Lebanon

On Saturday, 5th of December, 2009, at 4:30PM, the Armenian Catholic Harboyan and Mesrobian High Schools organized the "Benevolent Greeting Cards" exhibition, under the patronization of the DMS Onlus of Italy. The event took place in Harboyan Kindergarten court with the participation of the students of the above mentioned two schools.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition was made by the president of the DMS Onlus Organization: Professors Angelo and Barbara Bosio. They had specially arrived in Beirut for this occasion. Father Vartan Ashkarian, the general vicar of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate, Mrs. Rita Boyadjian, the principal of the Harboyan School, and Mr. Gregoire Kaloust, the principal of Mesrobian High School, as well as a great number of parents, teachers, staff and friends were present.

After that, the presents moved to “Holy Cross” church’s “Bedoghlian” hall, where the ceremonious distribution of the prizes took place. The ceremony started with the national anthems of Lebanon and Armenia, performed by Mesrobian choir. The opening speech was addressed by Maro Krikorian. Following that, Mesrobian choir performed “Hymn de la Joie” and “Hayortik” songs.

Following that, Mrs. Rita Boyadjian came forward to address her speech to the audience. She noted the fact that the “Benevolent Greeting Cards” event has become a good tradition, where students meditate about Christmas and craft Greeting Cards. And these events were not to take place without the help of the benevolent organization DMS Onlus, she noted.

At the end of the ceremony, the distribution of the prizes took place. Kindergarten, primary and complementary students received prices. Students receiving the first prize won full scholarships, while the ones receiving the second prize won half scholarships, and the ones receiving the third won one third scholarships. Secondary student Ani Tarpinian received the best Christmas slogan award.