Nercessian, the daughter of Terence and Nellie Nercessian, has attended Mesrobian since Pre-School and comes from a proud Mesrobian tradition. Her grandparents, Yeghia and Anahid Nercessian, moved within walking distance of the then two-year-old Mesrobian School campus in 1967 so that their four children would be able to attend. Elise’s father (Class of 1982), a portfolio manager and research officer at an investment management firm, aunt Susan (Class of 1980), a middle school teacher, aunt Annette (Class of 1984), a computer scientist in the aerospace industry, and uncle Armen (Class of 1985), a physician, are all Mesrobian High School graduates.
Following her graduation in June, Elise will be the second generation of alumni in her family from Mesrobian, the first Armenian elementary school established in the United States, which graduated its first high school class in 1975 and is now celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Along with the honor and distinction of being named a John Greenleaf Whittier Scholar comes the significant benefit of a $25,000 per year scholarship.
Previous Mesrobian graduates who have earned this distinction and scholarship include a math professor, a published author and English professor, a physician, and a 2014 graduate of Mesrobian who will now be joined by Elise at President Richard Nixon’s alma mater.
Armenian Mesrobian School, established in 1965, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and has Nursery School (2 years old) through High School (12th Grade) on the same campus. Besides this being a major convenience for parents, who may have children at multiple ages, it offers a unique perspective and opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to grow together, and for students to get the attention and nurturing they need to be successful in school and in life. The High School curriculum is certified to the University of California. Mesrobian’s Alumni Network and Mentorship Program connects students with five decades of alumni who have distinguished themselves in fields as diverse as education, science, business, medicine, music, law, dentistry, chiropractic, politics, engineering, veterinary medicine, and psychology.
Congratulations! We’re always proud whenever someone within our community achieves the honorable. Whittier College is a great institution. We wish you the best for your future goals.