October 17, 2018

Written By: Anaiis Avanesian

During the month of September, Armenians all over the world celebrated the Independence Day of our motherland. The faculty, staff, students, and families of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in the San Fernando Valley were no exception.

On Saturday, September 22, 2018 students from pre-school to high school participated in assemblies dedicated to the occasion. Speeches, dances, songs, recitals and more filled the Agajanian Auditorium with true Armenian spirit. The high school junior class shared accounts of their summer trip to the homeland along with a video that captured their wonderful adventures. The third graders recited the poem “Eem Kail,” by the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. The school posted a video of the recital on their Facebook page which has now garnered over 12,000 views and been shared hundreds of times!

A week later the school held their Armenian Independence Celebration on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Held in the evening on school grounds, this annual event has become a tradition for the AGBU MDS families who look forward to coming together each year to celebrate not only Armenia’s Independence but also our beautiful culture and heritage.

This year’s sold out event, called “Yerevan Nights,” was organized by parent committee, Hye Vokee, who champion Armenian pride and spirit throughout the school, year round. Market lights, miniature pomegranate tree centerpieces, and the colors of our flag at every turn created a spectacular atmosphere perfect for a celebration. MCed by Armenian Department Chair, Mr. Hratch Sepetjian, this year’s event featured dance performances by the third and second-grade classes as well as some of our middle and high school students, musical performances by the Glee Club, and was DJed by members of our senior class. The evening also featured a traditional Zurni Duhol group and Armenian singer Joseph Krikorian. Administration, teachers, parents, and student alike ate, laughed, and danced the night away enjoying each other’s company and the relaxed environment.

AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School is committed to developing individuals who are knowledgeable of their Armenian language, literature, and history, appreciate their Armenian culture, value their Armenian-American identity, and contribute to the Armenian community and their homeland. As we celebrated Armenia’s 27th year of Independence, we look forward to the future in hopes that Armenia’s flame will only burn brighter. Long live a free and independent Armenia!