HMADS Back to School: A Month Packed with Activities

By Janet Marcarian

September is a month filled with new beginnings and anticipation. HMADS in Bayside, Queens, is like any other private school, where the staff prepares and waits to embrace its new and current students. On opening day, one can feel the excitement, the emotions, and most of all the genuine care coming from all directions.

HAMDS Cuts the 45th Anniversary Cake_Sept 7 2011 — HAMDS Cuts 45th Anniversary Cake on Sept 7.

Fr. Bedros Kadehjian and the school’s Board members joined the principal, Zarminé Boghosian, as she welcomed the students, faculty, parents, and guests for another academic year. The school will be celebrating its 45^th anniversary this academic year, a true honor to its supporters who believed in its unique mission. HMADS has long held high academic standards—the logo should perhaps read, “Strive for your utmost at all times!”—and has taught Armenian history and culture to its students every day. The Class of 2012 had the privilege to blow the candle representing 45 HMADS years, and made a wish for another 45 years.

After two weeks of instructions, HMADS students were ready to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence on Sept. 21. Students, faculty, and parents gathered around with one purpose in mind—to rejoice and express their pride to the world. Some students wore the colors of the Armenian flag, and the sun, blue sky, and soft wind joined them in celebratory mood. Gathered on the church plaza, everyone sang the American and Armenian national anthems, which was followed by a prayer led by Fr. Kadehjian. Forty-five colorful balloons were then released, with wishes for the continued success of the school. It was quite a sight.

A short program followed packed with recitations, songs, and a skit about government elections, told through a fable. All of the presented material was new, speaking to the dedication of the students and staff, and the festivities continued with the planting—as a symbol of nurture, growth, and results—of 20 plants in honor of Armenia’s independence.

On Thurs., Sept. 22, the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders were invited to Battery Park in Manhattan to greet Armenian President Serge Sarkisian. Led by Principal Boghosian and a few parents, the students carried the U.S. and Armenian flags and a large sign welcoming the president. The children sang and chanted phrases showcasing their joy and honor. They were also able to see other dignitaries, such as Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian, Ambassadors Tatoul Markarian and Garen Nazarian, and NECO Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy, as well as several Armenian Ellis Island medalists.

What fascinating and educationally challenging and enriching programs will come next? Tune in for more events as the school celebrates its 45^th anniversary in May, and its 30^th graduation in June.

For more information, visit www.hmads.org.