FRESNO—After more than 30 years of service to the Armenian Community School, Rosie Bedrosian has announced her retirement as the school’s principal. The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School Board of Education named Sophie Mekhitarian—a former Clovis Unified School District teacher and administrator—to replace Bedrosian at the conclusion of the 2008-2009 academic year.
Bedrosian began as an elementary teacher in 1978, just two years after the founding of the school. Following her term as Vice Principal, she succeeded Seth Atamian as the school’s principal in 2002.
As a capable public-speaker and administrator, Bedrosian has been the face of the school for the past seven years and managed its daily operations over a series of relocations—from the school’s long-time home on Fresno Street, to its Tower Campus at Saint Therese Catholic Church, to a temporary residence at the Saint Luke’s Church, to its current Clovis home on Villa Avenue. Every other year since 2000, she has led the 5th and 6th graders and their parents on a tour of Armenia.
Bedrosian recalled that one of the most memorable highlights of her tenure came in 2006 when she and the school board officers traveled to Coachella to first meet Charlie Keyan. A few months afterwards, the school secured the funds to purchase the property for its new campus.
“I wish the school continued success and all the best for the future.”
Bedrosian looks forward to spending more time with her family and continuing to serve on the Central Executive Board of the Armenian Relief Society and as a member of the local Sophia Chapter of the ARS.
Sophie Mekhitarian comes to the CKACS with over 30 years experience in the public school system. She received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of San Francisco and has been the superintendent of Sunday school classes at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church as well as a former Secretary of the school’s board of education. Mekhitarian has been busy meeting with board members, teachers, and parents and making preparations for the 2009-2010 school year.
“Mrs. Rosie Bedrosian has been carrying the torch for many years,” said the new principal. “She’s given us what we need to take it to the next level. She will always be a part of this school and be remembered for her patience, endurance… and the love she holds for our heritage.”
Mekhitarian plans to expand the basic curriculum and scope of extracurricular activities while remaining focused on the broader objectives of the CKACS. “It is the mission of the school to develop people of substance, of class, people who fulfill their personal goals and reach out to society, leaving it better for the next generation.”
