Graduation Program
June 6, 2006

On June 4, 2006 our Church School year came to a close with a graduation ceremony, program and reception. It was a day of celebration for our graduating class who have faithfully attended their religious education classes over the years, and passed a comprehensive exam prepared by our Diocesan Department of Youth and Education. While these individuals are leaving the classroom, we hope to see them serve our church in the very near future. Congratulations are extended to the following young ladies and their families for achieving this great milestone.

• Alexandra DeBlois
• Christina Glorighian
• Katherine Kazarian
• Mariah Sarkissian
• Lisa Zaroogian

The graduation ceremony took place in the sanctuary with the graduates escorted to the altar by individuals who have inspired and encouraged them in pursuing their religious education. Following the ceremony, Hayr Simeon presented each student with their diploma.

Also on this day, some of our students were seen giving the kiss of peace and passing the offering plates. This is something we hope to continue on a monthly basis in the coming year, along with increasing the students’ responsibilities to include Bible readings and distributing mahs to the congregation.

Following Badarak, everyone was invited to Egavian Hall for a reception and closing program. Many thanks to our Church School committee for their hard work and time in planning and preparing such a beautiful reception. The program opened with the singing of Hayr Mer and Mer Hayrenik, with the children accompanied on the piano by Maestro Petrossian.

At the close of each year we honor and thank our teachers for their hard work and dedication to the children of our parish. On this day we not only honored our faculty, but also presented engraved rosewood clocks to those members who have taught for 25 years and more. When we stopped to consider just how many years of experience we have among the faculty, we arrived at a number of over 200 years! Congratulations to Mrs. Sarah Arzoomanian, Mrs. Surpoohi Ayrassian, Ms. Natalie Bedrosian, Mrs. Irene Eranosian, Mrs. Iris Kalian, and Ms. Martha Stepanian for your commitment to our church and children.

Our program also included presentations by each Armenian language class, beginning with the youngest class presenting “A Meeting of the Mice”, where each “moog” (mouse) relayed their excuse for not wanting to face the lurking “gadoo” (cat). Our largest language class, combining grades 2 through 4, took us through the seasons, reciting things that we do and what happens during each season. The children were attired for their assigned season as they delivered their recitations. The next class, combining grades 5 through 7, had a special treat for everyone as they had prepared choreg the day before, and donned in aprons, enthusiastically taught the audience how to make choreg. Last but certainly not least, our eldest group entertained us with reasons for learning Armenian, closing with, “doesn’t everyone know, God speaks Armenian!”.

During the program, we invited the graduates to share essays they had written on what Sunday School has meant to them. While each essay was different, there was a common theme, as every one focused on how they have grown in their faith over the years. We are fortunate to have such outstanding youth in our parish – it is our hope that their faith and love of our church will only continue to strengthen and grow.

Another part of our closing exercises included the presentation of certificates to students who have had perfect or near perfect (only missing 3 Sundays over the course of the entire year) attendance. Mr. Martin Mahdesyan was invited to present these awards to the children. The recipients for this year are: Mari and Garen Megrdichian (2nd Grade), Taylor Rainho (2nd Grade), Anais Malkasian (4th Grade), Lauren Harootunian (4th Grade), Christopher Hamblin (5th Grade), Christina Zaroogian (6th Grade), Vanessa Ghazarian (7th Grade), James Hamblin (9th Grade), and Lisa Zaroogian (10th Grade). We applaud these students for this great achievement!

Our afternoon closed with remarks by Hayr Simeon who thanked the faculty and committee for their commitment and dedication to the children of our parish. It was truly a great school year and we anticipate greater success during the 2006/2007 school year. Our best to everyone for a happy and healthy summer. We look forward to seeing you all on September 17 for registration day.

Click here for a graduation slide show.