| 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. |
