GLENDALE—Chmalian Armenian School concluded its year-long celebration of the school’s 35th anniversary on Sunday May 16. The school has been celebrating this significant milestone throughout the year with its entire family of parents, students, faculty, administration, supporters and alumni.
Stepan Boyadjian, a Chamlian alumnus and a current parent, served as the emcee of the event. Following the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, students sang Chamlian’s anthem. Arick Gevorkian, chairperson of the 35th Anniversary Committee, passed on his gratitude and appreciation to all the committee members, administration, faculty, parents, and the students that have been a vital part of making this anniversary year a memorable one.
The inspiring keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Hovig Tchalian, a member of Chamlian’s first graduating class and a professor at USC. While taking the audience on a nostalgic journey, Dr. Tchalian described how Chamlian’s mission has changed in the past 35 years. When he began his education at Chamlian, Dr. Tchalian reflected that the school’s mission was focused on assimilating a student body that was composed primarily of students who had immigrated to the United States. Dr. Tchalian noted that as the generations of Armenian immigrants settled in Southern California, the school’s mission became one focused on retaining the Armenian culture in a student body growing up in a “transcultural” world.
The event was a major undertaking as all of the five hundred students took part with creative and unique performances, recitations, songs, and dances. The fifth grade class delivered a play that truly involved and excited the audience. The Chamlian Choir offered the final performance of the evening. Members of the Chamlian administration and faculty worked tirelessly for several weeks leading up to the day of the event to prepare the students performers. Special recognition is extended to the event committee members: Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, vice principal, Nora Bairamian, music teacher, and the Armenian teachers, Ani Berberian, Wilma Kouyoumjian, Saro Nazarian, and Vahan Mehrabian.
The evening concluded with a ceremony recognizing current staff and faculty that have been a part of the Chamlian family for more than twenty years. The following individuals received this special recognition: Nounik Amirian, Arpik Ananian, Nora Bairamian, Ani Berberian, Anahid Choulakian, Stella Der Sarkissian, Arshak Ghaloosian, Armenik Hayrapetian, Irene Nikoghossian, Nazeli Shahinian, Arda Sosikian, and Arax Zarzavatjian.
In closing, Principal Vazken Madenlian expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all of the parents, students, volunteers, faculty and staff, and the 35th Anniversary Committee. The event concluded with the closing remarks delivered by Reverend Vazken Atmajian from the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
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