The Annual Graduation Ceremony is a great tradition at the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School for grades fourth through ninth. This year the Ceremony, which was held on June 19th, was unique in a couple of aspects. It was the first graduation ceremony to be held at the new School building!
It was with great honor that a number of distinguished guests from both Armenia and the Diaspora were able to attend including: Karen Nazaryan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Susanna Azatyan, Head of the Preschool and Secondary Education Department of RA Ministry of Education and Science; Armine Ohanyan, Senior Specialist of the Preschool and Secondary Education Department of RA Ministry of 
Education; Ruzanna Khachatryan, wife of the RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan; Family members of Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan; Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of the American University of Armenia; Gevorg Goyunyan, Vice President of the American University of Armenia and staff members; Abgar Apinyan, President of Writers’ Union of Yerevan; Vartkes and Mary Najarian, benefactors of the School; Representatives of the AMAA U.S. Medical Mission Team; School principals of the Malatia-Sebastia district; various representatives of international and social organizations; school parents and journalists.
The theme of this year’s Graduation Program was “Patriotism,” and it 
was not by chance; the primary mission of the Avedisian School is to create patriotic, well-educated citizens who are devoted and loyal to their Homeland. Performances by students included dancing, singing patriotic songs and recitation of poems.
After his speech, which urged students to study well and be good citizens for Armenia, the School benefactor, Mr. Edward Avedisian introduced the keynote speaker, Mr. Karen Nazaryan.
In his remarks, Mr. Nazaryan stated that Armenia is “…one of the richest nations in the world with its educational and cultural heritage. Avedisian School is not only a unique educational institution in Armenia but in the whole region. I know that a lot of talented children study here and 
participate in various Olympiads and win awards. I know that many outstanding teachers work here and their dedicated services have been greatly appreciated. And these are the best rewards to our compatriots in the Diaspora, to the Avedisian family and to the Armenian Missionary Association of America for their support in the realization of this patriotic and glorious educational institution.”
In her speech, Avedisian School Principal, Melania Geghamyan stated that she is a proud principal. She is proud of her School benefactors, proud of her teachers, and most of all proud of her students. She is also immensely happy for the 9th grade students’ current success and is overjoyed that they will not yet leave the school, but will continue their education at the Avedisian High School.
The graduation ceremony was followed by planting a silver fir tree in memory of Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian.
“We thank God for the opportunities created at the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School for the children of Armenia. The passionate spirit to create an appealing and attractive atmosphere in an educational institution where students would love to excel and propel themselves forward has always been in the minds of the benefactors and the Armenian Missionary Association of America, who brought forth this unique educational institution. With this Graduation Ceremony, a new generation of future scholars, professionals and academicians in the Homeland are marching on. You support of the School will make a difference.” –– Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
Armenian Missionary Association of America 