Educator and Academic Dr. Ellie Andreassian Honored by Manoogian-Demirdjian School

On June 11, 2010, the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School held a special program dedicated to vice principal Dr. Ellie Andreassian. The honored scholar has been serving AGBU schools in America for thirty-five years – as educator, vice principal, principal, and curriculum coordinator. Among the speakers were Sinan Sinanian, chairman of the school board, AGBU Central Board member, who presented the AGBU President's award from AGBU President Berge Setrakian; school principal Hagop Hagopian; fellow vice principal Anahid Nalbandian-Pezeshkian; preschool director Tagoush Khodabakhshian; Debra Smith, one of the school's longest-serving teachers; and Anahid Andreassian, the youngest daughter of the veteran teacher.

Vartouhy Kojayan, serving as hostess, reflected on the outstanding professional and personal attributes of the honoree. The keynote speaker, Dr. Vicken Gulvartian, discussed the principles of contemporary teaching and highlighted the many contributions Dr. Andreassian has made to the profession over the decades. Dr. Andreassian's colleague of 20 years, Dr. Minas Kojoyan, also spoke, emphasizing the honoree's dedication, service, and professionalism. Dr. Andreassian has been a longstanding member of evaluating teams for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Dr. Sylva Karayan of California Lutheran University spoke on behalf of the Educational Committee of the school's board of trustees and AGBU's Yervant Babayan Pedagogical Institute.

In the artistic portion of the program, music teacher Marine Kelian dedicated a song to Dr. Andreassian, while the "Spiurk" string quartet - of which the honoree's late brother was a member - also played two songs. The honoree's older daughter, music teacher Arus Andreassian, completed the celebration by playing a piano piece in honor of her mother. A slide show of Dr. Andreassian's life and educational service was presented, showing her in the classroom, on trips with students to Armenia, and in her exemplary role – as a wife and mother.

Following a candle-lighting ceremony, Dr. Andreassian spoke to the guests, giving a touching speech as she thanked each of the speakers individually and expressed her gratitude to AGBU. "Whatever I did, I did it as my duty as a teacher," she said. She stressed that she strongly believes in strengthening the Armenian identity by means of education, passed along from one generation to the next in Armenian schools.

AGBU President Berge Setrakian sent praises to the accomplished academic. "This award, which symbolizes AGBU's high appreciation of your work on behalf of Armenian culture, Armenian education and the building and preservation of Armenian identity -- especially in regards to the development, modernization, and certification of educational programs in our schools -- at the same time expresses AGBU's deep respect and gratitude for your dedicated work, as well as your exemplary conduct as a model Armenian woman, parent, and educator."

Dr. Andreassian was born in Lebanon and received her elementary education in Zahle. In 1947 her family relocated to Armenia, and upon graduating from Yerevan State University, she spent time teaching French at Yerevan State Linguistics University. After relocating to the United States, she received her doctoral degree from Boston University, successfully defending her thesis on the necessity of identity among youth. Dr. Andreassian spent time as principal of the AGBU School in Watertown, MA; she also helped put together a series of textbooks for young students, entitled "Hayreni Aghpiur" (Armenian Spring). For the past twenty years, she has served as vice principal of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park, CA. Most recently, Dr. Andreassian assumed a leading role in developing an Armenian language curriculum and pacing guide based on California standards for elementary and high schools in collaboration with the Armenian department of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School and the AGBU Babayan Pedagogical Institute. In 2006, she was awarded the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob medal by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.