When school becomes like family

I graduated from Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School (AGM) in the year 2000. After graduation, our class traveled to Armenia. From hearing my voice echo in ancient monasteries to singing folk songs for an orphanage, the trip gave me a tangible connection to my Armenian identity. As a parent of two children who attend the school, I have the privilege of walking through this experience with them as they are building their own memories and friendships, much as I once did. I asked my son, Norayr Yemenidjian, who is in fourth grade, how AGM has helped him discover what being Armenian means to him. He said, “Everything. I know more than one language and I have something to celebrate. I love eating Armenian food at AGM. I especially like when we had hadig. I asked my mom if she can make it.” Established in 1986 by Steve and Seta Minassian, AGM is the only Armenian day school in Orange County, California. Operating under the auspices of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, the school grew beyond its educational mission, with community support helping establish a hall and eventually a community center that became an anchor for Orange County’s Armenians. Across the diaspora, Armenian schools play an important role in passing on language, culture and traditions while giving each generation the opportunity to discover their own Armenianness. Ani Geloian, or Oryort Ani, as she is known to her students, is the upper elementary Armenian teacher. As the school celebrates its 40th anniversary, Geloian marks 25 years of teaching at AGM. Her love for the Armenian language, culture and heritage, and her desire to share them with younger generations, first drew her to AGM. “Over the years, what has kept me here is the joy of teaching, and the relationships I have built with my students and their families. Being a part of AGM is being a part of a shared purpose,” Geloian said. Geloian encourages students to connect with these elements by directing several Armenian theater productions. During these performances, students provide family and friends with the opportunity to experience Armenian customs interpreted through their lens. Principal Ani Sarkissian says AGM teachers understand that their role extends beyond delivering the curriculum: “There are moments when a teacher’s greatest impact has nothing to do with a test score or academic achievement. Sometimes it’s sitting beside a child who is having a difficult day, helping a student find their voice or reminding a child who doubts themselves that they are capable of so much more.” Preschool teacher and alumna Anoush Merdjanian emphasizes the importance of building rapport with students early on, creating a safe environment based on trust. Her approach incorporates songs, movement and play-based learning to support students’ academic and social development. Christianity is a cornerstone of instruction at AGM, where students attend weekly religion classes to learn biblical stories and their place in daily life. Once a month, the entire school attends badarak, or holy mass, giving students an opportunity to participate in the rituals and traditions central to the school’s mission. While AGM remains rooted in Armenian language, culture and faith, it has also adapted its curriculum to meet contemporary academic and technological needs. Students use modern assessment tools and Chromebooks, while weekly coding classes introduce them to digital literacy. An AGM alumna, parent and chair of the Parent Support Committee Nora Zaher says the school has been a part of her life for over 30 years. “I don’t think I ever really left,” she said. “It’s incredibly special to be able to give back and help create those same memories for my daughters and experiences for the next generation.” Apo Agopian, a member of the graduating class of 1996, describes AGM as a family. “I just hope that AGM students feel that sense of pride and loyalty that I have come to take away. AGM is only as amazing as the efforts that are put in by the community,” he said. Earlier this year, the community acquired two neighboring properties, raising millions of dollars to secure the school’s expansion and mark the beginning of AGM’s next chapter. The school will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a gala on November 14, honoring those who have contributed to its success. Today, I find myself among peers, parents who, like me, have lived our school’s past and are building its future. This shared commitment is what holds us together and directs our efforts to see AGM flourish. The AGM effect is palpable. I feel it every time I walk onto its campus, attend the many events that showcase our Armenian heritage, and see the ways the school teaches hope and perseverance to our children.

When school becomes like family

An AGM alumna and parent reflects on four decades of Armenian education and the community that shaped her family

This story is FREE for you...

Melineh Yemenidjian

This story is FREE for you...

Melineh Yemenidjian

Related Articles

Armenian cinema in focus in New York City

AMA begins exterior renovation on Main Street

ARF Youth raises Artsakh ethnic cleansing, hostage issues at IUSY meeting in Beirut

Vahakn Dadrian’s digital archive launches Nov. 15