St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES), New England’s only Armenian Elementary school, announced that Principal Houry Boyamian M.Ed., is planning to retire from her position after 34 years of service.
During her tenure, Boyamian was recognized for achievements including:
- Leading the accreditation of SSAES by the Association of Independent Schools in New England in 2003.
- Introducing the STEM Initiative in 2011, aimed at supporting a deep and sustainable culture of inquiry-based teaching and learning that excites and inspires students.
- Fundraising and overseeing for three consecutive expansions of the physical plant between 1998 and 2012.
- Sending off 18 graduating class trips to Armenia.
“We are profoundly grateful to Houry for her years of dedication to the importance and the mission of Armenian education,” said Archpriest Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church and sponsor of SSAES. “I know I speak on behalf of the entire community when I say we cannot thank her enough. She built a solid foundation for our school and community that ensures that future generations can benefit from a superior bilingual Armenian and American education.”
Michael Guzelian, chair of the board of directors of SSAES, echoed Fr. Antranig: “Houry’s service to the community is immeasurable. Her commitment to the school over the years has been second to none.”
Boyamian had words of acknowledgment and praise for the people she served with. “I feel blessed having been part of a wonderful school community,” she said. “I cherish my years at St. Stephen’s; they have been the most fulfilling and rewarding years of my life.” You can read her letter to the community here.
A search committee, chaired by Guzelian, has been formed to help SSAES find its next leader, with recruitment beginning immediately. Mrs. Boyamian will stay in her current role until a successor is found and she will provide support during a transition period.
Established in 1984, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School is dedicated to educational excellence in an environment rich in Armenian culture. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, it is the only Armenian Elementary school in New England, and is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England. Accreditation by AISNE provides quality assurance that a school is meeting rigorous standards in all aspects of its operations and that it is operating in alignment with its mission.