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The Armenian Reporter | February 6, 2010CommunityHigh School dedicates science wing to Haig Varadianby Tom VartabedianCrANsToN, r.i.7 – Throughouthis 41 years in education, HaigVaradian never wasted an opportunityto assist a student.Over that time, he served as ateacher, guidance counselor, coach,secondary school administratorand principal before death intercededin 2007.It was only fitting that CranstonHigh School East dedicate itsnewly-constructed science wingto the “Mr. Chips” of the Armeniancommunity, as he was soaptly known.Family and friends turned outfor a dedication recently duringwhich an appropriate plaque wasplaced at the site to memorializeand honor the man who brought somuch attention and leadership tothe schoolchildren of Cranston.“Dad dedicated his life to family,education, sports and communityservice,” said his daughter DianaVaradian. “He never ran for politicaloffice nor did he come fromany financial means but in his ownmodest and quiet way, he touchedthe lives of many and left behinda legacy that will never be forgotten.Many of his former studentsare thankful for the guidance theyreceived from my father.”Two years before his death,Mr. Varadian was inducted intothe Rhode Island InterscholasticLeague High School Hall of Fame.Referred to by many as “the fatherof Rhode Island wrestling,” hedevoted more than 50 years to thesport in addition to his four decadeson the Council of the NewEngland Secondary Schools Principals’Association, the last 25 as itsexecutive director.In that supreme role, he governedall New England High Schoolathletic tournaments as well as regionaldrama festivals, programs ondrug prevention, computer leaguesand other regional high school activitiesthrough 2004.At one time, he helped initiatea special program through theProvidence Rotary Club for handicappedchildren to attend summercamp.Whether it was academics or athletics,Mr. Varadian never relentedin his capacity to promote a betterenvironment for its constituents.The word “student-athlete” placedpriorities where they should stand,especially with his own family.A graduate of Cranston HighSchool in 1944, Mr. Varadian wasan All-State wrestler for two yearsand also participated in track. Hewas inducted into the U.S. Army,serving as a staff sergeant in theThird Division Combat InfantryUnit during World War 2.He was the recipient of the CombatInfantryman’s Medal with twobattle stars and other awards forvalor, including the Bronze Star.While at Brown University graduatingin 1950, Mr. Varadian participatedon its wrestling team. Hecoached the sport from 1950-1961at Cranston High School, winningmany state titles. He was namedRhode Island Wrestling Coach ofthe Year five times, producing a hostof state and New England champions,many of whom distinguishedthemselves on higher levels.He was chosen by the U.S. OlympicsWrestling Committee as an alternateofficial for the 1960 OlympicGames held in Japan.His professional career in theCranston School System found himas a secondary school principal atCranston High School East andWest and as principal of Park ViewJunior High School until his retirementin 1990. The track at ParkView is also named in his behalf.In 1999, Mr. Varadian was inductedinto the prestigious RhodeIsland Heritage Hall of Fame.As a former member and athleteof the Armenian Youth Federation,Mr. Varadian is credited with establishingtheir Governing Body whichoversees the Olympic Games eachLabor Day Weekend. The organizationhonored him with an OlympicKing Award as named him an honorarymember of the local Providence“Varantian” Chapter.“As a youth, Haig served his countryand never stopped,” said RichardMagarian, assistant executivedirector, Rhode Island InterscholasticLeague. “He served youth inhis capacity as a teacher, coach andadministrator. All were done withtruth and honor.”The science wing bears a bronzeplaque with Mr. Varadian’s photo.Underneath the photo lies the inscription:“Educating the youth tomeet the challenges of the futureand become the leaders of tomorrow.”A concise biographical sketchof the man is also included.“If dad knew this dedicationwas taking place, he would haveChurch organist Eleanor Caroglanian marks 50 years ofdevoted musical serviceby Anne AtanossianwAsHiNGToN7 – When doesone’s dream begin? Could it be acertain moment in a WatertownSunday School, transfigured by theplaying of an organ?Charmed by the sound, eightyear-oldEleanor Der Parseghianapproaches the instrument. “Doyou like music?” asks the young St.James Armenian Church organist,Alan Hovhaness.“Yes,” the girl replies.“Never stop,” he tells her.And she never did.As the years passed and her connectionto music grew, young Eleanorbegan to reflect seriously onthe direction music held in her life’schoices. She joined the church choir,where extraordinary associationswith organist Berj Jamgochian, Dr.Arra Avakian, and Maestros RoubenGregorian and Arsen Sayian fixed inher a love of music that would continueto inspore her dreams.Having met her future husband,Oscar (Asadour) Caroglanian, atan Armenian dance, Eleanor’s fatewould bring her to a junction oflove and music in an unfamiliarplace. In 1957, the couple moved toWashington, D.C., where Ms. Caroglaniancontinued her involvementin the life of the Armenian churchand community.To live in Washington in the1950s and 60s was to live almostas a people denied their Armenianfaith, with no church, no Armenianschool, and no Sunday school toserve the handful of local Armenianhouseholds.A few