Pursue Excellence Issue No. 5: January 2021

Creativity takes wings when computers and technology are combined with books and notebooks. This was the case for our first-grade students who showed a modern style presentation of a class project. They narrated the Story of Jesus Christ, Տէր Յիսուսի Ծնունդի Պատմութիւնը, under the direction of Armenian teachers, Mrs. Lena Ekmekjian and Mrs. Mariam Petrosyan. The slide presentation may be watched on C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School's YouTube channel here. The 3:49 minutes long slide show was edited by Mrs. Lena's son, Ari Ekmekjian, and illustrated by Sue Bentley. If you are not already subscribed to the channel, do not forget to press the "subscribe" button to enjoy more similar projects in the future.

Wounded Soldiers in Armenia Receive Poster from Our Students

Armenia's Army Day Celebrated During Chapel Time

Traditionally, to celebrate Armenia's Army Day, students come to school in camouflage themed attire. This year was no exception. Although virtually, students joined in school spirit on January 28th to celebrate Armenia's Army Day. During chapel time, Mrs. Aline Bezdikian-Shirajian talked briefly about the Armenian Army and highlighted the heroism of the soldiers in general, as well as the heroism during the recent Artsakh war. She talked about the survival of our nation from the past 4,000 years on the Armenian plateau. Students were encouraged to always remember and honor our soldiers. Mrs. Aline also showed music videos dedicated to the Armenian soldiers. Army Day is an annual celebration in Armenia and Artsakh. This official holiday and non-working day in the homeland marked this year the 29th anniversary of our Armed Forces.

Merdinian stands out as a unique institution where the pursuit of excellence is always based on great values and morals. In order to reflect our Christian values along with national American and Armenian cultural heritages, we hold each Monday's chapel music sessions with empathy and respect to the seasonal holidays as well as some of the events that mark the history of our motherland, Armenia, and this great country we live in, The United States of America. Here is a brief update on our Monday chapel sessions.

Thanksgiving: Introduction to Native American instruments used by the Native American tribes who welcomed the Pilgrims in 1620 at Plymouth Rock.

Christmas: The origin of Christmas carols and the evolution of the carols throughout the church's reform during the Elizabethan era in England.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Introduction to Jazz, with focus on some of the world-famous Jazz musicians who were born and raised in segregated communities. Louis Armstrong and other great icons such as Duke Ellington and Miles Davis who created America's image as "The Capital of Jazz" were highlighted. To further emphasize Dr. King Jr.'s message and legacy, we took the opportunity to listen to Aretha Franklin's "Mary Don't You Weep," a gospel that was originated before the American Civil War. This gospel shows the great strength and the perseverance of the slaves who never lost hope. We also listened to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," which originated during the American Civil War, whose lyrics were written by American abolitionist poet and author Julya Wards.

Armenia Army Day: All over the world, it is through music and meaningful songs, that we cry our battles and mourn our soldiers. We also boost our troops with a feeling of devotion and strong bonds to the homeland. That's patriotism! On the occasion of the Armenian Army Day, as the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" symbolized hope, patriotism, and freedom for Americans, "Mardigi Yerke" also known as " Trcheyi Mdkov Dun" symbolized nostalgia, soothing our Armenian soldiers in the borders of Arstakh/Armenia. Through the deep grief, messages of love and reassurance were sent to the mothers waiting for their heroes to hopefully return home. Lastly, we wished our National Army strength and prosperous victories with the "Panagi Yerk."

We would like to acknowledge our 5th graders for attending chapel with 100% attendance on most days. When asked why chapel time was important, they had the following to share:

Karmen Akopyan: Chapel is important because we learn about God and Jesus. It is very important to learn about Jesus because he died for us to have a life.

Joseph Asmerian: Chapel is important because it is the only time of the day you get to learn about Jesus and God unless you have Religion class that day.

Emily Ayvazyan: Chapel is important because we can learn about God's word. We learn how He shows His love for us and the world, and I would like to respect that. God is like the almighty warrior who fights for us. God is the Holy Lord of the world. Chapel helps us remember that. ALWAYS!

Sophie Balabanyan: Chapel can be important in many ways, from learning about our religion to singing fun songs. Chapel is also educational.

Andrew Benneian: Chapel is important because it teaches us our history and it teaches us God's ways.

Jason Boustani: Chapel is important because it's Jesus’s house and you sing religious songs and pray.

Valentina Chldrian: Chapel is important because we get to learn more about God and Jesus. We also get to play fun songs with Ms. Alice. Chapel is fun because we learn new things every day.

Sophia-Rose Darakian-Goudjeian: Chapel is important because you learn about Christ, our Savior. We become blessed with His word, and all the gifts and miracles He brings. The joy and love He brings to all is nowhere near the love, joy, and miracles everyone around us brings. He makes us feel grateful for everything we have.

Alec Festekjian: It is important to enter chapel because you learn about God and what He wants us to do.

Chloe Hamalian: Why it is important to go to chapel in the morning? It is important because you learn about God’s word since most churches are not open because of COVID-19. Also, if you don’t come to chapel you will drift away from God.

Zack Hovhannisyan: Chapel is learning about Jesus.

Audreyne Kovacs: I love chapel because of all the interesting stories we can learn about God. Having chapel every day can remind us to pray and love Jesus.

Elisa Krtotyan: Chapel is important because it teaches us about God and how He saved our lives. Also, it teaches us to be kind and respectful to each other.

Ellen Makaryan: Chapel is important because it’s the time of the day when we praise God. It’s especially important now because churches are not open. We all need to learn more about Jesus and the way He sacrificed himself for us.

Colossians 1:18

"He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy."

By my every day God:

Church is not a place

It is a body a family with

Blood ties through Jesus Christ.

David Martirosyan: Chapel is very important because we learn about God’s words. Since today chapels and churches are closed, we want to learn about God because we do not want to be separated from God.

Alex Nazarian: Chapel is important because we learn about God and Jesus

Lori Nazarian: Chapel is important because it teaches us the Lord's way. It teaches us the right way of life. When you enter chapel you enter God’s school.

Mia Sayadian: Chapel is important because we learn about God's ways and how to have the perfect life by following His words of wisdom.

Peter Shanoian: It is very important to learn about God. Therefore, under any circumstances, we should attend chapel.

Olivia Seradarian: Chapel is important because we learn about the word of God and Jesus. It's also important because we learn about Christianity and pray for all blessings.

Narek Ter-Minasian: Chapel is important because it brings us closer to God.

Jacob Yeghishian: Chapel is very important because we need to learn about God. Especially nowadays since most churches are closed, it is very important for everyone to show up at chapel.

Preschool Witnesses Increase in Enrollment

2021 brought us high hopes for better days to come. With this fresh start, our preschool enrollment increased by 13 new students. Currently, the total number of preschool students is 44. "We anticipate 2 more students to join us soon," announced our principal. The maximum preschool capacity due to COVID restrictions is 48.

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