Visit Manoogian School’s Web Site: www.manoogian.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSouthfield, MIPermit No. 314

A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School22001 Northwestern HighwaySouthfield, Michigan 48075

All-School Program

A capacity crowd numbering over eight hundred filled the Cultural Hall at St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI for the annual A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School year-end program. The walls were reverberating with the sounds of ethnic and patriotic songs. Elementary students sang the American and Armenian national anthems, the AGBU anthem and the Manoogian school song, as well as contemporary songs from Armenia. Students in exquisite ethnic costumes performed traditional Armenian dances to the thunderous applause of an appreciative audience. Kudos to choreographers Mrs. Nayiri Karapetian and Miss Lara Zanazanian for their tireless efforts in teaching and promoting Armenian dance. Congratulations also to the music teacher, Mr. Harry Hovakimian, for conducting the elementary choir and preparing the junior and senior group of violinists. Thanks also to the Armenian teachers who diligently taught and rehearsed all the songs in the program. Principals Ms. Dyana Kezelian and Dr. Hosep Torossian congratulated the students and teachers and announced the names of the major donor organizations to the school. They are the A.G.B.U. Special Projects Group, which raised $110,000 through its annual Golf Day outing, the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul ($10,000), the Parent Teacher Organization ($20,000) the Detroit Armenian Women’s Club ($1,000) and the Daughters of Vartan ($500).

Southfield, Michigan A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian SchoolJune 2012

Three students from the A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School earned ACT scores of 30 or higher this year, a feat accomplished by just 7 percent of those that take the test, according to the testing company.

Two students, Ari Sagherian and Raha Richardson, received scores of 33 on the test, and one student, Lilit Kazazian, scored a 34.

High School Principal, Dr. Hosep

Torossian, said the school did more than ever this year to help prepare students with after-school practice sessions targeted to different subject areas of the test. The school also administered a practice test in January that got students familiar with the test’s length and format. The additional instruction may have contributed to the exceptional scores of these three students, Dr. Torossian said, but scores also improved overall among the rest of the of the students taking the test.

National AccoladesAccording to the U.S. News & World Report Magazine, the A.G.B.U.

Alex and Marie Manoogian High School earned a bronze medal along with only 22% of all high schools in the nation. This was the national ranking out of nearly 22,000 public and charter high schools in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The award was based on proficiency standards and how well students are prepared for college. This was sponsored by the Dell computer company.

Academic Champion!On February 7, 2012, the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School was

named a Charter School State Academic Champion by Bridge Magazine in the Fourth Grade Math and Reading bracket. Elementary and Middle School principal, Ms. Dyana Kezelian commented, “The school was one of only twenty three charter schools in the state to receive this honor, reaffirming our dedication to exceptional education, as well as the outstanding performance of our students, teachers, and administrators. I am immensely proud of our faculty, staff, and most of all, our students. We are also grateful to our parents and others in the community who support our students and school.”

Tavit statue, we made our way to the Khor Virap (“Deep Pit”) church in the picturesque Ararat Valley. As the birthplace of Armenian Christianity, descending down the holy site left a profound impression. Noravank, a monastery high in the mountains, was the next historical marvel we had the chance to visit. Finally, we arrived at the city of Jermuk, famous for its healing waters, climbed a waterfall there, and settled at the sanatorium where we would be staying for the night.

Tuesday the 31st was the day we would remember as the most breathtaking example of the exquisite Armenian nature. Taking the longest air tram in the world to the historic Datev monastery, we gazed in wonder at the snow-capped peaks of Syunik, glowing against the deep green mountains and just-blossoming trees. We could see for ourselves the place where, as the story goes, the Mongol invaders threw thousands of Armenian inhabitants off the cliffs and destroyed over ten thousand manuscripts. Despite its brutal history, it seemed as though this place — which literally means “given wings” — was paradise on Earth. Before returning to Yerevan, we stopped at Areni, the wine-making region of Armenia, and enjoyed a wonderful shish kabob dinner directly beneath the cave where the oldest leather shoe in the world (from 3000 BC) was found. On our way back to the hotel, we were fortunate enough to witness the glory of Mount Ararat at its best, and stopped to take a once-in-a-lifetime group picture.

