30 September 2013, 14:22
48054 |

Arshag Dickranian School celebrates independent Armenia

In observance of the Independence Day of Armenia, TCA Arshag Dickranian School celebrated the historic milestone with a formal and artistic program at the Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall. The event was attended by the Hon. Suren Vardanyants, the Consul of Economic and Community Affairs of the Armenian Consulate at Los Angeles.

Upon his arrival to the school, Mr. Suren Vartanyants was escorted to the school office where he first met with Principal Dr. Manoug Seraydarian, School Board chairman Mr. George K. Mandossian and board member Mr. Diran Depanian. Next, the Consul was led to the Walter & Laurel Karabian Hall, where a multitude comprised of students and parents had gathered to enjoy the program, which was organized by Armenian Department teachers Mrs. Anahid Nasoyan, Mrs. Nazelie Kojayan, Mrs. Emma Umroyan and music teacher Mr. Komitas Keshishyan.

The event started with the greetings of Principal Dr. Serayrdarian, who concisely described the harsh path to independence as a long but determined history of will and quest for freedom. Dr. Seraydarian then introduced Mr. Suren Vartanyants as the honorary guest and speaker of the event and welcomed students and parents. The Armenian National Anthem "Mer Hayrenik" by the school choir followed, conveying the national nature of the event. Eleventh grader Luiza Hekimyan then took the podium and delivered the opening remarks of the event. Luiza discussed the meaning of independence and reminded attendants of Armenia's long struggle throughout history to gain its independence and be a free country. She also stressed upon the importance of maintaining the Armenian identity in Diaspora and finding a balance in any country Armenians are found.

The staged program in its entirety was set up to include a number of selected poetry recitations of famous Armenian poets such as "Khosk Eem Vortoun" by Silva Gaboudigian "Hayereni Doun" by Sarmen, national songs such as "Sardarapat" sung by the school choir under the direction of music teacher Mr. Komitas Keshishian, traditional Armenian dance and traditional Armenian music performances. The students performed with devotion, celebrating the happy day and excited to have a visitor from the Armenian Consulate.

At the end, Dr. Seraydarian invited Mr. Suren Vartanyants to the podium to deliver his address. "It is important to preserve our language and religion in order to preserve the Armenian identity," said Mr. Suren Vartanyants. "Don't forget that we are representatives and ambassadors of Armenia and thus we should strive to give the best impression possible to others."
Dr. Seraydarian then delivered the closing remarks of the event thanking the performers for the entertainment and the teachers for organizing it.

One of the significant merits of Arshag Dickranian School is its ability to set up a cultural program of prime caliber within a short period of time due to the creativity, organization and dedication both on the part of the teachers and students. The student program presented in observance of the 22nd anniversary of Armenia's Independence proved to be another example of such talent.

Prior to his parting, Mr. Suren Vartanyants met with 10th grade student Jenny Chilingirian for an interview that will be published in the school newsletter at the end of the month.

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