HMADS Students Participate in 28th Commencement

By Sophia Antonelli

OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y.—June 18 marked yet another milestone for students at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) at the 28th annual commencement. The evening held an array of emotions for the graduates, their families, and the faculty. Principal Zarminé Boghosian opened the ceremony after the graduates made a soulful entrance to “Pomp and Circumstance,” under direction from choir director Anahid Boghossian and pianist Nevart Zeronian. Boghosian reminded the graduates that they are leaving HMADS with not only a strong academic background, but also a strong moral background rooted in respect. She told the six graduates—Deborah Agopian, Andre Der Artinian, Kristina Gomez-Shnorhokian, Diana Haroutunian, Anoush Minassian, and Natalie Vantian—that their names are a direct reflection of themselves and their character, their families, and their alma mater.

Alumnus speaker, Nazareth Markarian Esq. of the Class of 1996 (and a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law), further elaborated on Boghosian’s message, stating that his education at HMADS not only made him a more well-rounded person, but also “a better Armenian” and ambassador of Armenian culture. He encouraged the graduates to remain active in their community as they continue their education in secular, non-Armenian schools.

In following with tradition, the Class of 2010, under the careful direction of their proud teacher Janet Marcarian, presented a series of Armenian and English poems, followed by a “thank you song” to their parents. The Armenian portion of the program under the supervision of Houri Ghougassian was dedicated to three intellectuals: Hovhannes Toumanian, as “poet of All Armenians,” Daniel Varoujan, to remember the martyred intellectuals of the genocide, and Khatchig Dashdents, to celebrate his centennial.

The graduates then received their well-deserved diplomas. A special addition to the evening included the presence of New York Senator Frank Padavan, who offered congratulatory words for the graduates and praise for the Armenian community. The audience appreciated the humor with which Padavan delivered his words, even mentioning that he was thinking of changing his name to Padavanian.

The Holy Martyrs community was pleased to have Adrienne Alexanian, the recipient of the 2010 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, as this year’s guest speaker. She is a former teacher and has held positions in the executive committees of Armenian Church youth organizations. She has organized numerous workshops, and initiated and chaired the commemoration of the 1700th anniversary of Armenia’s adoption of Christianity at the United Nations. Her dedication, she said, is in honor of her parents, Edward and Grace Alexanian. Her message to the graduates focused on the importance of volunteering and remaining active members of the Armenian Church and larger community. 

Boghosian then acknowledged Fathers’ Day and honored the HMADS Father of the Year, Siragan Varolian, for his selfless service to the school through his involvement with the Friends of HMADS Fundraising Committee. Boghosian told the incredible story of his upbringing in a Turkish home, only to discover at age 13 that he was Armenian! 

Boghosian presented Special HMADS Certificates to Hagop Yegnukian, who attended the school up to the fifth grade and moved to Armenia last summer with his family; and to Christina Vandian for her outstanding contributions in the field of arts (high school level).

Very Rev. Fr. Vazken Karayan, the pastor of the Holy Cross Armenian Church of Union City, N.J., offered the final benediction to the graduates—which included his niece—and their families.