On Wednesday, May 1st, we travelled to Tsaghgadzor, Armenia’s ski resort, where we had a pleasant ride on a ski lift and visited another ancient church. Then came the sight we had longed for during the entire trip: the legendary

Lake Sevan. Hiking up to the church near the lake, we were treated with a lovely landscape. After having dinner, we participated in the traditional foot-soaking

contest to see who could withstand the lake’s fierce coldness the longest. A few of our girls were even brave enough to take a dip in the freezing waters!

Before we knew it, it was the last day of our hectic expedition. On Thursday morning, we went to the grave of the creator of the alphabet, Saint Mesrob Mashdots, and to the centuries-old church built in his name there. At Oshakan, we had a particularly fun time climbing up the giant letters and having a photo session. We had the remainder of the day to do last-minute shopping, and a farewell dinner brought the trip to an end. Early the next morning was our departure to Paris, and from there to Detroit.

On behalf of all the participants of the 2012 Armenia Trip, an enormous thank you to our donors, whose generosity has made this incredible dream a reality. Our gratitude extends to the organizers of the trip and our chaperones as well, for making sure every part of our experience was safe and smooth. Words are not enough to describe the impression these ten days have left on our entire lives. The memories of our beautiful journey will continue to implore us to return.

continued from the previous page

Khor Virap Monastery

David of Sasoun Monument

Armenia Trip 2012

Achievements

9133.ManoogianVoiceJuneFinal.indd 1-2 6/7/12 5:07 PM

The A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School held its annual commencement ceremonies on Monday, June 4, 2012. This year featured the largest graduating class in the school’s illustrious 43 year history, with 40 graduates receiving diplomas. Head teacher, Mrs. Judy Kadri, opened the festivities, reminding the graduates to always remain a part of the extended Manoogian School family.

High school principal, Dr. Hosep Torossian, expanded on the school’s achievements during this academic year and invoked the memory of the school’s founders. He introduced the Chairman of the Manoogian Board of Education, Dr. Richard Marburger, who thanked the administration, faculty, students, parents, and community organizations for making the school such a unique and special place.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Dickran Kurjian, himself a product of the first graduating class of 1978 and whose wife and classmate, Mona, and two sons, Alec and Vartan, also graduated from the school. Mr. Kurjian is a financial advisor who urged the graduates to persevere during difficult economic times and to keep up with

new data and information in their professions in this ever-changing world. He commented that all Manoogian graduates carry a piece of Alex and Marie Manoogian with them.

Mrs. Paulette Apkarian, the choir director, accompanied the high school Manoogian singers in a musical interlude that featured two songs: “Jan Yerevan” and “I’ll Be There.”

Special awards were given to Harutyun Gevorgyan, valedictorian, Ani Karibian, salutatorian, Rafael Gharibyan and Sevan Markosian for the Armenian Genocide essay contest and Sandra Alias for student leadership.

All awards were in the amount of $1,000.

Then, with bated breath, each graduating senior rose to the stage as Mrs. Kadri read their names and commented on their achievements, while Dr. Torossian proudly handed them their diplomas.

A capacity crowd of more than 800 people who had filled the Cultural Hall at St. John Armenian Church went home with memories that will last a lifetime.

By Lilit KazazianFrom our first “ayp-pen-kims” in pre-school to our

historical and political studies as upperclassmen, all of us, as students of the Manoogian School, grow and learn in the spirit of the Armenian language and culture. In this nurturing and tightly-knit environment, even non-Armenians can hardly escape feeling Armenian after a while. We begin to know Armenia not just as the small country on the map of Asia Minor, but as our second home, Hayastan. Imagine our excitement when, after years of dreaming of this ancient, faraway land, we found ourselves boarding the plane to go there.

