The Armenian Evangelical Shamlian-Tatigian Secondary School of Nor Marash celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding on Friday, March 12, 2010 in the presence of representatives of the large family that surrounds the school: old and new alumni, teachers, staff, board members, as well as Rev. Mgerdich Karageozian, the President of the UAECNE, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, the President of Haigazian University of Beirut, Mr. Antranig Messerlian, the Mayor of Bourj Hammoud, and Dr. Nourijan Demirjian, a former member of the Lebanese parliament.
The 75th Anniversary Committee (Dr. Avedis Chakmakian, Mrs. Anita Andonian, Mrs.
Ani Sarkissian, Miss. Sonia Sislian, and Miss. Joanna Momjian) had prepared a program, the MC of which was the Committee Chair, Dr. Chakmakian.
The opening words of welcome were given by Mr. John Sagherian, the Chair of the Board of the school, who then invited Rev. Dr. Haidostian to offer a prayer.
The program featured live music on piano by maestro and composer Garo Avesian, popular Armenian songs by singer and musician Mr. Kevork Bebejian, Armenian folk dance performed by the girls of the school’s Sipan dance group, poetry by Taniel Varoujan performed by alumna Tamar Nalbandian. Then the renowned maestro and musician Zakar Keshishian told anecdotes from his school days at Shamlian-Tatigian and ended his memories by playing on Shevi telling the audience that it was on the same platform that he had first played Shevi as a teenager.
Afterwards, Joanna Momjian made a powerpoint presentation on “Bourj Hammoud Yesterday & Today”, followed by a word from the principal of the school Pastor Hrayr Cholakian, who thanked all those who had worked hard to make the event a success. In his word, he noted that celebrating the 75th anniversary also serves the future of the school, because it is there to serve many more years. Then Pastor Cholakian invited Mr. A. Messerlian, along with Rev. M. Karagoezian and Mr. J. Sagherian. Mr. A. Messerlian received an appreciation plaque for his significant service to the city of
as a Mayor and for his long years of generous and encouraging support of Shamlian-Tatikian school. Then all four men cut the celebratory cake.
The closing words were given by Rev. M. Karagoezian, who noted that celebrating the past achievements is important, because the past suggests the steps towards the future. Then he offered the Apostolic Benediction.
Those present at the celebratory banquet went home with renewed memories and heartfelt wishes for successful and fruitful years to their alma mater.