THE DEMISE OF THE TRADITIONAL CASTLE

Melkonian is a world, which the combination of the greatest words of praise in the world and the greatest poets cannot describe. It is more than a school; it is a heaven where lost children of the genocide formed their families, found hope, and a roof under which they felt safe. Today it hosts 206 students from all over the world, from the east to the far west. They come and combine different cultures and learn to become Armenian. It is here that they form their true identities, find out who they really are, what they belong to, and go back and become key figures in their societies, because of Melkonian, because of the great benevolence of the two Melkonian brothers which has hosted a great number of students.

Melkonian plays a significant role in keeping the гÛϳϳÝáõÃÇõÝ of the Diaspora running. For 79 years it has been the backbone of the Diaspora, the stronghold through which the Armenian heritage and culture have kept flowing. It is in Melkonian that the students form their second families as important as their families back home, providing care and something to belong to. The cosy environment offers so much to the students, a warm welcome on their arrival and an opportunity at their departure. Melkonian does not only offer a high level of education, but also plenty of extra curricular activities making sure each student has a part in something. The true friendships built here will continue for years after graduation. The lessons learned will help each person in their future jobs or work. The experience earned here will help shape a safer future. But most of all, Melkonian offers a home for the needy. The success that Melkonian achieves academically, in sports, and in nurturing students have been outstanding, as it has prepared them for a guaranteed future.

Every student, graduating or not, will have a Melkoniantsi part with him/her, which stays within them forever. But the closure of the school will be fatal, it will mark an end to the traditions passed on for 79 years, stories will no longer be passed on and our heritage will come to an end.

Harout Katerdji, alumnus of 2004 (Lebanon)