Thirty anxious juniors and seniors, accompanied by high school principal, Dr. Hosep Torossian, and Armenian teachers, Mrs. Anahit Toumajan and Mr. Sebouh Avedikian, embarked on this long-awaited voyage to the Armenian motherland on April 25. After a long flight, our group finally caught a glimpse of Ararat through the plane window on the evening of April 26. Starting with our two a.m. shawarma feast, we knew every second would be something to remember.

On our first full day, we stopped at the Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia) monument and walked around the nearby park, enjoying a sunny day and a magnificent view of the city. Our next landmark was the awe-inspiring Dzidzernagapert, the Armenian Genocide Memorial where nearly a million people had laid flowers for the

commemoration three days earlier. Later, we had a traditional, Armenian-style meal, with delectable fish and plenty of laughter to go around. After lunch, we paid a visit to the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral and the AGBU headquarters, where we competed in teams in a mini Armenian quiz bowl. The eventful day was closed with a program at the AGBU Nork School for talented youth. One of the most memorable moments was dancing alongside the kids after their performance, making friends with the natives and a group of Armenian students from France.

On Saturday the 28th, our dense travel schedule continued with a visit to the Geghart monastery and Garni pagan temple. The mountainous scenery was unlike anything any of us had ever witnessed, and the sujukh and bread we bought were unlike anything we had ever tasted! In the serenity of the monastery, carved out of the mountain itself, we listened to a small choir sing a holy melody. We were allotted the rest of the day to do some much-needed shopping at the popular Vernisage market in Yerevan, before attending an unforgettable concert of the Armenian National Dance Ensemble in the evening.

The holy city of Etchmiadzin was our main destination on Sunday, the 29th. As well as visiting the Saint Gayane and Hripsime churches, we attended mass at the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral. As the church is the very spiritual center of all Armenians, this was a momentous experience. It was likewise significant for our group to pay our respects to the grave of Alex and Marie Manoogian, who are the only secular people to be buried on the holy grounds. We visited the museum he had built, and then headed towards the Sardarabad memorial. After climbing up and down the steps of the immense structure, having a nice photo shoot, and viewing the museum, we were ready to retire to our hotel rooms and prepare for the following day.

On Monday the 30th, after a short stop at the Sasountsi

Elementary and Middle SchoolThe 5th grade and 8th grade certificate ceremony took place on Monday,

June 11, 2012, in the High School Auditorium. Twenty-five fifth graders and twenty-nine eighth graders received certificates, enabling them to enter Middle School and High School this coming September. Principal, Ms. Dyana Kezelian, gave her welcoming address, mentioning how she had seen the students and even some of their parents attend the school and grow up before her very eyes. The students engaged in a humorous year in review, which was followed by a fine performance of the Middle School Manoogian Stars, who performed two songs: “Azk Parabants” and “Firework,” under the direction of choir director, Mrs. Paulette Apkarian. Then head teacher, Mrs. Sonia Kalfayan, addressed her current and former students, imploring them to continue the effort and success they have enjoyed in Elementary and Middle School. As the school year was drawing to a close, everyone went home in a festive mood, eager to enjoy the long summer vacation and ready to meet the new challenges awaiting them in the next academic year.

Kindergarten Graduation

The Kindergarten Graduation took place on Thursday, June 7, 2012, in the High School Auditorium. An overwhelming crowd of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion for 22 kindergarten graduates. Principal, Ms. Dyana Kezelian, addressed the audience and handed out the diplomas. The kindergarten sang several songs in Armenian and English and “prophesized” on their future careers. A grand time was had by all.

CoMMEnCEMEnT – Class of 2012Armenia Trip 2012

Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral continued on the next page

9133.ManoogianVoiceJuneFinal.indd 3-4 6/7/12 5:07 PM

The A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School held its annual commencement ceremonies on Monday, June 4, 2012. This year featured the largest graduating class in the school’s illustrious 43 year history, with 40 graduates receiving diplomas. Head teacher, Mrs. Judy Kadri, opened the festivities, reminding the graduates to always remain a part of the extended Manoogian School family.

