PICO RIVERA—With its renovated structures and campus as a backdrop, the Armenian Mesrobian Elementary and High School opened its school year September 7, 2010, under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian.
Present at the Opening Day ceremony were the students, parents, benefactors, the school faculty and staff, guests, members of the School Board and Club Mesrobian Alumni Association, Holy Cross Cathedral pastors and Board members, representatives of the ARF Dro Gomideh, as well as the representatives of the San Gabriel Valley affiliate organizations.
The ceremony opened with prayer by the pastors of Holy Cross Cathedral. Serving as the Master of Ceremony, Western Prelacy Executive member and attorney Levon Kirakosian highlighted the work undertaken for the renovation of school structures. His remarks focused on the concept of ethics, emphasizing for the students and parents that ethics is to do the right thing and not the thing that may be legally right.
On behalf of the students, ASB President Mariam Iskajian in Armenian and ASB Vice President Gina Safoyan in English welcomed the students; they conveyed the hope for higher achievements for the next academic year and pledged to persevere in the pursuit of Hai Tahd. The welcoming remarks on behalf of the faculty were delivered by Ms. Angin Vartabedian in Armenian and Mr. Neil Dodd in English. The chairman of the School Board Peter Avedissian expressed commitment for a new beginning at Mesrobian.
Raffi Minassian, Chairman of Club Mesrobian, invited everyone to take a good look at what has been achieved and renovated during the past few weeks. He reminded that these achievements come not only with hard work but also high expenses, and that so far the renovation work has cost over $300,000. He expressed confidence that the necessary finances will be worked out and raised with the help of everyone. In renovating Club Mesrobian’s alma mater, Minassian stated that they were guided by the conviction of “giving back to the school.” He concluded, “We are giving back, that’s why we now have an almost new Mesrobian.”
Chairman of the ARF Dro Gomideh, Nazareth Sadorian, welcomed the students and congratulated for the work done so far. However, he stated, the real work is ahead of us, and to face that difficult challenge requires continued dedication and steadfastness.
Seto Boyadjian, the new Principal of the school, welcoming back the students said, “This is a special opening day, because we undertake today to build a new Mesrobian school.” He added, “Change has come to Mesrobian. You already have noticed that the school premises are renovated. But judging the school by its physical appearance is easy; the real test is to judge it by the content of its education. That is why the task before us now is to transfer this spirit of change and renovation into the classrooms. Give us some time and we will get there – we will improve academically, we will excel in our achievements, and we will increase the number of the students. These are the challenges that fill us with the sense of excitement and optimism.”
Boyadjian thanked the community and its organizations for their support to the school since his appointment as Principal. He extended special gratitude to Club Mesrobian without which the renovation work could not have been possible. He outlined his Reconstruction Strategy to bring excellence in all areas that pertain the school. He concluded, “Parents and students, welcome to change at Mesrobian.”
Archbishop Mardirossian concluded the ceremony by wishing Mesrobian “the very best year for a successful and fruitful academic year.” He summed up the message of change by stressing the change within each person. He said change in the outside is not sufficient; to persevere in achieving real change, each one us must also change within ourselves. He advised, “To achieve real renovation we must also undergo self-renewal.”
The ceremony ended with the blessing and prayer of Archbishop Mardirossian.
