On Friday night, June 6, 2008 at 7:00pm, a student art festival entitled "
Golden Stars" took place for the first time in the school playground of the Armenian Catholic Mesrobian High School. There were present Emeritus Catholicos Patriarch
Hovhannes Bedros XVIII Kasparian, most reverend Father Vartan Bishop Ashkarian, as well as other spiritual leaders, directive and teaching members, parental committee members, parents, friends and students.
The introductive speech was done by the director of the extra-curricular activities of the school and the editor-in-chief of
Mesrobian Messenger, the official newspaper of the school,
Mrs. Garine Tashjian. In her speech she emphasized that "
Golden Stars" Art Festival's purpose is to give the graceful students the possibility to demonstrate their talents to their parents, sisters, brothers and friends. "
Habitually," she said, "
our talented students used to perform their skills in front of their classmates and teachers in different occasions".
Mrs. Tashjian added: "
This festival started a new tradition in Mesrobian College which helps the students to progress in education and at the same time develop their talents. Our children in Lebanon pass through difficult days and at the completion of the academic year they are loaded with lessons and other scolarly responsibilities. Therefore, this festival cheers up our students." Later on, Mrs.Garine Tashjian officially announced the "Golden Stars" art festival open.
Afterwards, a documentary film was shown, under the title "
Mesrobian Avantgarde Educational Institution", whose author is Mr.Vartan Tashjian. Then the audience enjoyed the students' performances: recitation, singing, dancing and drama playing.
As soon as the students' performances finished, the eleventh grade student, Khatchig Sayegh invited the principal of the college Mr.Gregoire Kaloust to address his words for this occasion. Mr. Kaloust welcomed and thanked all the audience especially Emeritus Catholicos Patriarch Hovhannes Bedros XVIII Kasparian. Meanwhile, he declared his happiness for the festival, saying: "
Happiness fills my heart for having such glorious festival which we were planning for a year." He added: "
By God's will it is held today, and it will be held each coming year. Also, I am grateful, particularly, to Mr. Manuel Keshishian - choir conductor, Mr. Harout Keradjian - dance instructor, and last but not least Mr. Vartan Meguerdichian - theatre group director. They all worked meticulously for the success of the entire event". The principal invited Mr. Manuel Keshishian, Mr. Harout Keradjian, Mr Vartan Meguerdichian, as well as all participant students to the stage and thanked them for the beautiful art festival which was realized by their hard work.
At the end of the festival, the audience left the school yard with festive mood.
