GLENDALE—On Monday, August 19, 2013, Chamlian Armenian School’s administration, faculty and staff welcomed students back to school with an exciting opening ceremony marking the school’s 39th year of serving the community.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Saro Nazarian, Chamlian’s Eastern Armenian Department Chair, after which he welcomed this year’s incoming first graders, as they were escorted down the steps by this year’s 8th grade graduating class – a traditional entrance symbolizing the school’s commitment to educating our youth from one generation to the next.
The procession was followed with a prayer for the new school year by the Very Reverend Father Vazken Atmajian, who read His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian’s message to Chamlian Armenian School’s students, wishing them a successful year and reiterating the importance of Armenian schools and their mission.
The 2013-2014 school year will be an especially significant year for the school, as the dream of having a gymnasium will finally be realized, with construction set to be completed by spring, 2014.
Chamlian parents and students were thrilled to see the great progress made with the structure on their first day back. In her remarks, Chamlian’s Vice Principal Rita Kaprielian, wished the students a successful academic year and proudly spoke of the gymnasium’s progress. Board of Regents representative Azita Yacoubian was also present to share her remarks and to congratulate Chamlian on its many achievements.
“This year is indeed an exciting year, with the prospect of the gym reaching its completion; we are very excited to see Chamlian enter a new phase of growth and expansion,” she stated.
With a special appearance, Glendale City Council Member Frank Quintero took the stage to thank Chamlian’s parents for everything they have done for the school and the city of Glendale at large. “The friends I have here, parents and grandparents, do nothing but good while providing much support for the City of Glendale.” In his message to the students, he reminded students of the importance of having good character and treating one another with utmost respect.
During the ceremony, Mr. Peter Baghdassarian Esq., a Chamlian parent and member of the Gymnasium Fundraising Committee, introduced the committee’s “Got Tile” campaign, through which parents can show their support and become part of Chamlian’s lasting legacy by purchasing a tile that will be mounted on the gymnasium’s wall.
Finally, Principal Vazken Madenlian concluded the ceremony with his welcoming remarks, thanking parents for their active involvement and continued support of the school throughout the years.
Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School opened in 1975, serving students in Glendale and the surrounding communities. Chamlian is one of eight Armenian schools throughout Southern California governed by the Board of Regents of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The school has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1983
awww… My heart skipped a few beats to see the line up of the kids in their colorful uniform – boys in grey and girls in red vests. Thanks to all the parents and the administration to keep the Armenian spirit so alive in this “Odar Aperoom” (foreign shores)