St. Mary Shnorhali School Շնորհալի Դպրոց

06/11/2026

Dear Shnorhali Community,

We would like to warmly invite you to an important and timely community event taking place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, hosted at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.

The evening will feature a special lecture titled “Western Armenian at a Crossroads: Preserving a Living Heritage” by His Eminence Archbishop Levon Zekiyan. This presentation will offer a meaningful reflection on the current state of the Western Armenian language, the challenges it faces in the diaspora, and our shared responsibility in preserving this vital part of our spiritual and cultural identity.

Given the significance of this topic for our community and the future of the Armenian language, we strongly encourage families to attend and take part in this important discussion. The event also includes a dinner reception and a brief presentation on the Padus-Araxes Summer Programs, followed by the lecture.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Location: St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 4125 Fessenden St NW, Washington, DC 20016
Dinner Reception: 6:30–7:30 PM
Lecture: 7:30 PM

This is a valuable opportunity for learning, reflection, and community fellowship, and we hope many of you will be able to join.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards,
Shnorhali School Administration

06/11/2026

SHNORHALI SCHOOL CONCLUDES THE 2025–2026 ACADEMIC YEAR WITH FINAL RECITALS

On June 7, Shnorhali School concluded its 2025–2026 academic year with a memorable day of student performances, highlighting months of learning, creativity, and dedication. Students across multiple grade levels took the stage to present literary, theatrical, and cultural works that reflected both their academic growth and their deepening connection to Armenian heritage.

The second-grade students opened with a performance of the fable “The Camel’s Child”, using storytelling to emphasize the importance of the mother’s role in our lives. Their presentation carried a warm message of care, family, and appreciation, and concluded with a lively performance of the “Echmiatsin” dance dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Etchmiadzin.

Fourth-grade students brought Hovhannes Tumanyan’s “The Pot of Gold” to life, sharing a timeless story centered on honesty and moral choice. Fifth-grade students, together with Conversational Armenian learners, performed Tumanyan’s “The Liar”, engaging the audience through humor while reinforcing the importance of truthfulness and integrity.

The program concluded with a powerful joint performance by sixth and seventh-grade students titled “A Conversation Across Time.” Through a dramatic dialogue featuring Hamo Sahyan, Komitas, Hovhannes Tumanyan, and Paruyr Sevak, students reflected on Armenian identity, cultural legacy, and the enduring values of language, faith, and homeland. The performance moved from poetic reflection to a collective message of peace, unity, and hope for Armenians around the world.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and a strong connection to Armenian literature and culture. Their performances reflected not only what they learned this year, but also the values and identity they continue to build as part of Shnorhali School.

We extend our gratitude to the teachers, students, volunteers, and families whose support made these performances possible, and we proudly celebrate the successful conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year.

06/11/2026

SHNORHALI SUNSHINE KINDERGARTEN CELEBRATES A JOYFUL FIRST YEAR AND END-OF-YEAR RECITAL

One of the most meaningful milestones of the 2025–2026 academic year was the successful launch of Sunshine Kindergarten, a pilot program created specifically for our youngest learners. As Shnorhali School continues to expand its educational offerings, this new classroom quickly proved to be an essential cornerstone of the program, providing children with their first steps into Armenian language, culture, faith, and learning.

Designed for preschool-aged children, Sunshine Kindergarten introduces early Armenian literacy through games, songs, stories, hands-on activities, and creative play. It provides many students with their first experience in a structured learning environment, helping them build confidence, independence, and a strong, positive connection to their Armenian heritage.

Teaching this age group requires patience, care, and intentional guidance. For many children, this is their first experience being away from their parents for an extended period of time. Yet our students adapted remarkably, quickly forming friendships, embracing classroom routines, and engaging enthusiastically in every weekly activity.

Throughout the year, students were introduced to Armenian vocabulary, prayers, songs, and Christian values, while also developing essential early childhood skills such as fine motor coordination, listening comprehension, social interaction, and classroom readiness. Each lesson was carefully designed to meet developmental needs while making learning joyful, engaging, and meaningful.

