AGBU Manoogian High School inaugurates new building

Published: Thursday September 24, 2009

Detroit - Tuesday, September 8, will be engraved in the Manoogian School's history as a memorable day. In the presence of the school's current and former board of directors, Greater Detroit Armenian community members, teachers and students, the opening ceremony of the new high school took place in the atrium of the building.

Exuberance and excitement were in the air, apparent especially on the faces of the Manoogian students, who were the main beneficiaries of this magnificent gift, a donation from Richard Manoogian and Louise Simone.

Elementary and middle-school principal Dyana Kezelian welcomed Manoogian School family and friends. She proudly announced that 40 years ago, no one could have anticipated that this school, which opened its doors with 10 students and two teachers, would have endured to find its respectable place in the educational world.

Today, however, with the continuing efforts of its staff, dedication of the past principals and teachers, and the visionary guidance of the board members, this school has earned the accolades and confidence it deserves, thriving with its more than 400 students and 45 faculty and staff.

Ms. Kezelian thanked especially the Manoogian family members for their unparalleled support. "Our founders and benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Marie Manoogian, are delightedly watching our ceremony from heaven, being fulfilled on what we have achieved in these past forty years," she concluded.

High school principal Hosep Torossian thanked his colleague, Ms. Kezelian, for her devotion and support and added, "Today on this festive occasion, the Manoogian spirit soars as we collectively celebrate not only the 40th anniversary of the founding of our school, but the grand opening of this breathtaking building."

Dr. Torossian expressed particular gratitude for the great humanitarian and hero of the Armenian nation, Alex Manoogian, whose "passion for giving did not end with his passing. As torchbearers of their parents' dreams, Richard Manoogian and Louise Manoogian Simone continue their unwavering support of our school." The high school principal added that in this new building, "we will uphold the Manoogian name by delivering excellence in education. We have begun our journey from good to great." Dr. Torossian also thanked Manoogian teachers for their unmatched dedication to the school.

High school social studies teacher Michael Huff, on behalf of the faculty, read a letter of appreciation addressed to benefactors Richard Manoogian and Louise Manoogian Simone.

Board of Directors president Richard Marburger congratulated the audience, saying, "It's a great day for us Armenians." Dr. Marburger thanked the Manoogian family for their gift and continuous support of the school. Enumerating the school's past successes, Dr. Marburger praised the current administration. "Dr. Hosep Torossian is an engineer who brings unusual technical expertise to his post as principal of the High School. Ms. Dyana Kezelian is an effective academic leader whose long experience is of enormous value as she serves as principal of the Elementary and Middle Schools. They work as a team, each realizing that the other's success enhances the performance of the entire school."

Board of Directors Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Dr. Marburger and Edmond Azadian, together with both principals, cut the ceremonial ribbon, reminding school family and friends that the grand opening ceremony of the high school building will take place on October 10.