SANTA ANA, Calif.—The Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School opened the 2026 to 2027 school year with excitement, pride, and a deep sense of gratitude as students, families, faculty, and staff gathered to mark the beginning of the school’s historic 40th anniversary year.
The joy on campus was palpable as families arrived for the first day of school. Students were welcomed with smiles, first-day greetings, and the traditional sounds of daoul and zourna, bringing a beautiful Armenian spirit to the morning celebration. Parents gathered to take first-day photos, classrooms were prepared and ready, and the entire campus reflected the excitement of a new beginning.
This year’s opening day was especially meaningful as AGM begins celebrating 40 years of faith, learning, community, and Armenian identity. The milestone year also comes at a time of continued growth for the school, as enrollment remains at all-time highs and AGM continues to expand its programs, offerings, and presence as the only Armenian school in Orange County.
Principal Ani Sarkissian addressed families, students, and staff during the opening ceremony, reflecting on the significance of the milestone year.
“For forty years, parents have placed their trust in this school. For forty years, teachers have inspired generations of learners. And for forty years, students have walked through these gates discovering who they are and who they can become,” Sarkissian shared.
She reminded the school community that anniversaries are not only about celebrating the past, but also about reflecting on identity, purpose, and the future. This year’s theme, Our Story. Our Legacy. Our Future., will guide the school as it honors the generations who helped build AGM while continuing to shape the next chapter.
Sarkissian also spoke about the intentional choice families make when choosing AGM.
“In a world filled with options, you chose a school that believes academic excellence and Armenian identity are not separate from one another,” she said. “You chose a school that believes children should know where they come from, who they are, and what they stand for.”
As the new school year begins, AGM remains committed to educating students who work hard, know their history, take pride in their Armenian heritage, and understand that true success is measured not only by accomplishments, grades, or awards, but by the character they demonstrate along the way.
The opening ceremony also served as a reminder of the values at the heart of AGM’s mission: faith, gratitude, kindness, friendship, and community. Sarkissian encouraged students and families to remember what matters most as the year unfolds.
“We are not simply celebrating forty years of history,” she said. “We are writing the next chapter.”
School Board Chair Arpie Baghdassarian also addressed the community, speaking about the significance of this special school year and the important role AGM continues to play in the lives of its students and families. She reflected on the values, friendships, traditions, and sense of belonging that make AGM more than a school, but a true community rooted in faith, heritage, and shared purpose.
The ceremony concluded with Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who shared words of pride, wisdom, and faith with the school community. He also imparted the message of His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian of the Western Prelacy, offering a meaningful blessing as AGM begins this historic anniversary year.
With classrooms ready, teachers prepared, families gathered in celebration, and enrollment continuing to reach new heights, AGM’s first day of school was more than the start of a new academic year. It was the beginning of a milestone year filled with purpose, pride, growth, and promise for the future of Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School.