Pursue Excellence Issue No. 9 & 10: May and June 2021

With white and blue caps and gowns, with their black face masks on, and with “Pumps and Circumstances” playing in the background, fifth and eighth grade students walked down the aisle to celebrate their graduation ceremony on June 12 at the United Armenian Congregational Church (UACC) in Los Angeles.

Mrs. Shogher Shanoian, Merdinian School’s Administrative Assistant made the opening remarks and invited a few of the graduates to recite the Lord’s Prayer, the Armenian and American pledges, and Psalms 46 and 121. Following the students, Rev. Ron Tovmassian gave the invocation. "The UACC stands with Merdinian….It’s a blessing to be on this journey with Merdinian,” said Rev. Ron and added, “I’m amazed when I think of the progress since the time I saw the kernels of the thoughts for the Merdinian School come together.”

Fifth grade homeroom teacher Mrs. Karinae Babakhani took the podium and invited Andrew Benneian, Alec Festekjian, Elisa Krtotyan, David Martirosyan, Lori Nazarian, and Peter Shanoian to deliver their salutatorian speeches. With the highest GPA in his class, Jacob Yeghishian delivered his valedictorian speech. After their touching speeches, the 5th grade graduates received their diplomas and awards by Principal Lina Arslanian.

The keynote speaker was Pastor Harut Khatchatryan, who is also a regular chapel leader at Merdinian. “I feel like graduating again. I can’t believe you got an award for Religion,” he said when he came on stage. In his address to the 34 graduates, he stressed the importance of “stretching” mentally and faithfully. If you want to grow safely you have to stretch. Fast growth alone doesn't matter if you are not faithfully stretching to make your growth permanent, he explained.

Afterwards, 8th grade homeroom teacher Mrs. Sona Kassardjian took the podium. “What a challenge it has been,” she said. “The pandemic removed what was once a normal routine: packed playground, cheerful shouts during recesses, conversations among colleagues, even occasional visits to the principal’s office.” She then invited Salutatorian Jessica Aloy and Valedictorians Emily Dzhulfayan and Austin Yeghishian to deliver their speeches. Edwin Martirosyan, who had earned the 3rd highest GPA in his class, presented to the principal the traditional picture frame of 8th grade memories. The speeches were followed by the much anticipated moment of the day, handing out the diplomas and the awards by Principal Mrs. Lina Arslanian. “This graduating 8th grade class has a special place in my heart, as I have been the one to hand over to them all Merdinian diplomas from preschool to 8th grade, “ said Mrs. Arslanian. She then addressed them, advising them to believe in themselves, follow their dreams, always apply their talents, and persevere. “Sometimes doing the right thing may not be doing the easy thing,” she added. In her conclusion, the principal thanked the teachers and staff, the graduation committee, Rev. Ron Tovmassian, Pastor Harout Khatchatryan, Rev. Serop Megerditchian, Mrs. Shogher Shanoian, and all those who made the graduation program a success.

Rev. Serop Megerditchian conveyed a message on behalf of the School Board. He expressed his appreciation and thanked Mrs. Arslanian, the faculty, and staff for facing and overcoming a school year with the COVID-19 challenges. He then concluded his message saying, “Don’t take God and life for granted. Start and end your day with a prayer.”

The ceremony ended with the presentation of flower bouquets, when Mrs. Tamar Yeghishian shared her appreciation, on behalf of the 5th and 8th grade parents, to Mrs. Lina Arslanian and all the teachers. Mrs. Yeghishian was appreciated, as well, for her hard work and dedication to the school as a parent and as the Spirit Committee Chair for many years.

Last but not least, and as a token of appreciation and a farewell, Mrs. Shogher Shanoian and Ms. Sandra Bessos handed an appreciation plaque to Mrs. Arslanian for her 23 years of service to the school.

The program, which was live-streamed on YouTube, was concluded with Rev. Ron Tovmassian's benediction.

The Kindergarten graduation took place for the second year in a row in our school parking lot due to COVID-19 restrictions on June 5. Our youngest graduates, wearing their red caps and gowns, received their diplomas from their homeroom teacher Mrs. Marijan Kevorkian, Armenian teacher Mrs. Mariam Petrosyan, and principal Mrs. Lina Arslanian. They were cheered by their teachers and parents with balloons, leis, and hugs. Memorable pictures were taken against a class of 2021 banner.

What defines our principal? Mrs. Lina Arslanian has been dedicated, diligent, loving, and committed towards C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School and its mission.

