On April 23 Ferrahian held its annual Armenian Genocide commemoration assembly. This heartfelt program was compiled by performances by students from various grade levels.
Mirak Kazandjian, a graduating senior student, was the MC for this event. Student Talar Kossakian introduced the importance of remembering the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. She presented how the Ottoman Empire first conquered and then tried to exterminate the Armenian nation. Students from 9th and 12th grade Hye Tad Clubs put together a performance that truly brought the sentiment of Soghomon Tehlirian’s trial to the stage. The courtroom setting was well prepared by the students. Raffi Chahinian, in the role of Soghomon Tehlirian, recounted how he survived the Genocide and how he saw the spirit of his mother, played by Aida Siyahian, directing him to bring justice for the Armenian people. Apo Badakian, in his role as the judge symbolized the German judicial system that brought justice to this political case
The intense atmosphere in the auditorium made the students feel the pain and suffering of the Armenian people through Adanaye Voghp; sang by Toukhman Khatchadourian on the piano and accompanied by Koko Antounian on the drums. Also, student Ani Bekelian sang “Dele Yaman”, which captivated the audience.
Ninth grade students gave brief backgrounds to some of the most famous Armenian intellectual martyrs like, Daniel Varoujan, Krikor Zohrab, Siamanto, and the latest in the 21st Century Hrant Dink. These intellectuals are to be recognized as heroes for our future generations.
Keynote speaker, Mourad Topalian, gave a tearful introduction stating that the students have the unique chance to learn in an Armenian environment and carry the Hai Tad torch for the future generations. He continued on to describe how we as a people are still healing from the wounds made by the Ottoman Empire in 1915. He emphasized the significance of being an active member in the Armenian community and promotion of the Armenian cause. In his closing remarks the school principal thanked the student body, Armenian Hai Tad Clubs and their advisors for preparing this heartfelt assembly.
. . . and in the North Hills Campus
April 24th; it evokes feelings and memories in the hearts and minds of the students of Holy Martyrs Armenian Elementary School in North Hills. After laying flowers and praying at the Monument at the heart of the campus, the student body of over 240 proceeded to the performance hall. Parents and teachers were brought to tears by songs and poems by K ‘s 5th students. Especially moving were the personal narratives by the 5th graders about their surviving ancestors; a re-enactment of the poem “Medz” by Rapael Badganian by the 4th graders, and a series of skits recalling scenes from the Der Zor March by the 3rd graders.