High school principal, Dr. Hosep Torossian, expanded on the school’s achievements during this academic year and invoked the memory of the school’s founders. He introduced the Chairman of the Manoogian Board of Education, Dr. Richard Marburger, who thanked the administration, faculty, students, parents, and community organizations for making the school such a unique and special place.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Dickran Kurjian, himself a product of the first graduating class of 1978 and whose wife and classmate, Mona, and two sons, Alec and Vartan, also graduated from the school. Mr. Kurjian is a financial advisor who urged the graduates to persevere during difficult economic times and to keep up with

new data and information in their professions in this ever-changing world. He commented that all Manoogian graduates carry a piece of Alex and Marie Manoogian with them.

Mrs. Paulette Apkarian, the choir director, accompanied the high school Manoogian singers in a musical interlude that featured two songs: “Jan Yerevan” and “I’ll Be There.”

Special awards were given to Harutyun Gevorgyan, valedictorian, Ani Karibian, salutatorian, Rafael Gharibyan and Sevan Markosian for the Armenian Genocide essay contest and Sandra Alias for student leadership.

All awards were in the amount of $1,000.

Then, with bated breath, each graduating senior rose to the stage as Mrs. Kadri read their names and commented on their achievements, while Dr. Torossian proudly handed them their diplomas.

A capacity crowd of more than 800 people who had filled the Cultural Hall at St. John Armenian Church went home with memories that will last a lifetime.

By Lilit KazazianFrom our first “ayp-pen-kims” in pre-school to our

historical and political studies as upperclassmen, all of us, as students of the Manoogian School, grow and learn in the spirit of the Armenian language and culture. In this nurturing and tightly-knit environment, even non-Armenians can hardly escape feeling Armenian after a while. We begin to know Armenia not just as the small country on the map of Asia Minor, but as our second home, Hayastan. Imagine our excitement when, after years of dreaming of this ancient, faraway land, we found ourselves boarding the plane to go there.

Thirty anxious juniors and seniors, accompanied by high school principal, Dr. Hosep Torossian, and Armenian teachers, Mrs. Anahit Toumajan and Mr. Sebouh Avedikian, embarked on this long-awaited voyage to the Armenian motherland on April 25. After a long flight, our group finally caught a glimpse of Ararat through the plane window on the evening of April 26. Starting with our two a.m. shawarma feast, we knew every second would be something to remember.

On our first full day, we stopped at the Mayr Hayastan (Mother Armenia) monument and walked around the nearby park, enjoying a sunny day and a magnificent view of the city. Our next landmark was the awe-inspiring Dzidzernagapert, the Armenian Genocide Memorial where nearly a million people had laid flowers for the

commemoration three days earlier. Later, we had a traditional, Armenian-style meal, with delectable fish and plenty of laughter to go around. After lunch, we paid a visit to the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral and the AGBU headquarters, where we competed in teams in a mini Armenian quiz bowl. The eventful day was closed with a program at the AGBU Nork School for talented youth. One of the most memorable moments was dancing alongside the kids after their performance, making friends with the natives and a group of Armenian students from France.

On Saturday the 28th, our dense travel schedule continued with a visit to the Geghart monastery and Garni pagan temple. The mountainous scenery was unlike anything any of us had ever witnessed, and the sujukh and bread we bought were unlike anything we had ever tasted! In the serenity of the monastery, carved out of the mountain itself, we listened to a small choir sing a holy melody. We were allotted the rest of the day to do some much-needed shopping at the popular Vernisage market in Yerevan, before attending an unforgettable concert of the Armenian National Dance Ensemble in the evening.