Looking back at the academic year of 2020-2021, Merdinian School was able to pursue its mission of Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs) in preparing its students and graduates to be:

Christians who understand and practice the principles of the Christian faith; live a Christ-centered life.

Armenian Americans who know, appreciate, and take pride in Armenian heritage, history, and culture; know about the Armenian Genocide as a crime against humanity that needs to be recognized by the world.

Communicators in English and Armenian who can read fluently, write coherently, listen attentively as well as express themselves articulately and using academic vocabulary.

Critical Thinkers who can compute and calculate with accuracy and clarity; can draw conclusions by reasoning, comparing, and contrasting; can collaborate with others to achieve realistic goals.

Citizens who are fair, responsible, and tolerant of other people and cultures; appreciate natural resources; follow good health habits; and contribute to their communities.

We praise God for this successful school year amidst the Pandemic! With the Lord's provision and the leadership of Mrs. Arslanian, the collaboration of the administration, faculty, Board of Directors, Parent-Teacher Organization, and staff, the mission and vision for this school year have been accomplished, for which we echo the Psalmist and say: "You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance." (Psalm 65:11)

Historically, the school was founded in 1982 with an emphasis of its foundation on the precepts of God and His Word, the Bible. Our school builds students with great character that is exemplified in Jesus: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2). Mrs. Lina's door “tells” all about it! Her office door is decorated all over with the nine 2020-2021 Character Building posters!

I Can Put a Smile on My Face & Spread Joy (September)

I Can Honor My Parents & Everyone (October)

I Can Be Considerate & Compassionate (November)

I Can Be Selfless & Caring (December)

I Can Cooperate & Contribute (January)

I Can Show Self-Control & Self-Discipline (February)

I Can Be Industrious & Hard-Working (March)

I Can Be Honest & True (April)

I Can Serve With a Willing Heart (May)

With the Lord's help, with Mrs. Lina's leadership, her steady, earnest, and energetic effort as well as positive support, with the use of technology under the mentorship of Mrs. Betty, and with collective hard work, we were able to develop well-prepared, confident, knowledgeable, and responsible Armenian Christian students. To fully aspire and achieve their potential, the students were provided with daily chapel gatherings, quality technological education, and a supportive learning environment in which all achievements were celebrated. We believe that Merdinian School has been and will always be a community where all children feel loved, respected, and encouraged to develop aspirations and ambitions.

We thank our Lord for providing us with a principal who for the last 10 years has selflessly given her all as an active principal for the success of the vision and mission of Merdinian school! Mrs. Lina worked tirelessly to make sure the five components of the ESLRs would be navigated and realized in the teaching and learning platform all throughout her long years of dedicated service at Merdinian school. The result is superb! Thank you Mrs. Arslanian for your consistent and wise supervision, which has contributed to the overall productive success of this challenging academic school year as well!

We pray for the Lord's abundant blessings upon you for the next chapter of your life!

On behalf of the Merdinian school family, we would like to say: THANK YOU!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day was celebrated in our school during chapel time on May 5.

Second through 5th grade Eastern Armenian classes under the direction of their teacher Mrs. Margarit Meghroyan presented a beautiful virtual program with poems and songs.

Aaron Schneider, Elena Trmrian, Narek Kepenyan, Sarah Simitian, Irina Yesayan, Sarkis Mkhitaryan, David Martirosyan, Sophia Uhl, Davit Abgaryan, Arpi Hokhikyan, David Melkonyan, Arthur Hekimyan, and Sara Schneider recited poems from Baruyr Sevag and Hovhannes Shiraz. Emily Tavadjian sang the song “Mayrigis.”

In addition to the students’ performances, the students watched a video clip for mothers. It was followed by Mrs. Margarit’s message emphasizing respect towards mothers, showing them love and care because they are the ones who show us their unconditional love.

The program was concluded with a prayer by Elisa Krtotyan.

A celebration of Armenia’s first independence took place virtually on May 27 during chapel time.

The 7th graders prepared a program led by their Armenian History teacher, Mrs. Aline Bezdikian-Shirajian, who took the role of a reporter and asked her students about key factors for the preservation of a homeland. She then asked some of her 7th graders about the historical background of the Sartarabad War 103 years ago, about the heroes who fought to save our homeland, specifically Aram Manougian, and about the monument of Sartarabad in Armenia. The program was concluded with a short film and a prayer.

The School Board hosted a breakfast for the faculty and staff on the occasion of Teacher’s Appreciation Week on May 11.

The teachers enjoyed delicious Mediterranean delicacies and felt appreciated by the School Board for their efforts during the COVID-19 challenging year.

