The annual gala dinner for the M. and H. Arslanian Djemaran of Hamazkayin took place on Friday, May 6, 2011, at the Dr. Adrineh Karakashian Hall. The dinner was sponsored by the Central Committee of Hamazkayin.
The newly constructed Dr. Adrineh Karakashian Hall for sports and cultural activities had been transformed into a lavish garden. The presence of the members of the Central Committee of Hamazkayin, the administration of Djemaran, the board members, the staff, parents, alumni and friends added additional luster to the event.
The evening commenced with Tsoline Hagopian performing Armenian songs. On behalf of the administration and the board of Djemaran, Talin Ishkhanian welcomed the guests.
Afterwards, Kayane and Knar Dance Troupes of Hamazkayin performed several dances. Throughout the event, the String Trio of Hamazkayin performed under the direction of Arakel Mikayelian.
Dikran Jinbashian, the principal of Djemaran reported on the highlights of the current academic year, the achievements, the donations and investments in Djemaran from individual donors and institutions. The Principal thanked all the supporters and the parents and concluded by saying, “Djemaran is 81 years old. It is alive, active, always developing and improving. It is an alma mater that is successful in every sphere and is rich with the trust of the Armenian people. Apart from the representatives of Hamazkayin, our parents and supporters, today we welcome the representatives of the Armenian Church and the Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon. Dear guests, Hamazkayin, the Armenian Church, and the Republic of Armenia are backing us. Of what shall we be afraid?”
Afterwards, Vache Papazian, the chairperson of the Central Committee of Hamazkayin, spoke about the Djemaran’s rich and challenging mission. He said: “M. and H. Arslanian Djemaran is the school that aspires to educate generations that are proficient in Armenian language, literature and history. Djemaran is the school that through educating the mind and the soul aspires to encourage the formation of several important characteristics in the Armenian youth. Among those are firstly love of freedom, uprightness, and freedom of thought, dignity, respect and modesty, as well as well-developed critical mind and enthusiasm of acquiring knowledge. Djemaran is the school that during the 80 years of its existence has made generations that have given birth to a legion of Armenians faithful to the mission of Djemaran. Armenians, who without hesitation have put their capacities to the service of the Armenian struggle of existence as teachers, editors, cultural figures, intellectuals, and social activists. With this joyous occasion of the 80th anniversary, hereby we officially promise that Djemaran and its family will not kneel to difficulties, will stay faithful to the diverse and difficult mission of Djemaran and will exert every effort to carry it on in the best way possible.”
Vache Papazian directed a special word to all the teachers and educators who have kept Djemaran at its height throughout the past 80 years, as well as words of respect and gratitude to everyone who has morally or financially supported Djemaran.
Finally, the chairman of the Central Committee of Hamazkayin directed a special thank you to friends of Djemaran Mr. and Mrs. Souren and Sonia Sarkissians, who have always stayed by the side of Djemarans with their generous financial donations a decade ago to the Djemaran of Marseille and today, to M. and H. Arslanian Djemaran.
Afterwards, Ashot Kocharyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon, spoke in appreciation of Djemaran’s educational mission. He honored Dikran Jinbashian, the Principal of Djemaran with the medal of the RA Ministry of Education and Science, “For his large legacy, as well as activities dedicated to the nation in the sphere of education and science.”
The evening continued in a very warm atmosphere. Throughout the dinner, funds were raised for the students of Djemaran.
On this occasion, the directors of Djemaran honored Mr. and Mrs. Souren and Sonia Sarkissians with a special souvenir for having donated 50,000 USD, thus reaching the raised funds to a total of 150,000 USD.
The gala dinner was a success. The guests left the Karakashian Hall greatly satisfied. Soon they will have the opportunity to gather at the same place during the year-end ceremonies for Djemaran.