GLENDALE—Marking its 36th year, Chamlian Armenian School re-opened its doors to its students with its traditional Opening Ceremony. Students in grades 1 through 8 cheerfully lined up in their assigned places as their parents and teachers watched with great pride and joy.
Saro Nazarian, the chair of the Eastern Armenian Department, began the ceremony with his welcoming speech. Soon after, he welcomed this year’s incoming first graders as they were escorted down the school’s stairs by this year’s graduating 8th graders. The procession symbolized the school’s commitment to educating our youth, one generation after another.
The Reverend Father Vazken Atmajian followed the procession with a prayer, after which students recited the Armenian and American pledges of allegiance.
The school Vice Principal, Rita Kaprielian, officially declared the school open and welcomed the students and their parents to the new academic year. Maggy Sarkouni from the Board of Regents, and Armineh Khachatourian from the school board were also present to greet the students and to share their congratulatory remarks for Chamlian’s achievements.
Reverend Father Vazken Atmajian read Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian’s message to Chamlian Armenian School students, wishing them a successful year and reiterating the importance of Armenian Schools and their mission.
Finally, Principal Vazken Madenlian closed the ceremony, thanking all the parents for their active involvement and continued support of the school.
Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School began with eight students in 1975 and today it serves 500 students in Glendale and its 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.
