The Diocese
Posted: 08/19/2016
The commencement of the 2016-2017 academic year at AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School was held on Tuesday, August 16. The Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the ceremonial event accompanied by the Vicar General of the Western Diocese the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian.
In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian extended his blessings and conveyed words of encouragement to the students. His Eminence noted the role the school as a noble institution in paving the way for exemplary citizenship. The Primate commended the vision of the Chairman of the School's Board and Vice-President of the AGBU Mr. Sinan Sinanian, as well as the school's administration for their loyalty and commitment in molding the leaders of tomorrow.
A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirdjian School kicked off its 41st academic year with an opening day ceremony on the morning of Wednesday, August 17, 2016. The Nazarian Gym was packed to capacity with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, faculty, staff, guests, administration, parents, board members, clergy, and members of the Demirdjian family.
The ceremony opened with the presentation of flags by A.G.B.U. Scouts followed by the anthems of the United States, Armenia, and A.G.B.U. Afterward, Principal Arpi Avanesian delivered her opening address welcoming the community with words of wisdom for a successful school year. Student council president and co-president Ariella Sarkisian and Sarin Aslanian next addressed the audience, expressing gratitude and excitement for the months ahead.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mr. Sinan Sinanian reflected on his thirty year relationship with the school, congratulating the teachers and administration for decades of service and success. Mr. Sinanian also announced that after twenty-five years as chairman of the board, he would step down and pass the chairmanship to Vice-Chairman Mr. Diran Ohanian, Esq.
Representing the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian offered his prayers and blessings, encouraging students to study hard and dream big. He also read a special letter written from Archbishop Hovnan Derderian to the school community.
At the end of the ceremony, Principal Avanesian invited the newly appointed Board Chairman Mr. Diron Ohanian to the podium to offer his words of thanks, support, and to officially commence the academic year.
Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Seta Demirdjian, the benefactors after whom the middle and high school are named, were also in attendance alongside longtime board member Yervant Demirdjian. Also present were members of the A.G.B.U. Vatche & Tamar Manoukian High School of Pasadena including the principal Dr. Armine Movsisyan and education board committee member Dr. Silva Karayan.
We congratulate the entire A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirdjian School family and wish a smooth and successful 2016-2017 school year.
