YEREVAN — The Annual Graduation Ceremony is a great tradition at the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School for grades fourth through ninth. This year the ceremony, which was held on June 19, was the first graduation ceremony to be held at the new School building.
It was with great honor that a number of distinguished guests from both Armenia and the diaspora were able to attend including: Garen Nazarian, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Susanna Azatyan, head of the Preschool and Secondary Education Department of Ministry of Education and Science; Armine Ohanyan, Senior Specialist of the Preschool and Secondary Education Department of Ministry of Education; Ruzanna Khachatryan, wife of the RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan; Family members of Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan; Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of the American University of Armenia; Gevorg Goyunyan, Vice President of the American University of Armenia and staff members; Abgar Apinyan, President of Writers’ Union of Yerevan; Vartkes and Mary Najarian, benefactors of the School; Representatives of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) US Medical Mission Team; School principals of the Malatia-Sebastia district; various representatives of international and social organizations; school parents and journalists.
The theme of this year’s graduation theme was patriotism, and it was not by chance; the primary mission of the Avedisian School is to create patriotic, well-educated citizens who are devoted and loyal to their homeland. Performances by students included dancing, singing patriotic songs and recitation of poems.
After his speech, which urged students to study well and be good citizens for Armenia, the school benefactor, Edward Avedisian, introduced the keynote speaker, Nazarian.
Nazarian stated that Armenia is “…one of the richest nations in the world with its educational and cultural heritage. Avedisian School is not only a unique educational institution in Armenia but in the whole region. I know that a lot of talented children study here and participate in various Olympiads and win awards. I know that many outstanding teachers work here and their dedicated services have been greatly appreciated. And these are the best rewards to our compatriots in the Diaspora, to the Avedisian family and to the AMAA for their support in the realization of this patriotic and glorious educational institution.”
In her speech, Avedisian School Principal Melania Geghamyan stated that she is proud of her school benefactors, teachers, and most of all her students. She added she was immensely happy for the 9th grade students’ current success and was overjoyed that they would not yet leave the school, but will continue their education at the Avedisian High School.
