InternationalNew high-school building to enhance Manoogian School in Southfield, Mich.
An interview with the high-school principal
Published: Thursday July 09, 2009
The new high school building of the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School will open this fall in Southfield, Michigan.
Southfield, Mich. - Sebouh Avedikian: Dr. Torossian, what circumstances compelled the school leadership to conceive and fulfill the construction of a new and modern high-school building?
Hosep Torossian: First, I would like to take this opportunity to give a concise history of our school. In 1969, exactly 40 years ago, our acclaimed benefactor and then-AGBU President, Alex Manoogian, took the initiative of establishing the school with two teachers and 20 students. Over the years, the school grew and became one of the most successful in the AGBU educational system. In 1995, and again in 2001, the school earned the State of Michigan "Golden Apple" award for its academic excellence.
The school has become well known throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. With the approval of our patron family, Manoogian became a Charter school in 1995. Thus, the success of the school and the substantial increase in the number of students enticed our Board of Education to come up with a solution.
In 2004, benefactors Louise Manoogian Simone and Richard Manoogian underwrote the massive renovation and expansion of the existing school. However, after a few years, it became evident that the tremendous efforts made were still insufficient for the needs of a growing school. Thus, Louise and Richard once again made a magnanimous donation to the school bearing their illustrious parents' name.
SA: Can you expand on the success of the high school, which apparently so impressed the benefactors that they responded with a multimillion dollar investment?
HT: Gladly. First, let me say that in the last few years, we signed three agreements with authoritative institutions of higher learning in the area. The contracts we have signed with the University of Michigan, Lawrence Technological University, as well as Oakland Technical Campus, give an opportunity to our juniors and seniors to attend up to four classes and receive college credits before they graduate.
And I must add that our students receive the highest grades at those institutions. Thus, the financial sacrifice made by the school (tuition and transportation are covered by the school) is justified.
The high achievements recorded by our students at school and at the university enable them to receive university scholarships. Last year alone, our 20 graduates received a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships, just another factor illustrating the success and high esteem that our school has warranted. And this year's 23 graduates have already received $327,000 in scholarship assistance from Michigan universities.
Every year our students participate in science fairs; and this year, for the second time, one of our best 11th-grade students won an honorable third prize out of thousands of students.
SA: Can you give some details about the high school building under construction?
HT: The two-story building is equipped with all the modern conveniences. The second floor will house eight classrooms, two modern science laboratories, and a computer lab. The first floor will contain the principal's and administration offices, a music room, two Armenian classrooms, and a state-of-the-art assembly hall. The building is being constructed by the renowned architectural firm Diclemante Siegel Inc.
SA: When will it be possible to complete the construction of the facility?
HT: Thanks to the largesse of the benevolent Manoogian family, the construction of the building will be completed by the end of this summer and the formal unveiling will take place on October 10, 2009. Of course, we musn't forget to also mention the moral support provided by the Greater Detroit Armenian Community without whom it would be difficult to persevere, grow, and benefit from such a wonderful school building.
SA: What is the status of the Armenian Department at the school?
HT: The Armenian Department consists of five qualified and experienced teachers. They were able to adapt Armenian language and history classes to the needs of Armenian and non-Armenian-speaking students, especially after Manoogian became a charter school.
Armenian language and history are compulsory for all the students in our school. And, not only that, all our students participate through songs and recitations at Vartanants, Armenian Cultural Month, commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, and other school programs.
Last year, we organized a trip to Armenia for our graduating class. It was truly a heart-warming phenomenon seeing the students' enthusiasm and outpouring of patriotic sentiments. We foresee such a trip taking place once every two years.
SA: How do you balance your budget?
HT: Our school budget is nearly $3 million, which is almost completely funded by the state government due to our charter status. Our school is officially under the supervision of Central Michigan University.
In this context, it is worth noting that Manoogian successfully transforming into a charter educational institution became a guarantee for the perpetuation of our school, as well as an opportunity for Armenian students to receive a high level of education and Armenian-studies instruction completely free.
Our experience can serve as an example for other Armenian-American schools. Recently, we were informed that a new charter school is being established in California.
SA: How do you envision the future of the Alex and Marie Manoogian School?
how many students does this school have? are the students only Armenian or non Armenians are accpeted as well? Is Armenian tought to all students including to non-Armenians?
By armen at July 14, 2009