RIDGEFIELD, N.J.—On Sun., Oct. 3, the Sts. Vartanantz Nareg Saturday Armenian School celebrated its 50th anniversary under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. The celebratory banquet was presided by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, vicar general of the Eastern Prelacy.
Since 1960, when Nareg School opened its doors to 41 students, it has enriched the lives of more than 5,000 students. Maro Demirdjian, the chair of the Nareg School Board, opened the program, welcoming the audience and talking about the current state of the school. She proudly announced the implementation of the official Nareg School anthem—“Kaylerk Nareg Shapatorya Varjarani”—which was recently composed (music and lyrics) by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, the pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church.
Banquet attendees witnessed a beautiful program of musical selections and recitals, as well as meaningful participation from graduates of the school who delivered their heartfelt messages. Graduates Stephanie Mangioglu and Niree Kaprielian sang the American and Armenian national anthems. And Raffi Charkhutian, a graduate who serves as a sub deacon at Sts. Vartanantz and volunteers at the Armenian Radio Program, served as master of ceremonies. Charkhutian was also instrumental in preparing a slideshow presentation of 50 years of photos, which allowed guests to reminisce about earlier days.
The program also highlighted the achievements of the school through messages from alumni Antranig Kasbarian, Nvair Kadian Beylerian, and Tamar Samuelian. All participating graduates continue to be active and loyal members of the Armenian community and church.
Former principal Yester Garabedian then provided an intriguing historical overview of the school, and two graduates from 2010, Siran Tchorbajian (vocal) and Ani Mouradian (piano), performed two beautiful musical selections. Prior to the conclusion of the program, the newly appointed principal, Knar Apkarian, addressed the audience. As a highly qualified teacher at the school for years, Apkarian has long held the respect of the students and parents.
At the conclusion of the program, Rev. Bozoian delivered a message of appreciation and His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian delivered remarks congratulating the school for its efforts on behalf of Armenian education.
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