WATERTOWN, Mass. — In June, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) concluded its 27th academic year. Graduation ceremonies were held on June 16 for kindergarten students and June 17 for elementary students in the presence of parents and friends of the school as well as the pastors of St. Stephen’s, First Armenian, Armenian Memorial and St. James churches.
On June 17, 12 students graduated from SSAES. They are: Sena Changelian, Sepahn Chiloyan, Mary Galstian, Anastasia Goulopoulos, Saro Karaguesian, Anoush Krafian, Liana Nalbandian, Rita Orchanian, Sonia Ourfalian, Daniela Rizza, Rubina Vosbigian and George Yeghyayan.
On June 16, 24 students graduated from Kindergarten. They are: Taleena Anserlian, Taline Antoine, Chris Ashjian, Haig Atinizian, Nicole Babyan, Alexa Balian, Alec DerSirakian, Vanessa Goebel, Sophia Goulopoulos, Alique Haserjian, Sophia Kahvejian, Vana Karaguesian, Hovanes Kehyeian, Levon Markosyan, Alexander Nalbandyan, Andrew Sarkisssian, Philip Sarkissian, , Robert Sohigian, Sevan Soukiasian, Aris Stefanis, Alique Stepanian, Sevana Stepanian, Benjamain Surenian and Izabell Tenekedzhyan.
On both days, the principal, Houry Boyamian, focused on the school’s recent achievements, especially the graduating class trip to Armenia and the results of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills. This year, students in the fourth grade scored in the top 12 percent nationwide in language skills and in the top 24 percent in mathematics. Students in the second grade scored in the top 23 percent in reading and in the top 15 percent in math computation.
Boyamian thanked the faculty, the administrative staff, the PTO, parent volunteers, the school board and committees, St. Stephen’s Church board of trustees, Rev. Archpriest Antranig Baljian, Rev. Karekine Bedourian, as well as all the organizations and individuals that contribute to the advancement of the school.
During the elementary program, Boyamian honored with a special plaque Krista Aslanian, who has been one of the school’s staunchest supporters since 1995. Aslanian has wholeheartedly donated her time serving as a member and then as chair of the Education Committee.
