The Student Councils of Armenian schools organized and held a celebration in honor of the 10th anniversary of the national liberation movement of Karabakh–on Friday–March 13–at Ferrahian’s Avedissian Hall. The students–principals and faculty of 12 Armenian schools participated in this unprecedented joint event
Among official guests were two freedom fighters from Karabakh–religious figures–and poet Jacques Hagopian–senior instructor at Sahag Mesrob School–who participated with a unique recitation.
The Ferrahian Choir–under the directorship of Alfred Mardoian–opened the event at 11:45 am–with renditions of the national anthems of the US and Armenia. Two students from Marie Manougian School performed the national anthem of Karabakh.
In his opening remarks–Ferrahian principal Marzbed Margossian welcomed all schools and asked them to feel as if they were in their own home. Two Ferrahian students–then–recited "Ode to Karabakh."
Students from Mekhitarian–Arshag Dickranian–Merdinian–Marie Manougian and Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian Schools participated with traditional Armenian dances–creating a joyous atmosphere.
Under the directorship of Elizabeth Pehlivanian–the choir of Ari Guiragos Armenian School performed two songs. An Armenian Sisters Academy students recited a poem by Jacques Hagopian entitled "Menk," and students from Chamlian Armenian School recited a Marie Rose Abousefian poem dedicated to Karabakh.
Alfred and Markrid Hovsepian students brought to the program a unique presentation of "Karabakh Through Centuries," offering geographical and historical information about Karabakh. Students from Mesrobian Armenian School made a slide presentation of the ten year struggle for freedom featuring martyr.
Speaking on behalf of all principals–Garbiel Injejikian offered his respect to the "courageous people of Karabakh–through whose struggle Karabakh is free today."
Delivering the closing remarks–Chamlian principal Vazken Madenlian congratulated the Student Council of all 12 schools and their faculty advisers for organizing such a successful event–and recommended holding similar events in the future–united Armenian students from all over the Southland.
Reverend Krikor Chiftjian led the audience in prayer–to bring the event to an end.