On Saturday, May 14, 2016, over forty students from local Armenian Schools gathered at Armenian Sisters Academy in Montrose for the third annual interschool recitation contest held under the auspices of the Prelacy and organized by the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools in collaboration with an ad-hoc committee. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, was represented by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, who delivered the invocation. Also in attendance were Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Secretary Mr. Antranik Kasbarian, member Mrs. Therese Kemanjian, Board of Regents Chair Mrs. Lisa Gaboudian, and principals, teachers, and parents from Armenian Sisters Academy, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian, Merdinian, Mesrobian, Chamlian, Pilibos, Cabayan, and Ferrahian Schools. Armenian Sisters Academy teacher Mrs. Linda Kandilian greeted the students and guests, after which Sister Lucia, ASA Principal, delivered welcoming remarks, in which she commended the participants and wished them well in their recitations. Mrs. Gaboudian thanked the participating schools and students, and the principals, teachers, and parents who support this valuable endeavor, stating that while our young soldiers in Artsakh are defending our nation, the young students participating in this event are soldiers defending our language and culture. Committee member Mr. Mihran Toumajian gave an overview of the contest, which is held in collaboration with Avan Shushi Plaza director Mr. Alec Baghdasarian, and introduced the members of the judging panel; Mrs. Takouhi Arzoumanian, Mrs. Shake Toukhmanian, Mr. Krikor Ogarian, and Mr. Khoren Aramouni. He noted that a number of schools could not participate as their students were on trips to Armenia and Washington, and that the committee is considering a different date next year to ensure greater participation. Finally, Mr. Toumajian stated that all the students would receive certificates from the Board of Regents and Ministry of Diaspora, and mementos from the Prelacy, host school, and Abril Bookstore. Thereafter, the contest commenced by grade level; elementary, junior high, and high school. The students poignantly and eloquently presented soul-stirring and heartfelt recitations of the works of some of our most beloved writers. Afterward, Sister Lucia, Mrs. Gaboudian, and committee member Nane Avagyan presented certificates to all of the participants. Members of the judging panel commended the participants, highlighting the importance of instilling Armenian spirit in our youth from a young age. The closing message was delivered by Prelacy Chancellor, Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian. After congratulating and thanking the participants and organizers, he reflected on this year’s theme, the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, stating that we are all part of the defense of our nation and this event too is an example of our continued struggle to maintain and preserve our nation. The awards ceremony will be held at the Prelacy in due time, following the decision of the judging panel.