WATERTOWN — In June, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) completed its 35th academic year. The Graduation Ceremonies were held on June 13 (K) and June 14 (Elementary), in the presence of parents and the clergy of the local Armenian churches.
On June 14, Dr. Vartan Matiossian, executive director of the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), attended the Elementary Graduation.
The kindergarten and elementary programs were dedicated both to honor the 35th anniversary of the school. Students celebrated this anniversary through song, poem and dance. The Elementary program was also dedicated to the 150th anniversaries of Komitas Vartabed and poet Hovhaness Tumanyan, as well as to the Armenian Press.
In her address, Principal Houry Boyamian thanked the faculty, the administrative staff, the PTO, the parent volunteers, the school board and committees, the St. Stephen’s Church Board of Trustees, Rev. Antranig Baljian, as well as all the organizations and individuals that contribute to the advancement of the school. The School Board Chair, Levon Barsoumian, also thanked the school committees and parent volunteers. At the Kindergarten graduation night, on June 13, the Preschool Director Maral Orchanian spoke about the work they do to accomplish the Preschool goals and objectives.
On June 13, Boyamian honored three preschool teachers, Laura Terzian and Vicky Ashjian for their 10 years of service with the silver logo of the school and Anna Kupelian for her 20 years of service with a special gift from the school.
On this day, she also honored the preschool director, Maral Orchanian for her 20 years of service (10 years as a preschool teacher and 10 years as the preschool director). After highlighting the attributes of Orchanian and her commitment to the well-being of her students and teachers, the principal presented her with awards joined by Rev. Antranig Baljian, pastor of the St. Stephen’s Church and the co-chair of the education committee, Heather Krafian. Orchanian Received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, a Certificate of Appreciation from His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, and a special gift from the school, brought from Armenia. In addition to these, Orchanian was presented with two surprises: Isabella Balian (Class of 2014) spoke eloquently about her experience being a student of Orchanian, followed by a song performed by the preschool students dedicated to her.
