The Story Ferrahian High School (4/4): The Armens

By Boghos Shahmelikian

Translated and abridged by Vahe H. Apelian

Boghos Shahmelikian presented the story of the founding of the Ferrahian High School in four weekly successive segments in Aztag Daily starting from March 25, 2019. He asked me if I would translate the story for him for the benefit of the English language readers. I did. But the translation was not published in the Armenian press although he claimed he submitted it.   Here it is. 

“To all the graduates of the first Armenian High School in the U.S.A.  Much has been given to you by so many; so much is expected of you.  I know you can.  God bless you. -- Gabriel Injejikian

 

Five years after the founding of the Ferrahian School, the administration of the school formed its men’s basketball team during the 1968-69 academic year. For many, Ferrahian School and its basketball team named “Armens” are intimately and inseparably associated. It is almost impossible to utter the name of the Ferrahian School without making a mental connection with the Armens.

During its formative years, the school did not have a sufficient number of students to organize other athletic teams. But as the enrollment increased, along with the men’s basketball team, a girls’ basketball team came about along with teams for volleyball, soccer, track, and field, and cross country racing teams. Behind Ferrahian’s athletic teams, the name Varant Vartabedian, endearingly called “courageous Varant”, prominently stands out.

Varant Vartabedian was a part-time teacher from 1980 to 1984. At the start of the following academic year 1985, Gabriel Injejikian appointed him as the school’s athletic director. 

Year after year the number of the Armenian Day schools increased and with them came about their athletic teams with names such as “Eagles”, “Titans”, “Spartans” and others. Among the athletic teams’ names, the name “Armens” prominently stands out as it overtly implies Armenians.

Cultural and athletic activities have always enlivened schools. Both have been advocated by the Ferrahian School administration. However, for brevity, I will dwell only on the school’s athletic activities.

One can state with some certainty that 90% of the Ferrahian Schools students are part of the “Armens” athletic teams. Along with the current students, the former students who are now university students, or raising families of their own and are immersed in their works continue their affiliations with their beloved “Armens” athletic teams. No wonder it is said that “Once an Armen, Always an Armen”.

The coaches: Varant, Arshag, Koko and Nshan

Such a large athletic association surely needs a good number of coaches. Assisting the athletic director Varant Vartabedian, are full-time coaches among them are Arshag Markarian, Koko Kaprielian, Nsan Kenjoyna. Assisting the latter are about twenty volunteer visiting coaches who at one time had coached various teams of “Armens”.

Every year, the day preceding the Thanksgiving Day, a competition is held in the “Avedissian” athletic court between the graduated “Armens” and the current student “Armens”. Ferrahian School graduates who are residing out of the state, either as students or having settled there, return, often time with their families, to celebrate the Thanksgiving with their parents and relatives and get reconnected anew with the large family of “Armens” and take part in the ensuing athletic competition. These former “Armens” have not stepped on an athletic court for years and are now much heavier but take the challenge on the court and compete with the young students. Yes, it has happened that these veteran “Armens” have beaten younger “Armens” almost half their age!

An undescribable vigor permeates within the school premises on those days, on and around the athletic court. At a corner the “Armens” ladies guild offer delicious sandwiches and the likes netting a considerable income for their beloved Ferrahian School.

Almost once a week, the “Armens” host athletic teams from other schools. Along with victories, the “Armens’ also experienced defeat but they always retain their athletic spirit. They have been taught to be that way.

Athletic ompetitions also take place away from the Ferrahian athletic court. The athletes are bused on the school’s special buses for the “Armens”. When they reach their destination they usually find a good number of current and former Ferrahian School students cheering for them in the stadium.  The school’s principle is almost always there also. 

Membership to the “Armens” athletic teams is preconditioned by good grades. Otherwise, the student is denied membership even though he may be a star athlete.  Punctuality is also another condition for membership to an “Armens” team. A student who misses training without a legitimate reason is suspended for the next three games. Offenders repeating the same for three times are denied participation in an “Armens” team.

Academic excellence, punctuality, and discipline are the essential constituents to become and remain a member of an “Armens” team

Cheering the Armenia

At the end of each academic year, the “Armens” hold a fund raising banquet in the “Avedissian” Hall. During the banquet trophies earned by the “Armens” are handed to individuals or teams. Parents, supporters of the “Armens” attend the banquet. During the banquet pictures taken during the games is shown. Some “Armens” have their shirts retired and put on display in the “Avedissian” Hall. Through the years “Armens” have achieved noteworthy championships at the state level.

A new era awaits the Ferrahian Shool’s “Armens” athletic teams. A new athletic complex is already under construction. It will have a basketball and a volleyball court that will be named after prematurely deceased student Garo Madenlian. The soccer stadium will be named after Souren Saroyan who was the chairman of the school’s board of trustees for many years during the school’s formative years. 

The athletic complex will be named after Gabriel and Rose Injejikian as a fitting tribute to them and to those who had the vision, the tenacity and perseverance to establish the first Armenian day school in the United States, the Ferrahian School.