ASA Graduates a Fine Nine
RADNOR, Pa.—Graduation, by definition, is the conferral of an academic diploma marking the completion of one’s studies, and the Armenian Sisters Academy (ASA) honored this momentous occasion for the eighth grade Class of 2011 with a beautiful ceremony on June 17. Most of these graduates had been together for 11 years, and as graduate Alex Ayrapetyan commented, the Academy had become his “second home and his classmates had become his extended family.”
The Class of 2011 is the first class to graduate under Principal Sister Emma Moussayan’s leadership, and is also the same class she welcomed, nurtured, and taught as young Montessori students. On this occasion, she encouraged them to take what they’ve learned at the Academy and build upon its foundation. “Be your own person, trust your own voice and conscience, and always follow your heart,” she advised.
For these nine graduates, their time at ASA was one of growth in many ways: academic, spiritual, and social. Through the years they’ve become like an NHL hockey team, as Christopher Andonian said, and he gave thanks for his teammates (fellow students), his coaches (the Sisters and teachers), and his fans (parents and family). Whether these students were the first in their family to graduate, or the last of many siblings, each reflected on the impact the Sisters made on their journey through the ASA. Anie Avedissian credited the Sisters with teaching that it’s “choice, not chance, that determines destiny,” while Michael Knudson came to realize that the Sisters were not only teachers and disciplinarians, but also messengers of God preparing them for the next phase of their lives.
Throughout the years, the friendship and bonds formed among these students grew to last a lifetime. As George Ambartsoumian put it, his time at the Academy was akin to a car ride—it was at times an easy drive, and other times one requiring the help of friends to navigate the large bumps. And as the son of a graduate, Armen Ewing expressed how he understood why his mother looked back on her Academy years with fondness.
Many students credited the Academy with providing the skills and background necessary to succeed in high school. Both Davit Stepanyan and Julie Arthin were proud to join the ranks of ASA graduates; Stepanyan credited the Academy as giving him his sense of independence while Arthin felt the challenges she had overcome had given her strength for the next step. When Evan Mazmanian reflected on his Academy experience, he said he only hopes “the rest of the book will be as good as the first chapter.” Each student delivered eloquent bilingual speeches in which they thanked their own families, Sisters, faculty, and the entire Academy family for making their time at the school memorable.
Zareh Zohrabian, an Academy alumnus (1991) and the cousin of graduate Christopher Andonian, gave a commencement address in Armenian as he reflected upon his own ASA graduation with pride. Speaking from experience, he relayed to the graduates, “The tools you’ve gained here will serve you well as you write the rest of your life story.” Zohrabian is an accomplished leader in the aerospace industry and currently serves as senior manager of Networked Tactical ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) for Information Solutions (IS), a division of the Boeing Company’s Network and Space Systems Business. Through his leadership role at Boeing and his desire to help the Academy, Zohrabian secured and presented Boeing Company’s $7,500 charitable donation for the fundraising efforts of the Class of 2011. Sister Emma graciously thanked him for both obtaining a donation from a multi-billion dollar corporation, but most importantly for the example he set for the graduates—showing how they, too, can one day give back to their school and communities. This donation, along with other contributions and a year’s worth of fundraising activities, allowed the Class of 2011 to raise a record-breaking $37,000. The Class of 2011 has chosen to apply these funds to a much-needed renovation of the lower playground for the enjoyment of the younger students.
Vahan Janjigian, the chief investment officer of Greenwich Wealth Management, LLC in Connecticut and editor of the Forbes Special Situation Survey investment newsletter, delivered the commencement speech in English. Having learned from his own experiences, he advised the graduates to live by three principles: Keep your options open, surround yourself with good people, and let God be your guide while utilizing your Christian values.
A new twist this year featured alumnae handing diplomas to their children—in Sibelle Arslanian to her son, Armen, and Liz Mazmanian to her son, Evan. Long live the ASA legacy.
Dr. George Avetian, the chairman of the Board of Directors, closed the program encouraging the graduates to aim high and work hard while following their hearts and their dreams.
We’ll miss you class of 2011, and hope you’ll often come back to visit your home away from home!
