JUSKALIAN FAMILY DONATES $100,000 TO SISTERS’ ACADEMY

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March 1, 2010
LEXINGTON, Mass.

The family of the late Edward M. Juskalian recently donated $100,000
to the Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Lexington, where Edward’s
granddaughter is currently a student.

Edward was a second generation Armenian American whose family
emigrated from Kharpert in the late 1800’s. He grew up in Medford and
along with his wife, Barbara, raised three children who were taught
Armenian culture and values, and given a very strong sense of self
and community.

When his grandparents Setrak and Satenig arrived in the United States
in the late 19th century, they too faced some of the discrimination
many immigrants experience. The need to integrate quickly, learn the
language, and earn an income was a daily challenge. But they were
not unfamiliar with triumph over struggles.

These difficulties only strengthened the resolve of the Juskalians to
be strong and be successful. They worked hard to provide for their
family, and teach their growing family the values of commitment,
perseverance, and dedication to a goal.

After returning from his US Army service in Korea, Edward joined
his father Mehran in their heating business, and together built a
reputation for quality workmanship and attentive customer service.

Edward’s parents, Mehran and Queenie, in turn taught their son about
the value of hard work and the responsibility to give back to the
community and always find the good in people. These lessons led Edward
to the Armenian Sisters’ Academy through his son, Eddie Juskalian,
Jr., and his granddaughter, Emma.

Edward was so delighted when his four-year-old granddaughter began
speaking Armenian in full sentences and singing Armenian songs he had
heard as a child. He was impressed with the Academy and the commitment
and dedication of the Sisters and teachers at the school. He spent
some time with the Sisters, learning about the school and its teaching
philosophies and methods. He felt the school went beyond being just
a school-it was a community that offered something unique. He felt
"at home" at the Academy.

In his vast experience as a businessman, Edward was a "bottom line"
kind of man. He was able to recognize a great value when he saw
one-and he really saw one at this school, with its lean operation
and an administration that needed so little to deliver so much. There
was not a lot of fanfare and frivolities, and certainly no waste.

Everything at the school centers on the students, their academic
and religions education, and every attempt is made to teach not only
academics, but lessons about giving back, being a responsible member
of the community, and the value of hard work. Edward found that he
could really trust the education of his granddaughter at this school.

In that very sense, he found what he called "an undiscovered treasure"
at the Armenian Sisters’ Academy. He called the Sisters and the
teachers the "unsung heroes" of our community. And he believed
that investing in this institution was the best way to preserve our
Armenian culture.

Edward dedicated his life to his wife and family. He lives on through
his three children, their families, and his four grandchildren. The
Armenian Sisters’ Academy gratefully acknowledges this significant
donation and thanks the family of the late Edward M. Juskalian for
their gift.