At the close of the 2017-2018 academic year, over the past two weeks commencement ceremonies of Prelacy Schools took place, which H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, clergy, and Executive Council members attended. This year, the Prelate attended the following ceremonies and conveyed his blessings and congratulatory message. The Prelate’s message to the class of 2018 was also published in local media outlets.
ARS ASHKHEN PILAVJIAN PRE-SCHOOL
On Saturday, June 2nd, the year-end program of ARS Ashkhen Pilavjian Pre-School was held at Avedissian Hall in Encino. This year’s program was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia and of Homenetmen. Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian delivered the invocation, teacher Anni Kechichian conveyed welcoming remarks, and Ms. Vehik Gabrielian, Director, delivered her message. The program included songs, dance, and recitations. The Prelate commended the dedication of the teachers and parents to the national instruction of our youth, stating that he witnessed the Armenian spirit in the children, the faith, courage, and identity forged by our saints and heroes.
VAHAN AND ANOUSH CHAMLIAN KINDERGARTEN
On Saturday, June 9, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School’s Kindergarten commencement ceremony was held at the school’s “Apcarian” Auditorium. The program began with the American, Armenian, and school anthems. Welcoming remarks were delivered by MC Anoush Garabedian. The Prelate delivered his message praising the School’s dedication to enriching the hearts and minds of our young students with the values of our national identity. “The Armenian School plants seeds in the hearts and souls of our students which come from the depths of our faith, culture, and history,” stated the Prelate, and congratulated the graduates who are growing with Armenian spirit, identity, and pride. Following the students’ performances, remarks were conveyed by Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian and School Board member Mr. Artin Ghazarian. The presentation of diplomas followed, and the program concluded with the benediction by Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian.
RICHARD TUFENKIAN PRESCHOOL-KINDERGARTEN
The Prelate then headed to the year-end program and graduation ceremony of Richard Tufenkian Preschool and Kindergarten which was held at Glendale High School auditorium. The program began with the national anthems, followed by the invocation by Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian. Director Mrs. Arsine Aghazarian greeted the guests and remarks were delivered by School Board member Mr. Artin Shaverdian. The Prelate began his message by congratulating the parents and grandparents and thanking them for their faith in the school’s mission. He blessed and commended benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian for their continuous generosity, and the Director for her sacrifices and hard work throughout the year. His Eminence concluded by praying for the young students to grow with God’s grace and with Armenian spirit. Mrs. Aline Yepremian was recognized for her years-long service to the school as a member of the Parent-Teacher Association. The program included musical and dance performances by the students and concluded with the presentation of diplomas by the Prelate.
ROSE AND ALEX PILIBOS HIGH SCHOOL
The 12th grade graduation of Rose and Alex Pilibos School was held on Sunday, June 10 at the school’s Nerses Tashdjian Gym. Following the national and school anthems, welcoming remarks were conveyed by MC Ms. Aida Boulatian, followed by the Board of Regent’s message by Dr. Houri Arslanian-Keuroghian, valedictorian and salutatorian speeches, presentation of scholarships, recognitions, and awards, the keynote address by alumnus Dr. Antreas Hindoyan, presentation of diplomas, and the principal’s address by Dr. Alina Dorian. The Prelate began his message by commending the school family for their hard work in guiding the students, who bring pride to our community and church, to this stage in their lives. His Eminence spoke on the importance of intelligence plus character, educating the mind as well as the heart, and addressing the graduates, urged them to hold fast to their Armenian-Christian identity and serve for the prosperity of our nation with pure hearts and spirits.
CHAMLIAN ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL
On Thursday, June 14, the 6th and 8th grade graduations of Chamlian School were held at Glendale High School auditorium. On behalf of the Prelate, Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian attended the elementary graduation. The Prelate attended the 8th grade graduation, accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian. The program began with the national and Chamlian School anthems, followed by welcoming remarks by MC Ida Martin. In their speeches, valedictorians and salutatorians reflected on the valuable knowledge and religious-national instruction they have received at Chamlian. Following the acknowledgment of alumni parents and the presentation of special awards, alumnae Dr. Sharlene Gozalians delivered the keynote address. The presentation of awards and diplomas followed. Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian delivered her message. The Prelate congratulated the students, parents, and the school family, and alluding to their speeches, urged the graduates to always retain their love for our homeland and nation, to be proud Armenians, and grow in God’s grace. He urged them also to dream big, for anything is possible with faith, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Finally, as the students had presented bouquets to their parents, the Prelate concluded by wishing that they one day experience the joy of receiving flowers from their own children at their graduation from the same school.
FERRAHIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
The final graduation ceremony was that of Ferrahian School’s 8th grade class, which took place on Saturday, June 16, at Avedissian Hall. The program began with the national anthems, followed by the invocation by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian and welcoming messages by MCs Mrs. Seza Kurdian and Mrs. Ovsanna Kaloustian. Students recited two poems, after which the top students delivered their remarks and senior Armand Mnatsakanyan delivered a welcoming message on behalf of high school students. Following the conferring of awards, Principal Sossi Shanlian delivered her message. The Prelate began his message by inviting the graduates to thank and applaud their parents, principal, and teachers for their love and sacrifice in enlightening and enriching their spirits, minds, and spirits. He commended and echoed the students’ sentiments on the importance of time management, focus, and balance, and shared the Principal’s statement of the graduates as a fruitful harvest. The Prelate urged the students to keep doing their best throughout high school so they emerge as exemplary and responsible adults and Armenians and continue to bring pride to our collective family. He concluded by congratulating and commending the school family and urged them to keep serving with love and faith. The ceremony concluded with the conferring of diplomas by the Prelate and Principal, followed by the benediction.