Former Merdinian student and current parent, Jackie Melkonyan was elected Parent Board Representative for the academic years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

Jackie Melkonyan and Tanya Kossian were the two candidates for the position. The results of the election were announced on May 17. Mrs. Melkonyan won with 57% of the votes.

The election was preceded by a virtual meeting on May 6, during which the candidates were introduced.

Mrs. Melkonyan is a licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been a homeroom mom for the past 5 years as well as a PTO member. She currently has two children enrolled at Merdinian, David is entering 5th grade and Matthew will be attending kindergarten.

PTO Elections

The PTO elections for the academic year 2021-2022 were held virtually on June 2.

The new officers are as follows:

Diana Mangioglu (Chair)

Betty Nazarian (Vice-Chair)

Anush Asmerian (Treasurer)

Deborah Yazmajian (Secretary)

Maria Benneian and Jackie Melkonyan (Members)

OUR CREED (Based on the Bible)

Edwin Martirosyan, Austin Yeghishian, & Shant Mkrtchyan

I believe in God the Father,

Creator of all things,

Who is over all, through all, and in all.

The one God and Father of all,

Who is the Father of the fatherless and the Protector of widows.

He is the Giver of every perfect gift and

He is the Potter and we are his clay!

I believe that the Father has blessed us all in Christ with every spiritual blessing.

He is the Father of comfort amidst affliction.

He sacrificed his Son for the sins of the world.

We are all the work of His hands.

I believe in God the Son, Jesus Christ,

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

He is the Son of God, the Father, full of grace and truth.

He is the one and only path to Christianity.

He is the Resurrection and the Life.

Whoever believes in Him, though he were dead, he shall live.

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I believe that He has laid his life down for us sinners.

He was wounded for our transgressions and was bruised for our iniquities.

He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep,

He is the Author, and Finisher of our faith.

I believe in God, the Spirit,

The Teacher of all things,

Who is sent by the Father in Jesus’ name.

I believe that the Holy Spirit will remind you of all things Jesus has said.

He will baptize His followers with water and fire

I believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

I believe in the Bible,

I believe that the Bible is a lamp for our feet,

And a light for our path.

I believe that the Word of God is alive and active;

The word of our God endures forever.

Heaven and earth will pass away,

But God’s unfailing Word will last eternally.

I believe that the Bible is flawless,

It is the double-edged sword that is used against the enemy of our souls.

And it judges thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

I believe in the Church,

I believe that Jesus is the head of the body of believers - the church.

For the body of the church is not one member but is many.

I believe that we- the body of Christ- receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.

I believe that the church is the bride of Jesus.

I believe that the Lord himself will come one day to take His bride to heaven.

I believe in the salvation from sins,

I believe that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I believe that to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name,

He gave the right to become children of God

For the grace of God has appeared, by the crucifixion and triumphant resurrection of the Son,

Bringing salvation for all people.

I Believe in Heaven and Eternal Life,

I believe that whoever believes in God’s Son shall not perish, but be saved.

I believe that we, the believers, wait for the promises of a new heaven

And earth in which righteousness dwells.

I believe that God is seated at the throne in Heaven.

I believe that Jesus will return back to judge all mankind – the living and the dead.

I believe that heaven is the eternal destination of the redeemed.

During Armenian History class, our 5th graders were eager to learn about the Armenian first-comers to the US and about their numerous adapting and surviving challenges! It was surprising to see how this small group of Armenian newcomers, despite their harsh circumstances, were so enthusiastic to publish the first Armenian newspaper in the US! Their dream became true when the first Armenian newspaper was published in 1888 called "Arekag", which means sun!

Our 5th graders interviewed Rev. Vatche Ekmekjian regarding the importance of publishing and reading Armenian newspapers. Rev. Ekmekjian shared how newspapers carry local and international news of the world and of one's homeland. Newspapers provide information and general knowledge. Newspapers provide news about a country's economic situation, sports, games, entertainment, trade, and commerce. He also emphasized how reading Armenian newspapers is vital in preserving our Armenian language and heritage in a foreign country, together with all the important patriotic information about our homeland Armenia and news about the Armenian Diaspora. The Armenian newspaper connects, educates, and unites the Armenian people into one virtual platform called "We the Armenians...".

The fruitful outcome of this learning experience has motivated the 5th graders to create their own Armenian newspapers. The result was beautiful work. In fact, they have enjoyed creating it as well as sharing it with their classmates and in our newsletter.

Please enjoy our humble work, and imitate us by checking on any recent Armenian virtual newspaper issue and diving into it! Enjoy!