PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Sisters Academy
440 Upper Gulph Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Contact: Susan Pogharian
Tel: 610-757-7090
Fax: 610-687-2450
E-mail: SPogharian@asaphila.org
Web:

Imagine writing to a Pulitzer Prize winning author……and receiving a
letter in reply! Last fall, eighth grade teacher Mrs. Samantha Kelly had
her students read Night, based on author Elie Wiesel’s experience in a
concentration camp during the Holocaust. The sixteen eighth graders at
the Armenian Sisters Academy of Radnor, PA were very moved by the
horrors witnessed by the author and his subsequent loss of faith in God
and humanity. The students wrote to Mr. Wiesel sharing their thoughts
and feelings on his book. To their surprise and delight, Mr. Wiesel took
the time to write a response, reprinted below. Great work, Upper Junior
class!

February 1, 2010

Ms. Kelly’s Students
Armenian Sisters Academy
440 Upper Gulph Road
Radnor, PA 19087

Dear Jason, Sasoon, Kathleen, Armen, George, Melanie, Alec, Aram,
Carine, Araxi, Christopher, Mardo, Reema, Kristine and Raffi,

Thank you for your kind letters. I always enjoy hearing from young
people, and your letters were no exception.

I am moved to learn of the effect that my memoir, Night, had on you. As
a teacher, nothing is more important. From your words, it is obvious
that you are all very sensitive to the darkness of which I wrote.

Knowing that you and your classmates will never forget the tragedies of
the past fills me with hope. You can use your knowledge and
understanding to educate those who are unaware. You and your classmates
can make a difference in creating a new kind of century.

Keep learning and reading, more and more.

With best, best wishes to all of you – and to your teacher-

Elie Wiesel