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In June 2012, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) successfully completed its 28thacademic year. The Graduation Ceremonies were held on June 14 (preschool and kindergarten) and June 15 (elementary) in the presence of parents and friends of the school, as well as Rev. Archpriest Antranig Baljian and the pastors of the surrounding Armenian churches. On both days, Principal Boyamian focused on the school’s recent achievements, especially the 2012 Expansion Project. She then thanked the faculty, the administrative staff, the PTO, parent volunteers, school board and committees, the St. Stephen’s Church board of trustees, Rev. Baljian, Rev. Fr. Karekine Bedourian, as well as all the organizations and individuals that contribute to the betterment of the school. On June 14, Boyamian and preschool director Orchanian honored Svetlana Vehapetian for her dedicated 10 years of service at the preschool. Orchanian then presented the theme of the preschool and kindergarten graduation: the Armenian Village. The preschoolers and the kindergarteners presented through songs and poems the different aspects of the Armenian village. On June 15, the elementary program was dedicated to the Armenian Book, as His Holiness Aram I had proclaimed 2012 “The Year of the Armenian Book.” The elementary students presented the theme with poetry recital and chorale songs, followed by a video presentation of the 5th grade’s class trip to Armenia coordinated with great expertise by Ardemis Megerdichian, the Armenian teacher for grades 1-5. On both days, Rev. Baljian expressed his appreciation to the administration and faculty for their dedication and effort. He also praised the students for their excellent performances. On June 14, 23 students graduated from kindergarten. They are Maral Abrahamian, Hovanes Aroian, Beatrice Bilezikian, Vrezh Gyulakian, Krikor Hachikian, Michelle Joubanian, Antrias Kahvejian, Naera Margios, Zepur Merdinoglu, Aren Panian, Sienna Soghomonian, Nora Vartanian, Serena Antoine, Alina Chaparian, George Chapian, Krikor Iskenderian, Sarah Joubanian, Talar Markarian, Brian McCarthy, Sebu Najarian, Ani Ohannessian, Bianca Tamburrini, and Gregory Tinkjian. On June 15, 15 students graduated from the elementary school. They are Hovannes Aroyian, Karyl Ashjian, Mary Boyajian, Natalie Gebeyan, Melanne Ghahraman, Anelga Hajjar, Mark Haroutunian, Sanan Mahrokhian, Armen Michaelian, Moushegh Monteiro, AJ Movsesian, Juliana Rizza, Samuel Sagherian, Narek Sahakian, and Nareg Stepanian. Awards The following Grade 5 Awards were given for Excellence in Armenian Studies: The Prelacy Award to Karyl Ashjian, Anelga Hajjar, Maroukhian Sanan, and Mary Boyajian. The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Award to Armen Michaelian. The St. Stephen’s School Award to Mark Haroutunian, Melanne Ghahraman, Samuel Sagherian, and Narek Sahakian. The St. Stephen’s Education Committee Award to Arman Movsesian, Nareg Stepanian, and Juliana Rizza. The following students were recognized for their special love and interest in Armenian studies: Hovannes Aroyan, Natalie Gebeyan, and Moushegh Monteiro . The Presidential Award for Academic Excellence was given to Anelga Hajjar, Armen Michaelian, Mark Haroutunian, and Sanan Maroukhian. The purpose of the award is to recognize the academic success of students who have excelled in their studies and who have earned high scores in the Standardized Tests. The Presidential Award for Academic Achievement was awarded to Narek Sahakian, Karyl Ashjian, Mary Boyadjian, Samuel Sagherian, and Arman Movsesian. The purpose of this award is to reward students who work hard and give their best effort in school. The Citizenship Award was given to Armen Michaelian and Sanan Maroukhian. It recognizes students who show a positive attitude toward classmates, their school, and community; display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility; and possess strength of character and the courage to do what is right. Arman Movsesian placed second in the ARS Essay Contest, with Samuel Sagherian, Mark Haroutunian, and Narek Sahakian receiving an Honorable Mention. The Grade 4 Awards for Outstanding Effort in Armenian Studies was given to Anahid Kazaian Scholarship ($100), Taline Chaprazian, and Ani Ganjian. And the Perfect Attendance Award to Sarah and Michelle Joubanian (kindergarten), Chris Ashjian (grade 1), Nareg Minassian (grade 2), Berj Chekijian (grade 3), and Karyl Ashjian (grade 5). The following awards recognizing “special strengths” were given to the 5th grade students: Excellence in Math: Narek Sahakian, Arman Movsesian, Nareg Stepanian, Karyl Asjian, Mary Boyadjian. Excellence in Science: Natalie Gebeyan. Excellence in Writing: Juliana Rizza, Moushegh Monteiro, Sanan Maroukhian, Melanne Ghahraman. Excellence in Reading Comprehension: Hovanes Aroyan, Mark Haroutunian. Excellence in Social Studies: Anelga Hajjar, Samuel Sagherian, Armen Michaelian.

Weekly Staff

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