HMADS Commemorates Centennial

A Cosmos of Enlightenment and Sheer Inspiration

By Janet Marcarian

OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y.—This year, Armenians around the world solemnly remembered the great tragedy that befell our people in 1915. The Centennial was commemorated in various religious and cultural observances in every corner of the world. The Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) stands as the monument of inspiration and guiding light to the continuation of the legacy of all who perished during the genocide. With that in mind, an exciting and innovative idea came to fruition after 6 months of preparation.

The youngest HMADS students at the Wall of Fame

HMADS principal Zarminé Boghosian had been contemplating creating something unique and challenging. This is how parents, former parents, and teachers were called upon to form a committee. The culmination of their efforts was exhibited on April 23 at Kalustyan Hall. The auditorium was transformed into a little cosmos of enlightenment and confirmation that we, as a nation, have persevered and are here in full glory.

The Hall of Fame (Famous Armenian Americans of Survivors of the Genocide) stood as a reminder of the intellectual power of our forbearers and their quest to overcome all barriers. Here “they” stood, representatives of all fields and genre of life—scientists, musicians, writers, entertainers, athletes, inventors, businessmen, artists, politicians, military and clergyman reiterating the obvious: “We are here to stay!” and “The pain of yesterday is the strength of today!”

All of this excitement resonated in the students’ faces and brought pride and exuberance to their eyes. With the

HMADS students and parents marching to Times Square on April 26

energy and zestfulness that only children can demonstrate, the students immersed themselves in the following art center displays: tracing khachkars, sculpting pomegranates, coloring manuscripts, and admiring dolls wearing colorful Armenian costumes and the intricate way of rug weaving. So much talent and determination to succeed was represented by the artists Irene Vandian, Christina Vandian, the versatile Sylva Knadjian with her Armenian dolls presentation, the skillful rug-weaving expert Haiko, and the leaders of the manuscript/calligraphy workshop center, the impeccable Victoria Yekhpairian and Janet Marcarian.

HMADS students also attended the canonization of 1.5 million Martyrs at the church auditorium. This reaffirmed the important role of our faith for many years to come. The true beneficiaries of the exhibit were the students of HMADS, as this was their point of origin, power, and infinite source of knowledge.

April 23, 2015, will be imprinted in many ways in the minds of visitors, parents, and most of all the students. It showed everyone, including our venerable Martyrs, that their blood was not shed in vain. Their enormous intelligence, gifts, and talents were resurrected in the souls of all past, present, and future generations. Let us embrace each other, because the Armenian Renaissance (Rebirth) began 100 years ago and will continue for posterity.