PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: info@armenianprelacy.org
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

July 26, 2006

FIVE STUDENTS ARE GRADUATED FROM SIAMANTO ACADEMY

NEW YORK, NY-"When I was attending Siamanto Academy many moons ago, I was
told by many people how important my education from Siamanto was for me and
my future. At the time of my graduation, I remember wondering where my
Armenian education would fit in the grand scheme of things and what
significance it would have in the years to come. Over time, I came to
realize that the well-intentioned people were right. I see that Siamanto had
done more than teach me the Armenian language, history and faith. It had
provided me with an Armenian identity that I have carried with me at every
stage of my life."
Tamar Harutunian, Esq., a Siamanto Academy graduate, began her message
to the 2006 Siamanto Academy graduates with those words providing an
eloquent beginning to the commencement exercises that took place on June 24
at the Armenian Center in Woodside, New York. The graduates of 2006 are:
Tamar Samuelian, Shogher Baronian, Mesak Sarkissian, Chris Biramian and
Vatche Asadourian. Mrs. Ani Nercessian, principal of the Academy, opened the
program and invited Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral, New York, to offer the invocation.
The keynote speaker continued her inspiring words directed at the
graduates and their families: "You see, our Armenian schools provide us with
an education that we cannot find at any other institution. There we learn
about a people who have persevered throughout centuries of struggle and have
found the will to survive by teaching future generations in their homes and
schools. By attending Siamanto you learned about the people to whom you
belong, and thus you have learned quite a bit about yourselves. As you go on
to the next phase of your lives, such as college, take this knowledge with
you and let it provide you with a sense of belonging to the Armenian family
you have found here. Also, remember that like any family, this family needs
your love, care, and support. It falls upon each of us to continue to
support our Armenian schools so that the coming generations may also learn
about themselves and the Armenian identity will continue to be preserved.
Congratulations to all and best of luck."
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the
Siamanto Academy, under the sponsorship of the Armenian National Education
Committee (ANEC). A three-year, weekly, comprehensive course of study in
Armenian language, literature, Christian studies, history and culture,
entitles students to college credit recommendations.
Following Ms. Harutunian’s speech, each of the graduates gave a brief
message about their years at the Academy. Their fond memories focused on the
cultural knowledge they acquired and the many friendships they forged. Their
statements were witty, eloquent and truthful, reflecting their appreciation
of their unique experiences. It was followed by a short program of
recitations and solo musical performances.
Mrs. Nayiri Balanian, chair of ANEC, congratulated the students and
said, "As our Lord Jesus Christ sent His apostles to spread the Good News,
baptize and spread Christianity, the Siamanto Academy tells its graduates to
go and remain good Armenians and spread love towards Armenia among all
Armenians, and also keep the memories of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Saints
Sahag and Mesrob, and other great Armenians, alive. Always remember the love
and care that you received at the Academy, take it with you, but remember
the responsibilities that you have as an educated Armenian."
Each of the graduates was presented with an ancient Armenian coin
donated by Mr. Gary Setian of Massachusetts, a copy of The Flames of Artsakh
by Peter Khanbegian and Meg, Yergou, Yerek, by Nayiri Balanian.
It was a special day for Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, because these
graduates began their study at the Academy when he was the principal of the
Academy. Der Hayr conveyed the congratulations and blessings of the Prelate,
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and the Vicar General, Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian.
The Siamanto Academy is designed for high school students who are
graduates of Armenian schools. The Academy offers accredited, college-level
courses in Armenian studies. With an accomplished faculty of Christian
educators, literature professors, historians, and guest speakers who
specialize in various disciplines, the Siamanto Academy is a gateway to
higher cultural awareness, preparing students for effective leadership in
our community.
Armenian school graduates are invited to enroll in the Siamanto Academy,
which will resume classes in September. Send inquiries to
anec@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810.
The Armenian National Education Committee, the sponsor of the Siamanto
Academy, is under the sponsorship of the Armenian Relief Society (Eastern
US) and the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.