Watertown TAB & Press, MA
Nov 19 2004

St. Stephen’s preschool opens
Friday, November 19, 2004

The preschool addition of St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School
formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by about 150
parents, teachers, students and dignitaries last month.

Construction began on June 14 and was completed by August, ready
for the start of the school year in September.

“Since 1997, the student population of the school has increased
tremendously,” Principal Houry Boyamian said.

At first, she said, all students in preschool through fifth
grade were taught at the school’s main campus, housed at the Armenian
Educational and Cultural Center on Nichols Avenue. Because of the
increase in student population, the board decided to renovate the
church-owned building behind ACEC, previously rented by Project Save
Armenian Photographic Archives.

The preschool building currently has 75 students, and with the
addition of another large classroom, can accommodate more children
next year.

Ara Krafian, the parent of three students and an alumna, donated
his professional services to the addition, from planning through the
construction phase. Another parent volunteer, Karnig Ostayan, donated
services and materials and assisted with the management of the
construction phase. John and Alice Karnikyan and Nadia Karnik of
Stormtite donated all the siding for the addition in memory of their
parents.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of
the United States, presided over the ribbon-cutting following church
services at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church. Following the
ribbon-cutting, Choloyan and the Rev. Antranig Baljian of St.
Stephen’s blessed the Preschool Afeyan Building.

“It almost makes me wish I were a child again so I could go to
school here in this beautiful building,” said Choloyan.

St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School was founded in 1984
with a handful of students. Today it has 186 students. The school is
celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a series of programs
and a special gala at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge on Jan.
29.

For more information about the school or to make donations visit
, or call 617-926-6979.

Submitted by St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School