PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) 630 Second Avenue, New
York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
October 6, 2006
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DIOCESE HOSTS DAY OF DISCUSSION FOR ARMENIAN LANGUAGE EDUCATORS
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) hosted a day-long
symposium for parish Armenian School teachers and principals on September 9,
2006, at the Diocesan Center in New York City.
More than 70 teachers attended from the St. Vartan Cathedral’s Armenian
School, 11 parish schools, the Diocese’s two Khrimian Lyceum programs, and
one Armenian day school.
The theme of this year’s start-of-school symposium was how best to lead
Armenian heritage learning, with a focus on language, literature, and
cultural traditions.
"I believe in the continuous exchange of ideas and I am grateful for the
symposium’s more experienced speakers who presented their practical
knowledge to us," said Lucia Vorperian, a teacher at the St. Vartan
Cathedral Saturday School and the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum.
Speakers at the day-long session included Vehanoush Tekian a writer and
former literature teacher at the Hovnnanian Day School in New Jersey,
Zarmine Boghossian principal at Holy Martyrs Day School, and Gilda
Buchakjian-Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian studies for the Diocese.
"We wanted to make sure the teachers took away tools, ideas, and resources
that will help them in the coming months impart a strong sense of our
Armenian language and culture to the next generation," Buchakjian-Kupelian
said. "The Diocese always stands ready to assist our local educators in
anyway we can, and I’m glad so many of them attended this edifying event."
Attendees, too, were glad to have made the trip.
"When I realized we were going to drive for five hours, leaving at 4 a.m.,
and devote a whole Saturday, I thought ‘Is this going to be worth it?’" said
Norik Baboorian-Checkosky, a teacher at the St. Mary Church’s Shnorhali
School in Washington, D.C. "But from the first minute, I realized what a
great decision we had made. The speakers’ ability and knowledge and their
approach to teaching was wonderful. I am sure I will be using these ideas
in my teaching."
Most participants said the specific ideas and new resources presented made
the day productive.
"The Symposium was very informative. These practical-oriented subjects by
the speakers were very helpful," said Annie Altounian, a teacher at the St.
Peter Church in Watervliet, NY.
Fr. Karekin Kasparaian from the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains, NY, delivered the opening prayer. The day also included a special
remembrance of the late poet Silva Kaputikyan.
HONORING SERVICE
Along with focusing on techniques they could use in future classes, several
educators were thanked for their years of service.
Honored for 25 years of service to Diocesan Armenian Schools were: Ardemis
Arslanian, Mary Demirjian, Maro Hajakian, Rosine Hovsepian, and Marie
Zokian.
Marking 20 years of service were: Aida Sarkissian, Mary Sarkissian, Araxi
Shamamian, Marie Vardanian, and Mary Yacoubian.
Recognized for 10 years of service were: Anahid Boghossian, Ani Derderian,
Aida Diloyan, Jacklin Ekmekjian, Silva Jinivizian, Shnorig Minassian, Nectar
Sarkissian-Monroe, and Shakeh Tokatlian.
"I am glad so many people throughout the Diocese want to help our young
students learn our Armenian language, our beautiful Armenian culture, and
our unique Armenian traditions," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese. "It is encouraging to think that our Armenian identity is
celebrated here in America."
— 10/6/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Vehanoush Tekian speaks to Armenian School educators
during the new school year symposium organized by the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Zarmine Boghossian addresses 70 local Armenian educators
during a day-long symposium at the Diocesan Center in New York City on
September 9, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, joins the educators being honored
for their years of service to parish Armenian Schools during a day-long
symposium at the Diocesan Center on September 9, 2006, marking the start of
the Armenian School year.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): More than 70 parish Armenian School educators attended
the day-long symposium organized by the Diocese.
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From: Baghdasarian