The children’s growth was beautifully reflected in the end-of-year recital. Families witnessed firsthand how much their children had learned and transformed over the year as they confidently participated in songs, recitations, and classroom presentations. Their performance stood as a true celebration of progress, discovery, and joyful learning.

This outstanding first year would not have been possible without the dedication of teacher Hranush Bentley and teacher assistants Ani Nishanian, Marie Tevosyan, and Margaret Danielyan. With extraordinary patience, creativity, and heartfelt care, they spent countless hours preparing educational materials, designing individualized lesson plans, and building a nurturing classroom environment. Their commitment extended far beyond Sunday sessions, as they worked throughout the week to ensure every child felt supported, valued, and inspired to learn.

As we celebrate the success of Sunshine Kindergarten’s inaugural year, we look forward with great excitement to the continued growth of these young learners and the bright foundation they are building for the future.

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

SHNORHALI SCHOOL GRADUATION CEREMONY: A Legacy Passed to the Next Generation!

The Shnorhali School Graduation Ceremony marked a defining moment of the academic year, bringing together students, families, teachers, and community members to honor the completion of two distinct educational journeys within the school.

This year’s ceremony recognized two graduating classes, each representing a different stage of growth within the Shnorhali educational program.

The Young Scholars Kindergarten graduates completed their first structured learning experience at the school. With confidence and excitement, they concluded a foundational stage that introduced them to classroom learning, language development, and school community life. Their graduation marked the transition from early learning into the next stage of their academic path as they prepare to enter first grade.

The ceremony also recognized the 8th-grade graduates, who completed their years in the Armenian division of Shnorhali School. Over time, these students participated in weekly instruction in Armenian language, history, culture, and faith, gradually developing both academic knowledge and a deeper connection to their heritage.

Beyond classroom learning, they became an active part of the school community, taking part in school life, contributing to activities, and growing alongside their peers over the years. Their graduation marked the completion of this long-standing chapter and their transition into the next stage of their academic and personal journeys.

As diplomas were presented, the ceremony reflected both achievement and continuity: the completion of one stage of learning and the beginning of another. Families, teachers, and guests witnessed students step forward from familiar routines into new educational environments and responsibilities.

The event concluded with congratulations to all graduates and recognition of the families and educators who supported them throughout their years at Shnorhali School. The school community looks forward to seeing each graduate continue their journey with the foundation they have built here.

06/03/2026

A Final Stage on the Shnorhali Stage: 8th Grade End-of-Year Recital

06/03/2026

Our youngest learners take the stage!

🎶📚 End-of-Year Recitals by Little Explorers, Young Scholars, 1st & 3rd Grade

06/03/2026

SHNORHALI SCHOOL CELEBRATES THE PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS BEHIND ANOTHER MEMORABLE YEAR

On May 31, Shnorhali Armenian School brought together students, parents, teachers, clergy, volunteers, and community members for its annual School Appreciation Ceremony and the first installment of its End-of-Year Recitals, celebrating a year marked by learning, growth, service, and a shared commitment to Armenian heritage.
The afternoon began with a reflection on the many accomplishments, programs, and new initiatives that shaped the 2025–2026 academic year.

Among the highlights was the introduction of the school's new three-tier kindergarten structure, designed to better serve the diverse needs of our youngest learners and provide a stronger foundation for future success. The presentation also highlighted the many dimensions of school life that extend beyond the classroom, including academic programs, spiritual education, cultural and traditional celebrations, after-school clubs, community initiatives, and the countless experiences that helped students strengthen their connection to the Armenian language, history, faith, and identity throughout the year.

A particularly meaningful part of the program was dedicated to recognizing those whose dedication makes the school's mission possible. Teachers, after-school club coordinators, volunteers, committee members, parents, our accountant, lunch coordinator, and many other supporters were honored for their contributions to preserving and passing on the Armenian language, culture, faith, and values to the next generation.

