Christmas Celebrations, HMADS-Style

BAYSIDE, N.Y.—It’s the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School’s (HMADS) tradition to spread Christmas cheer and share its students’ artistic talents with the community. The students’ first visit was on Dec. 9, 2009, as they took a trip to the Armenian Home in Flushing, N.Y., where the grandparents of our community are cared for with love and respect.

HMADS students entertain the Seniors.

The students showered the residents of the Armenian Home with special handcrafted Christmas ornaments and artifacts to decorate and bring joy to their rooms. They sang Christmas carols in Armenian and English, along with recitations, bringing back fond memories. “Krisdos Dznav yev Haydnetsav, Tsezi Mezi Medz Avedis” was the conclusive message as the students, teachers, and parents departed from the Armenian Home, promising to visit again.

The next event was to bring cheer to the Holy Martyrs seniors at their Christmas party on Dec. 15 with a special program. The HMADS students were praised by the audience for their proficiency in both languages as they presented poems and songs.

On Dec. 18, the HMADS community gathered for the school’s annual Christmas hantes. The show began with the singing of the national anthems and the school song. The program featured a collection of English and Armenian songs, Armenian recitations, and bilingual skits from the children of the nursery through the sixth grades.

Principal Zarminé Boghosian offered welcoming remarks to all those gathered in the auditorium, which was filled to capacity. She thanked the parents and grandparents, who have always shown their loyal support to the school, and extended her appreciation to the School Board, members of the Friends of HMADS members, and the hard working HMADS faculty. Boghosian also thanked and acknowledged the presence of special guests, including Barbara Peters, Mr. and Mrs. Nubar Mahdessian, Dr. Haroutun Mekhjian, Mr. Grigor Gregorian, and representatives of various community organizations and schools.

The nursery students began their portion of the program with songs such as “Silent Night” and “Dzenoonti Dzar.” Their composure and sophistication warmed the audience, who looks forward to seeing their first time on stage each year. The kindergarten students recited “Snorhavor Nor Dari” and sang “Up on the Housetop” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

The first and second graders joined together to deliver the poem “Dear Santa.” The remainder of the students presented short skits, including “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Santa Claus for President,” “Amanori Kisher,” and “Gaghanti Seghan.” The featured Armenian songs included classics such as “Ding Dong,” “Gaghant Baban Aha Yegav,” “Donadzar,” “Nor Dari Kochari,” “Khorhoort Medz,” “Park ee Partsoones,” and “Ov Hin Dari, Inch Aghvor e Ays Irigoon.”

The evening was truly a salute to the mission of HMADS; to honor Armenian culture and recognize the value of a bilingual education in the context of an English-speaking society.

On Dec. 21, the students were escorted to the church to receive the Holy Communion. Following the short service, the graduating class of 2010 read the “Khosdovanank.” Father Vahan praised the HMADS students and offered his prayers and blessings to all. The entire student body and faculty were then treated to a breakfast and surprised with the presence of a “Gaghant Baba” (Santa Claus) waiting for them in the Kalustyan Hall.

On the eve of Armenian Christmas, Jan. 5, 2010, more than 20 HMADS students took part in reading the Holy Scriptures in Armenian, and sang the “Badarak” along with the Holy Martyrs Youth Choir.

A fellowship hour sponsored by the HMADS followed the Christmas Eve Badarak. Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhannesian, PhD., was invited to cut the special cake that wished him “Paree Janabarh” (Bon Voyage) to his new appointment in England. The HMADS family wishes Hayr Vahan all the best in his new parish.

For more information on the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School, located on 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway, Bayside, N.Y., call (718) 225-4826 or email hmads@hmads.org.

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