Pasadena’s St. Gregory A&M Hovsepian School visits the East Coast
This spring, seventh and eighth grade students from Pasadena’s St. Gregory A&M Hovsepian School embarked on a remarkable educational journey along the East Coast, deepening their understanding of both Armenian identity and American history. From Boston to New York City, Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., the group explored some of America’s most iconic landmarks while building bridges across generations, geographies and communities.
Led by their dedicated principal, Shahe Mankerian, and athletic director and sixth grade homeroom teacher Sako Karaoghlanian, the group toured major cultural and educational landmarks with the goal of broadening students’ horizons and deepening their sense of identity and opportunity.
Boston
In Boston, the students first visited the Armenian Museum of America, where they were offered powerful insights into Armenian heritage and history. The students also visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, explored the Freedom Trail and Boston Common, and reflected at Armenian Heritage Park before gathering for a delicious dinner at Quincy Market.
Among the highlights of the Boston trip was a visit to Harvard University, where I had the privilege of meeting the students and their families, alongside Lisa Gulesserian. Gulsesserian is the Preceptor on Armenian at Harvard, where she teaches courses on Armenian language and culture. As an Armenian and a Harvard Law School graduate, it was deeply meaningful for me to share my journey and answer their thoughtful questions about college, law and life on the East Coast. Having grown up in California and later moved out East to pursue both undergraduate and graduate studies, I appreciated that Hovsepian School was providing other Armenian Californians this kind of exposure at a young age.
It was incredibly special to connect with these young Armenian students—many of whom reminded me of myself just a few years ago. Seeing their eyes light up as they walked through Harvard Yard, hearing their excitement about their futures and witnessing their curiosity firsthand was nothing short of inspiring.
New York
The trip continued with a visit to New York, where students had the opportunity to further connect with their Armenian roots through a visit to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. The students also experienced the vibrancy of America’s largest city, visiting iconic landmarks such as the New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The day ended with sweeping views from the Empire State Building, the buzz of Times Square and a classic meal at Katz’s Deli—a true NYC experience!
Philadelphia
The next stop was Philadelphia, where students engaged deeply with the founding ideals of American democracy. The group visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. A solemn moment came at the Armenian Genocide monument, where students honored their ancestors and reflected on the ongoing importance of remembrance and justice.
The group also explored the National Constitution Center, deepening their understanding of civic matters, and enjoyed the city’s signature Geno’s and Pat’s cheesesteaks.
Washington, D.C.
The final stop on the trip was Washington D.C.—the nation’s capital. Students visited Mount Vernon, exploring George Washington’s estate and learning about his legacy. The trip continued with visits to presidential memorials (Lincoln, Jefferson, FDR, Eisenhower, Washington Monument) and war memorials (Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, U.S. Marine Corps War).
The group also visited other memorials of influential historical figures, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Albert Einstein Memorial.
Conclusion
The trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about creating bridges: between coasts, between generations and within our shared Armenian heritage. I’m so grateful to have been a small part of their journey, and I have no doubt that many of those students will one day return to the East Coast—not just as visitors, but as future scholars and leaders.
