. We’ve all developed a deeper appreciation for Ancient Greek culture, honed our critical thinking skills, and made some great friends. The fun and collaborative environment makes learning about history something we all look forward to each week.
Danny: What’s the most fun part of the club for you?
Philip: The Kahoot competitions are definitely a highlight. After each lesson, we have a friendly game to test our knowledge, and it always gets lively and competitive. It’s a fantastic way to review what we’ve learned in a fun, interactive way. Plus, it’s really satisfying to see how much everyone has picked up from our discussions. And of course, the pizza and chocolate make it even more enjoyable!
Danny: What would you say to anyone interested in joining the club?
Philip: I’d say, definitely come check it out! Whether you’re really into history or just curious about Ancient Greece, there’s something here for you. Our meetings are relaxed and welcoming, and you don’t need any prior knowledge. Come for the interesting topics, and stay for the fun discussions and activities. And seriously, who can resist free pizza and chocolate? Joining the Ancient Classics Club is a great way to learn more, meet new friends, and have a lot of fun along the way.
Danny: How do you prepare for each club meeting?
Philip: Preparing for each meeting involves a lot of research and planning. I spend hours reading books, articles, and credible online sources to gather accurate information. Then, I create PowerPoint presentations that are both informative and engaging. I also think about how to make the sessions interactive, such as incorporating discussion questions or planning the Kahoot quizzes. The goal is to ensure that every meeting is educational, fun, and stimulating for all the members.
After our interview concluded, I talked with some of the club attendees to get their opinions on the club. Here is what they said:
Jonathan Iskhakov ’25: “What I love most about the Ancient Classics club is the depth we go into each topic. It’s not just surface-level stuff that you might get in a history class. Philip’s presentations are thorough and really engaging. Often, the discussions we have often open up new perspectives that I hadn’t considered before.”
Anastasios Bountouvas ’26: “Being part of this club has definitely made me more interested in history. The way we explore Ancient Greek culture makes it feel really relevant and exciting. It’s also a great place to make friends who share similar interests.”
Daniel Ye ’24: “I joined the club out of curiosity, and I’ve stayed because it’s just so much fun. The Kahoot games are a blast, and they help reinforce what we’ve learned in a competitive and enjoyable way. It’s a great balance of learning and having fun.”
Boaz Lim ’24: “I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of the Ancient Classics club. Even if you don’t know much about Ancient Greece, everyone is supportive and eager to help you learn. The snacks are a nice bonus too, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.”
The Ancient Classics Club at Bronx Science is a local manifestation of a global passion for Ancient Greek culture. Across the world, societies and academic institutions, including prestigious universities like Yale, Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia, offer courses and programs dedicated to Ancient Greek history. This widespread interest highlights the enduring significance of Ancient Greece in our modern era. By studying its myths, epics, and historical events, students gain not only a deeper understanding of the past, but they also gain valuable critical thinking skills and a broader perspective on today’s issues. The teachings of Ancient Greece in areas such as democracy, philosophy, and art continue to influence contemporary society, proving the timeless relevance of these ancient lessons. In the United States, the principles of democracy and governance were directly inspired by the Athenian model, and the country’s architectural styles often echo the grandeur of ancient Greek temples and buildings.
The Ancient Classics Club offers Bronx Science students a unique chance to engage with these profound themes in a collaborative and enjoyable environment. As they explore the stories and achievements of the ancient Greeks, they are building more than just historical knowledge; they are fostering informed citizenship and a lifelong curiosity. The club’s activities create a sense of community and intellectual exploration that supports both personal growth and academic success. Through their participation, students are not only connecting with the ancient world but also preparing to contribute thoughtfully to the modern one. This reflects a broader trend in education where the study of ancient cultures is valued for its ability to enhance contemporary understanding and foster a more informed and engaged global community.
“I’d say, definitely come check it out! Whether you’re really into history or just curious about Ancient Greece, there’s something here for you,” said Philip Mezitis ’25, the founder of the Ancient Classics Club.