Los Angeles, June 30, 2010 - Rapt in an air of pomp and circumstance, the commencement ceremonies of the 5th Grade (Elementary), 8th Grade (Middle) and 12th Grade (High School) graduates of the Tekeyan Cultural Association Arshag Dickranian School took place on Saturday evening, June 26, 2010, at the school's plush Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall.    
    
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, benefactress Mrs. Eleanor Dickranian, Mrs. Satenic Michaelian, Mr.  & Mrs. Walter Karabian and Drs. Petros & Karine Taglian were amongst the honored guests, who were joined by members of the school board of trustees, faculty and a capacity audience comprised of jubilant parents, relatives and friends.

The processional entry of the three graduating classes was followed by the school choir's rendition of the national anthems of the United States, the Republic of Armenia and the hymn of the Dickranian School.

Janna Taglyan, Esq. (Class of 2001) acted as the Mistress of Ceremony.  Her opening remarks were followed by the presentation of diplomas subsequently given to the 14 students of the 5th Grade by Education Committee Chairperson Arpi Idolor-Avanesian, the 20 students of the 8th Grade by Board Member Diran Depanian, and the 19 graduates of the Class of 2010, handed by Board Chairman George K Mandossian.


The Class of 2010 were:  Cristina Grishikyan, David Haytayan, Sara Jaratanian, David Kazazian, Azatuhi Keshishian, Krystal Kilajian, Elizabeth Megrabyan, Gaspar Melikyan, Levon Mkhsian, Susie Nazlikian, Haik Pambuckchyan, Avedis Sarkisian, Janet Sarkisian, Sarkis Semerdjian, Armen Shishikyan, Ani Taglyan, Annie Tufenkjian, Angela Yerpemian and Emanuela Yesayan.

Valedictorian Emanuela Yesayan, recipient of Mrs. Eleanor Dickranian's coveted $1,000 "Arshag Dickranian Award" and Salutatorian Janet Sarkisian, recipient of the $500 Armenian Educational Foundation 'Arshag Dickranian Memorial Award', presented their
speeches in Armenian and English, reflecting upon their school experiences and memories cumulated since being kindergarten pupils.  

Aside from the awards received by the valedictorian and salutatorians, Board Treasurer Mrs. Angine Garibyan presented monetary prizes in the total amount of $3,000 to winners in various intramural competitions such as recitation, composition, arts and sciences.  The prizes were donated by respective sponsors.

The keynote address was delivered by Benjamin Karabian, Esq. a former Dickranian student, currently serving with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office.  Mr. Karabian congratulated the graduates and parents as well for making the right choice in sending their children to Arshag Dickranian School.  He encouraged the graduates to pursue their goals and dreams. "Do what you were made to do," he said, "Do it well and you undoubtedly will succeed."

The congratulatory message of the School Board of Trustees was delivered by Chairman George K. Mandossian, who apart from addressing the graduates, expressed the Board's appreciation to the faculty and working committees for there yeoman service and to the benefactors for their continued support. Mr. Mandossian then specially acknowledged Mrs. Satenic Michaelian for sponsoring the 'Jirair and Satenic Michaelian Computer Room' in the new wing of the school, the dedication of which was conducted prior to the commencement.

Mr. Vartkes Kourouyan, long time principal of the school, gave his message and bid farewell to the graduates of the Class of 2010, most of who were enrolled as Kindergarten toddlers.  

The program was concluded by His Grace Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian's closing remarks and benediction, after which the graduates, parents and friends all gathered at the school grounds for carousing and picture taking.

Located at 1200 North Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, the TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School is a federally tax exempt, Pre-K to 12th grade private educational institution. For more information visit www.dickranianschool.org.

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