PICO RIVERA, Calif.—Thirty-five Mesrobian School students from elementary, middle and high school received their graduation diplomas at the school’s 38th Commencement Exercises held on campus the previous Sunday, June 17. The students celebrated their graduation ceremonies under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and in the presence of community representatives, faculty, family and friends.
The commencement program opened with remarks by the mistress of ceremonies, school’s administrative assistance Maral Annie Asik. Asik emphasized the improvements achieved during the academic year, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to face the future with optimism. She then invited the principal, Seto Boyadjian, Esq., to recognize the services rendered by the school’s Parent Faculty Club and its chairperson Tania Kasakian. Boyadjian thanked the club members and invited Kasakian to accept the plaque of recognition for her efforts and hard work. Kasakian expressed her thanks, congratulated the students and promised to continue the good work for Mesrobian.
Prelacy Board of Regents and School Board messages were delivered respectively by Houri Keuroghlian and Berch Papikyan, who congratulated the students, indicated the school’s achievements, and promised support for further excellence.
The graduating 5th grade elementary address was delivered by Sevana Chalian in English and Ani Khachigian in Armenian. On behalf of the graduating 8th grade, the middle school address was delivered by Knar Baghdassarian in English and Taleen Tatarian in Armenian. For the senior graduating class the valedictorian address was presented by Aram Ghoogasian and the salutatorian address by Nvair Ozonian.
The keynote speaker for the event, Dr. Armen Chalian, delivered a powerful message outlining the mission of Mesrobian School and its expectations from its students. Chalian, who is a Mesrobian alumnus, reminded the graduating students to take pride in their Armenian roots and follow in the footsteps of the leaders who led the Armenian liberation struggle and brought independence to Armenia.
In his address the Principal marked that this was the year of academic improvement at Mesrobian School. He outlined the school-wide improvements achieved through the coordinated efforts of the administration, faculty and volunteer parents, who were united with the vision of providing our children with the best educational experience possible. Mr. Boyadjian thanked all individuals and organizations who assisted the school; he extended special gratitude to Prelate Mardirossian, the Prelacy Executive Council, UCLA Dream Fund and the ARF Dro Gomideh who lent their invaluable moral and financial support to Mesrobian. Addressing the graduating students, Boyadjian congratulated them and wished them all the best in their endeavors. He concluded by asking them, “never forget your roots, never detach from our collective history, never forgo our cultural heritage, and above all never hesitate to help our national cause.”
Then followed the presentation of diplomas to the graduating 5th, 8th and 12th grade students. The presentation ceremony was led by the Prelate’s representative father Muron Aznikian, Principal Boyadjian and the respective homeroom teachers of each grade.
The 38th Commencement exercises of Armenian Mesrobian School concluded with the message and benediction by father Aznikian.