The holy city of Etchmiadzin was our main destination on Sunday, the 29th. As well as visiting the Saint Gayane and Hripsime churches, we attended mass at the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral. As the church is the very spiritual center of all Armenians, this was a momentous experience. It was likewise significant for our group to pay our respects to the grave of Alex and Marie Manoogian, who are the only secular people to be buried on the holy grounds. We visited the museum he had built, and then headed towards the Sardarabad memorial. After climbing up and down the steps of the immense structure, having a nice photo shoot, and viewing the museum, we were ready to retire to our hotel rooms and prepare for the following day.

On Monday the 30th, after a short stop at the Sasountsi

Elementary and Middle SchoolThe 5th grade and 8th grade certificate ceremony took place on Monday,

June 11, 2012, in the High School Auditorium. Twenty-five fifth graders and twenty-nine eighth graders received certificates, enabling them to enter Middle School and High School this coming September. Principal, Ms. Dyana Kezelian, gave her welcoming address, mentioning how she had seen the students and even some of their parents attend the school and grow up before her very eyes. The students engaged in a humorous year in review, which was followed by a fine performance of the Middle School Manoogian Stars, who performed two songs: “Azk Parabants” and “Firework,” under the direction of choir director, Mrs. Paulette Apkarian. Then head teacher, Mrs. Sonia Kalfayan, addressed her current and former students, imploring them to continue the effort and success they have enjoyed in Elementary and Middle School. As the school year was drawing to a close, everyone went home in a festive mood, eager to enjoy the long summer vacation and ready to meet the new challenges awaiting them in the next academic year.

Kindergarten Graduation

The Kindergarten Graduation took place on Thursday, June 7, 2012, in the High School Auditorium. An overwhelming crowd of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion for 22 kindergarten graduates. Principal, Ms. Dyana Kezelian, addressed the audience and handed out the diplomas. The kindergarten sang several songs in Armenian and English and “prophesized” on their future careers. A grand time was had by all.

CoMMEnCEMEnT – Class of 2012Armenia Trip 2012

Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral continued on the next page

9133.ManoogianVoiceJuneFinal.indd 3-4 6/7/12 5:07 PM

Visit Manoogian School’s Web Site: www.manoogian.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSouthfield, MIPermit No. 314

A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School22001 Northwestern HighwaySouthfield, Michigan 48075

All-School Program

A capacity crowd numbering over eight hundred filled the Cultural Hall at St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI for the annual A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School year-end program. The walls were reverberating with the sounds of ethnic and patriotic songs. Elementary students sang the American and Armenian national anthems, the AGBU anthem and the Manoogian school song, as well as contemporary songs from Armenia. Students in exquisite ethnic costumes performed traditional Armenian dances to the thunderous applause of an appreciative audience. Kudos to choreographers Mrs. Nayiri Karapetian and Miss Lara Zanazanian for their tireless efforts in teaching and promoting Armenian dance. Congratulations also to the music teacher, Mr. Harry Hovakimian, for conducting the elementary choir and preparing the junior and senior group of violinists. Thanks also to the Armenian teachers who diligently taught and rehearsed all the songs in the program. Principals Ms. Dyana Kezelian and Dr. Hosep Torossian congratulated the students and teachers and announced the names of the major donor organizations to the school. They are the A.G.B.U. Special Projects Group, which raised $110,000 through its annual Golf Day outing, the Cultural Society of Armenians from Istanbul ($10,000), the Parent Teacher Organization ($20,000) the Detroit Armenian Women’s Club ($1,000) and the Daughters of Vartan ($500).

Southfield, Michigan A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian SchoolJune 2012

Three students from the A.G.B.U. Alex and Marie Manoogian School earned ACT scores of 30 or higher this year, a feat accomplished by just 7 percent of those that take the test, according to the testing company.

Two students, Ari Sagherian and Raha Richardson, received scores of 33 on the test, and one student, Lilit Kazazian, scored a 34.

