“Just like a mother bird teaches her fledglings to fly, I encourage all of you:
follow your dreams and soar boldly! Don’t slack off, don’t hesitate, and don’t be lazy. Study, work hard, and be brave! Love and let yourself be loved! Appreciate the opportunity to study and work, and seek wisdom…”
…AMAA’s Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian school principal Melania Geghamyan’s farewell message to the seventh generation of the Avedisian School graduates was touching. The graduation ceremony for the 2022-2023 academic year was a unique and special occasion, brimming with love and truly significant moments. Honored guests included representatives from the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), philanthropists, leaders from various Yerevan universities and schools, parents, and most importantly, the alumni.
Mrs. Geghamyan’s message was followed by a video presentation dedicated to the late and generous benefactor of the school, Edward Avedisian. It was impossible to watch the video without being moved by the gentle and kind voice of our dear Ed on the screen. All eyes were on Mrs. Pamela Avedisian, the philanthropist’s widow. In keeping the tradition established by her beloved husband, she “continues to walk in Edward’s footsteps towards Yerevan, to Avedisian School.”
Following the video, AMAA Representative in Armenia, Aren Deyirmenjian, took the stage and offered heartfelt and valuable advice to all the young graduates on the threshold of their adult life.
The keynote speaker, former Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, delivered a message to the graduates. He urged them to cultivate their knowledge to become a source of strength to empower their Motherland in the face of challenges.
Beneath the flags of Armenia and Avedisian School, the graduates received their diplomas amid loud applause. After a “traditional” cap-throwing ceremony, Rev. Hovhannes Hovsepian, senior pastor of the Evangelical Church of Armenia, offered the benediction and the crowded hall joined in. Then, accompanied by all present, the graduates walked out into a rose-adorned schoolyard to release their graduation balloons.
It might appear that the Graduation Ceremony adhered to all the customary “rules”, but the June 12 ceremony was distinct:
– The valedictorians expressed words of gratitude: Nare Bagratunyan delivered hers in eloquent English, while Maria Petrosyan conveyed hers in pure, flawless Armenian.
– The “Paros” chamber choir, led by conductor Raffi Mikayelyan, performed Edward’s favorite melodies in memory of the late Edward Avedisian.
– At the graduation ceremony a group of talented young musicians showcased a remarkable performance. These young musicians are recipients of scholarships from the “Music for Future” cultural foundation, created by honored artist of Armenia, conductor Sergey Smbatyan.
– As always, the host, AMAA’s press secretary Andranik Mardoyan, delivered a powerful speech.
The event reached its pinnacle with the address from the main benefactor of Avedisian School, Mrs. Pamela Avedisian, who is affectionately known as “Dear Pam” among the students. Speaking from her heart in Armenian, she exemplified a remarkable display of love and warmth, unmatched in its brightness and beauty.
“Dear graduates, here’s to your next adventure! We’ve wished you this countless times today. We believe in you. May the sky be clear above you, and may the horizons always remain open and inviting.”
