For Immediate Release
TCA ARSHAG DICKRANIAN ARMENIAN SCHOOL
1200 CAHUENGA BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90038

TCA Arshag Dickranian School Holds Its 31st Christmas Program

Los Angeles, December 30, 2011 - The Tekeyan Cultural Association Arshag Dickranian School held its 31st Christmas Program on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the school's Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall. Following its tradition, the school held this event prior to the Christmas vacation thus giving parents, students, faculty members, friends and guests the opportunity to celebrate the Yule Holidays together.

The program was jointly organized by Pre-Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Madlena Marikyan, Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Anahid Avanessian and her assistant Mrs. Tamara Nahapetyan, Armenian teacher Mrs. Emma Umroyan, Music teacher Mr. Komitas Keshishyan and Dance teacher Mr. Robert Arakelian.

1st grade students Katrina Kourouyan and Gevork Nalbandyan welcoming guests

The event comprised of students ranging from pre-kindergarten through 11th grade, performing in a medley of stage presentations and dances, interjected by recitations and Christmas carols sung by the school choir. The program began with the welcoming and humorous remarks of 1st grade students Katrina Kourouyan and Gevork Nalbandyan, much to the delight of the audience. Next, students from the 4th, 5th and 6th grades enacted various scenes of the way of life in Bethlehem around the time before the birth of Jesus. Then, 3rd grade student Hamlet Oganesyan gave the tidings of Jesus' birth and the program took a more festive turn.

Kindergarten students dancing to "Silent Night"

The Pre-Kindergartners took the stage and performed a Christmas Broadway dance wearing shiny hats, followed by recitations of Christmas poems in Armenian, after which the Kindergartners danced to the famous Christmas song "Silent Night." A series of Christmas carols performed by the school choir, and medleys and dances were then performed by students ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grades, the theme of which was "to give rather than receive." Next came an exquisite performance by 10th and 11th grade students who danced an Armenian folk dance to the delightful voice of soloist and 2010 school alumna Ani Nercessian.

10th and 11th grade students performing Armenian folk dance with 2010 school alumna and soloist Ani Nercessian

Near the end, 12th grader Morris Sarafyan made an imposing entrance garbed as Santa cheering the crown and extending his warm wishes of a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Students then circled him and danced to the tune "Eem Anoonne Hayastan Eh", while parents cheered to the brilliant performances of their children.

Principal Vartkes Kourouyan delivered the closing remarks by thanking all the hands involved in  the preparation and production of this joyful  event, giving guests, faculty, students and teachers his best Holiday wishes and inviting guests to socialize and enjoy an assortment of cookies and coffee which was served by the PTO at the end of the event.

Founded in 1981, The TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School is a Pre-K through grade 12 co-educational facility which serves the Armenian community at large. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has federal tax exemption status. For more information visit www.dickranianschool.org.