High School Principal, Dr. Hosep

Torossian, said the school did more than ever this year to help prepare students with after-school practice sessions targeted to different subject areas of the test. The school also administered a practice test in January that got students familiar with the test’s length and format. The additional instruction may have contributed to the exceptional scores of these three students, Dr. Torossian said, but scores also improved overall among the rest of the of the students taking the test.

National AccoladesAccording to the U.S. News & World Report Magazine, the A.G.B.U.

Alex and Marie Manoogian High School earned a bronze medal along with only 22% of all high schools in the nation. This was the national ranking out of nearly 22,000 public and charter high schools in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The award was based on proficiency standards and how well students are prepared for college. This was sponsored by the Dell computer company.

Academic Champion!On February 7, 2012, the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School was

named a Charter School State Academic Champion by Bridge Magazine in the Fourth Grade Math and Reading bracket. Elementary and Middle School principal, Ms. Dyana Kezelian commented, “The school was one of only twenty three charter schools in the state to receive this honor, reaffirming our dedication to exceptional education, as well as the outstanding performance of our students, teachers, and administrators. I am immensely proud of our faculty, staff, and most of all, our students. We are also grateful to our parents and others in the community who support our students and school.”

Tavit statue, we made our way to the Khor Virap (“Deep Pit”) church in the picturesque Ararat Valley. As the birthplace of Armenian Christianity, descending down the holy site left a profound impression. Noravank, a monastery high in the mountains, was the next historical marvel we had the chance to visit. Finally, we arrived at the city of Jermuk, famous for its healing waters, climbed a waterfall there, and settled at the sanatorium where we would be staying for the night.

Tuesday the 31st was the day we would remember as the most breathtaking example of the exquisite Armenian nature. Taking the longest air tram in the world to the historic Datev monastery, we gazed in wonder at the snow-capped peaks of Syunik, glowing against the deep green mountains and just-blossoming trees. We could see for ourselves the place where, as the story goes, the Mongol invaders threw thousands of Armenian inhabitants off the cliffs and destroyed over ten thousand manuscripts. Despite its brutal history, it seemed as though this place — which literally means “given wings” — was paradise on Earth. Before returning to Yerevan, we stopped at Areni, the wine-making region of Armenia, and enjoyed a wonderful shish kabob dinner directly beneath the cave where the oldest leather shoe in the world (from 3000 BC) was found. On our way back to the hotel, we were fortunate enough to witness the glory of Mount Ararat at its best, and stopped to take a once-in-a-lifetime group picture.

On Wednesday, May 1st, we travelled to Tsaghgadzor, Armenia’s ski resort, where we had a pleasant ride on a ski lift and visited another ancient church. Then came the sight we had longed for during the entire trip: the legendary

Lake Sevan. Hiking up to the church near the lake, we were treated with a lovely landscape. After having dinner, we participated in the traditional foot-soaking

contest to see who could withstand the lake’s fierce coldness the longest. A few of our girls were even brave enough to take a dip in the freezing waters!

Before we knew it, it was the last day of our hectic expedition. On Thursday morning, we went to the grave of the creator of the alphabet, Saint Mesrob Mashdots, and to the centuries-old church built in his name there. At Oshakan, we had a particularly fun time climbing up the giant letters and having a photo session. We had the remainder of the day to do last-minute shopping, and a farewell dinner brought the trip to an end. Early the next morning was our departure to Paris, and from there to Detroit.

On behalf of all the participants of the 2012 Armenia Trip, an enormous thank you to our donors, whose generosity has made this incredible dream a reality. Our gratitude extends to the organizers of the trip and our chaperones as well, for making sure every part of our experience was safe and smooth. Words are not enough to describe the impression these ten days have left on our entire lives. The memories of our beautiful journey will continue to implore us to return.

continued from the previous page

Khor Virap Monastery

David of Sasoun Monument

Armenia Trip 2012

Achievements

9133.ManoogianVoiceJuneFinal.indd 1-2 6/7/12 5:07 PM