GLENDALE—On Monday, Aug. 18, Chamlian Armenian School’s administration, faculty and staff welcomed students back to school with a special opening ceremony, marking the school’s 40th anniversary and a significant milestone in the school’s history.
The excitement was evident as students arrived to school with smiles on their faces, greeting old friends, meeting new ones, and eagerly finding their new classrooms and teachers. Adding to the day’s festive mood were the blue and white balloons and banners adorning the school campus.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by Saro Nazarian, Chamlian’s Eastern Armenian Department Chair, after which he welcomed this year’s incoming 1st graders as they were escorted down the school 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 school also recognized ten Chamlian alumni members who escorted their children down the steps as current first grade parents.
The school community was honored to have Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, prelate of Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and major benefactors of the gymnasium, Mr. & Mrs. Hacop & Hilda Baghdassarian, present at the ceremony.
Following the American and Armenian pledges, Vice Principal Rita Kaprielian welcomed everyone back to the new school year as she proudly announced the school’s renewal of a 6-year accreditation term by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Board member Armen Abrahamian delivered the school Board’s message by wishing everyone a successful school year and thanking the parents for believing in Chamlian Armenian School and its mission.
With an inspirational speech, newly appointed Principal, Dr. Talin P. Kargodorian, encouraged students to set high goals for themselves and to begin the year on the right path towards success. “It is your chance to set new goals for yourselves and work towards making them a reality…I want to encourage you to get yourself out of your usual comfort zone, try new things, set goals and work towards their realization…We believe in you, and are confident that you have the ability, potential and all the resources available to you to be successful.”
She also recognized a special group of individuals who were invited to take part in the school’s 40th anniversary opening ceremony. Among those recognized were founding members, Mr. Vahe and Dr. Armineh Hagopian, parents of one of the first eight students who graduated from Chamlian and currently grandparents of two students at the school, Anoush Avakian, parent of one of the first eight students who graduated from Chamlian and a grandparent of two students at the school, Alina Hagopian, a student from Chamlian’s first graduating class and currently a parent of two Chamlian students. Finally, Dr. Kargodorian acknowledged Arpi Ananian who has served as Chamlian’s Administrative Secretary since the school’s inception.
His Eminence, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, was invited to the stand to share his words of wisdom and encouragement. He congratulated the parents for their ongoing support of Chamlian and for faithfully bringing their children to an Armenian school. He spoke of Chamlian’s many successes and congratulated the school for its vision and perseverance.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer for the new school year by His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Reverend Father Vazken Atmajian, and Reverand Father Komitas Torosian, followed by Dr. Kargodorian officially declaring the 2014-2015 school year open.
