St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School Holds 2015 Graduation Ceremonies

WATERTOWN, Mass.—St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) successfully completed its 31th academic year in June. The Graduation Ceremonies were held on June 18 (Kindergarten) and June 19 (Elementary).

2015 graduates with Principal Houry Boyamian, Fr. Antranig Baljian and Mrs Ardemis Megerdichian

On both days, in her remarks, school principal Houry Boyamian focused on the school’s new initiatives and achievements. The new initiatives include the introduction of the Junior First Lego League as an after school enrichment program. The Lego program features a real-world challenge, to be explored through research, critical thinking, and the use of imagination. She also mentioned the participation of a group of Grades 1-5 students in the International Math Competition called Math Kangaroo, in which two St. Stephen’s students scored outstanding results on state and national level. She also spoke about the week-long Commemoration of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide that had age appropriate activities and events involving the elementary students.

As for achievements, Boyamian highlighted STEM Week, which continues to engage and inspire the students in science, technology, engineering and math; the scores of the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills administered in Grades 2 and 4 that continue to be in the top 20 percent nationwide in reading and math; and the 12th Annual Graduation Class Trip to Armenia.

2015 Graduation Day — Kindergarten graduates with Mrs. Joubanian, Principal Boyamian, Fr. Aljalian, Fr. Baljalian and Mrs. Changelian

Boyamian noted that on their return from Armenia, the fifth graders shared their impressions with the rest of the school and a very special guest. In fact, on June 1, students, teachers, and the school board welcomed His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia on school grounds. After having breakfast with the students, His Holiness visited each classroom and enjoyed interacting with the students. June 1 was a memorable day for the students.

Boyamian thanked the faculty, the administrative staff, the PTO, the parent volunteers, the school board and committees, the St. Stephen’s Church board of trustees, Rev. Fr. Archpriest Antranig Baljian, as well as all the organizations and individuals that contribute to the advancement of the school.

On June 18, Boyamian honored two educators, Tirouhi Bazarbashian and Vilma Cimenian, with the silver logo of the school for their 10 year dedicated service in the preschool.

This year, the Kindergarten and Elementary Graduation programs were dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The students presented the theme with poetry recital, dance, and chorale songs. The elementary program was prepared by Ardemis Megerdichian, the Armenian language teacher for grades 1-5.

On both days, Archpriest Antranig Baljian expressed his appreciation to the administration and faculty for their dedication and effort.

On June 18, 14 students graduated from Kindergarten. They are: Gabriel Aljalian, Mane Arzunyan, Armen Barsoumian, Madeline Cinar, Sona Ficicyan, Garo Gebeyan, Sona Haroutunian, Carina Kalajian, Sophia Karamousayan, Gabriel Kioumejian, William Manguikian, Patil Mardiros, and Ava Soghomonian.

On June 20, 10 students graduated from Elementary School. They are: Talar Panossian, Nareg Minassian, Rose Tinkjian, Nathan Kefeyan, Ani Belorian and Narine Mahserejian

Awards 2015

I- Awards for Excellence in Armenian Studies – Grade 5

Prelacy Award: Talar Panossian, Nareg Minassian, Rose Tinkjian, Nathan Kefeyan, Ani Belorian, and Narine Mahserejian

Armenian Relief Society Award: Andrew Sarkissian

II- President’s Education Award – Grade 5

Presidential Award for Academic Excellence: Nareg Minassian and Rose Tinkjian

Presidential Award for Academic Achievement: Ani Belorian and Nathan Kefeyan

III- American Citizenship Award – Grade 5: Rose Tinkjian

IV-Awards for Special Strengths (Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Writing, Technology, etc. – Grade 5

Writing Composition: Narine Mahserejian

Math: Talar Panossian

VI-Nishan and Arshalouys Najarian Scholarship Fund for Music and Art: ($200 each) (Grade 4)

Art: Vana Karaguzian

Music: Chris Ashjian

VII- Anahid Kazazian Scholarship for Excellence in Armenian Studies ($100 each)

Alique Stepanian (Gr. 4)

Gregory Tinkjian (Gr. 3)

V- ARS Essay Contest

Grade 4

1st Place: Sevana Stepanian

2nd Place: Chris Ashjian

3rd Place: Alique Stepanian

1st Place (English): Taline Antoine

Grade 5

1st Place: Narine Mahserejian and Nathan Kefeyan

2nd Place: Rose Tinkjian and Ani Belorian

3rd Place: Talar Panossian and Nareg Minassian

The purpose of the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence is to recognize the academic success of students who have excelled in their studies and who have earned high scores in the Standardized Tests. The purpose of the Presidential Award for Educational Achievement award is to reward students who work hard and give their best effort in school. The American Citizenship Award Recognizes students who show a positive attitude toward classmates, school and community; display an understanding and appreciation of civic responsibility, and possess strength of character and the courage to do what is right.