The ceremony was followed by the first part of the school's annual end-of-year recitals, featuring performances by the Little Explorers Kindergarten, Young Scholars Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, and 8th Grade classes. Through poetry, songs, theatrical presentations, and cultural performances, students proudly shared the knowledge, talents, and confidence they developed throughout the year.

As families and friends watched with pride, the afternoon became a celebration not only of student achievement but also of the enduring mission of Armenian education itself. It was a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to invest in its children and in the preservation of its faith, culture, and identity.

The celebration will continue on June 7 with the second installment of Shnorhali School's End-of-Year Recitals, featuring performances by the remaining classes and concluding another memorable academic year.

06/03/2026

VACCINATING AGAINST ASSIMILATION THROUGH THE SONGS OF KOMITAS

Shnorhali School participated in the "Komitas Vaccine" initiative, a nationwide movement launched by renowned composer, ethnomusicologist, and Komitas scholar Arthur Shahnazarian.
The initiative is built upon a powerful and timely message. In an age when assimilation increasingly threatens language, culture, and national identity, Komitas's songs serve as a cultural and spiritual "vaccine", strengthening our connection to our roots and helping preserve the values, traditions, and identity that define us as Armenians.

The goal of the movement is simple yet profound: to learn, sing, and pass on the pure and timeless songs collected and preserved by Komitas so that they continue to live in the hearts of future generations. Participants are encouraged to learn five "anti-assimilation" Komitas songs and share them with others, creating a chain of cultural transmission from one generation to the next.
Throughout the school year, under the guidance of our dedicated music instructor Armine Khachatryan, Shnorhali students explored the rich musical legacy of Komitas and learned a collection of his beloved songs. During the end-of-year recital, they proudly presented five selections and invited parents, teachers, family members, and guests to join them in song.

What followed was far more than a musical performance. It became a moving expression of community, identity, and shared heritage as voices of different generations united in song. Students, parents, grandparents, teachers, and guests sang together, demonstrating that the music of Komitas continues to speak to the Armenian soul more than a century after it was first collected and preserved.
By joining the "Komitas Vaccine" initiative, Shnorhali School proudly affirms its commitment to preserving the Armenian language, culture, and identity. Through the enduring power of Komitas's music, our students are not only learning songs, but they are becoming stewards of a priceless heritage and carrying it forward to future generations.

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05/25/2026

SHNORHALI SCHOOL LIVE HISTORY LESSON FROM SARDARAPAT TO ARTSAKH AND ARMENIAN AMERICAN SERVICE IN REMEMBRANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY

St. Mary’s Shnorhali School concluded its history classes for students in grades 4 through 8 with a special presentation dedicated to several significant and memorable events in Armenian history that took place in the month of May.

The presentation highlighted the historic and heroic Battle of Sardarapat which played a decisive role in preserving the Armenian nationhood during a critical period. The lesson also covered key moments in modern Armenian history, including the establishment of Soviet Armenia and the participation and sacrifices of the Armenian people during World War II.

A significant portion of the presentation was devoted to the Artsakh movement and its historical trajectory, including the liberation of Shushi on May 9, 1992, the period of development and relative stability from 1994 to 2020, and the subsequent military escalations in 2020 and 2023. These events, which profoundly affected the Armenian population of Artsakh, were discussed in the context of regional history and ongoing humanitarian and political concerns. Students engaged actively with questions and reflections regarding Artsakh’s past and present circumstances.

In connection with themes of remembrance and service, and in recognition of the upcoming Memorial Day observance, the presentation also included a reflection on Armenian Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The discussion highlighted their dedication, sacrifice, and contributions to the defense and security of the United States. Special recognition was given to figures such as Paul Ignatius, who served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy and held senior leadership positions in the federal government, exemplifying a legacy of public service, civic responsibility, and commitment to country.

The program concluded with a performance by the “Artsakh Voices” ensemble and the presentation of documentary footage filmed in Artsakh between 2018 and 2022, offering students a visual and cultural perspective on recent historical developments.