For all the challenges posed by the pandemic, in June St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) successfully completed its 37th academic year. The kindergarten graduation ceremony was held on June 17, while elementary school had its ceremony on June 18. Due to the State Health and Safety Regulations, only the parents of the graduates were invited to the ceremonies, which were held in the Hovnanian Hall of the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC).
Both kindergarten and fifth grade students recited poems and offered an Armenian Dance performance. In addition to it, kindergarten students presented a short play, while the elementary students read their farewells.
In her remarks, Principal Houry Boyamian announced that in addition to completing fully the curriculum in each grade, the school was able to conduct many extracurricular activities. The pandemic did not prevent virtual celebrations of Armenian Culture Day, Vartanants Day, May 28, a commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, two talent shows, a State of the School Address, a visit to the Armenian Museum of America, guests authors, alumni roundtables, and a one-week virtual trip to Armenia for fifth graders.
As for next year, Principal Boyamian announced that the enrollment numbers will be much higher, with the addition of many new students. She concluded her remarks by expressing her profound gratitude to the teaching and administrative staff, to the School Board, the Education, Health and Technology committees, as well as to Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian and the St. Stephen’s Church Board of Trustees. She thanked the parents for their encouragement and unwavering support in this most challenging year.
In his remarks, Fr. Antranig expressed his appreciation to the administration and faculty for their dedication and effort, in providing an excellent education to all students. Then Fr. Antranig and Principal Boyamian presented the diplomas and the awards to the graduates.
