By Diana Der Garabedian
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Upon the invitation of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Marie Manoogian Educational Institute, former principal Kevork Marashlian and his wife, Vartiter, who used to teach there, visited from Washington, DC, where they live now.
The Marashlians’ visit to the Marie Manoogian Institute, where they initiated many innovative programs, such as the graduating class trip to Armenia, and strengthened its national identity, provided an opportunity for the board members, teachers, graduates and students to enjoy speaking with them.
Kevork Marashlian participated in the 40th anniversary celebration on August 18 by giving a fiery speech and a message in which he declared that the Marie Manoogian School is the best school in the Armenian Diaspora. During the last 40 years, more than 800 young boys and girls, all born in Argentina, have graduated. Ten percent of the graduates work as teachers and principals in Marie Manoogian School and in the six other Armenian schools of the community. Nearly 20 percent of graduates are active members in different committees in the local AGBU chapter and in other Armenian establishments of the community; 58 percent have married Armenians and 90 percent of all married graduates have sent their children to Marie Manoogian Educational Institute.
Unfortunately, eight graduates have passed away, either through accidents or illnesses.
During their visit, the Marashlians had the opportunity to reunite with former members of the Board of Directors of the AGBU, alumni of the Marie Institute Manoogian, with whom they shared trips to Armenia, members of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party and personal friends.