dedicated Armenian familiescelebrated mass in the rentedspace of “odar” churches after theregular service. Christenings, marriages,and funeral rites were heldin edifices like St. Agnes & AscensionEpiscopal Church, now a historicsite. Priests were brought inonce a month from Philadelphia,New Jersey, Connecticut, or NewYork to perform the badarak.The feeling of being denied a communityhouseofworshipgalvanizedthe locals into action. After muchwork and sacrifice, Soorp KhatchArmenian Church was consecrated.The Prelacy sent its first priest, Rev.Dickran Khoyan of Watertown.Haig Varadian.That was when Ms. Caroglanian’syears of pursuing music became ablessing. Encouraged by the newpriest, she became the new churchorganist, embarking on what shefelt was her destiny. Every Sundayfor the next fifty years, worshiperswere blessed to hear holy badarakaccompanied by Ms. Caroglanian.Invited to perform for the April24 service at Washington NationalCathedral, Ms. Caroglanian wasquite concerned about doing justiceto the enormous pipe organ. Butwith the guidance and confidenceof choir director Ashod Mnatzakanianand the celebrant, ArchbishopHrant Khatchadourian, theevent turned out very successfully.Ms. Caroglanian was also excitedto perform at a banquet forPrimate ordains sub-deacon at Holy Translators Churchbeen humbled by it for sure,” saiddaughter Diana. “But he wouldhave approved. My only wish isthat students take the time to readthe plaque and become inspired tofollow their dreams, contribute tosociety, and make the world a betterplace. Dad’s life was not aboutrecognition. It was about the selfrewardingcontributions he made.”The Honorable Judge HaiganoushBedrosian, who was also Mr. Varadian’sstudent,characterizedtheman’sArmenian heritage at the ceremonyand reminisced about the close relationshipstheir families shared.She credits Haig’s personal attentionof advising and guidingher toward Brown University thatultimately led to law school. Presently,Judge Bedrosian is considereda highly-respected judge of theRhode Island Family Court.Michael Traficante, SchoolCommittee chairman and formerCranston mayor, delighted guestswith personal anecdotes about hislong-time friend and mentor. Bothgo back to their wrestling days atCranston High School.“Coach Varadian led us to manystate and New England titles,” Traficanterecalled.Among those steeped in prideby the tribute were Mr. Varadian’swife Anahid, son Paul, and anotherdaughter Christine, along withgrandchildren Sonig and NevartVaradian, and Erik, Andre, Aleksanderand Kristian Johnsen.“There aren’t too many Armenianswho have a public buildingnamed after them,” said his wife.“It memorializes my husband inthe best possible way he could haveimagined.”fArmenian President Levon Ter-Petrossian, just one among thehundreds of programs she hasplayed over a half-century at theorgan bench.Her love of church and nationhave served Ms. Caroglanian well.“Thank you, Lord,” she says, lookingback on a life entangled with music.“It has been a blessing and joy toserve You.”Catholicos Karekin I praised herthus: “Eleanor (Seda), when youare seated and playing the churchorgan, the angels from above aresmiling.”fEditor’s note: Eleanor (Der Parseghian)Caroglanian is listed among the directors andadvisors of the Alan Hovhaness ResearchCentre, Yerevan, Armenia.New York7 – Archbishop KhajagBarsamian, Primate of the Dioceseof the Armenian Church ofAmerica (Eastern), visited the ArmenianChurch of the Holy Translatorsin Framingham, Mass., onNovember 21-22, where he celebratedthe Divine Liturgy and ordainedMichael Sabounjian, son of parishpastor the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian,to the sub-diaconate.On the eve of Thanksgiving Daycelebrations, the Primate spokeabout the importance of givingthanks to God in the Armenian tradition.“Thanksgiving is one of ourpoints of contact with Jesus Christhimself,” Archbishop Barsamian said,pointingtoexamplesofthanksgivingin Armenian prayers, hymns, and inthe structure of the Divine Liturgy.“This week, we will all be remindedof the many things we canbe thankful for: our families, ourhealth, the blessings of America,our heritage and our homeland,”the Primate said. “But there’s somethingelse for us to be thankful for,too. It was Christ’s sacrifice whichbrought mankind the gift of salvation.And for us as Christians, thatfact, above all others, is our greatestreason for Thanksgiving.”‘A powerful experience’On Saturday, November 21, the Primateshared an evening of fellowshipwith members of the parishcouncil. Archbishop Barsamian’svisit coincided with the sixth anniversaryof the consecration ofHoly Translators Church, and thePrimate commended the parishleadership on their achievementsin the short period.On Sunday, before the celebrationof the Divine Liturgy, the communitygathered to witness theordination of Michael Sabounjianto the sub-diaconate. He has beenpreparing for nearly two years, bothwith his father, Fr. Krikor, and at St.Nersess Armenian Seminary’s deaconstraining sessions.Michael was ordained to the rankof acolyte in February 2008. Now16 years old, he says he wanted topursue the sub-diaconate becausehe realized that serving on the altarallowed him to be “engaged in theDivine Liturgy in a different way.”“It is a powerful experience,” hesaid, “and having that experienceas an acolyte gave me the drive tokeep trying.”Michael said learning the differentparts of the Divine Liturgycame naturally, though he did admitit was challenging to masterthe hymns and chants in Armenian.That proved “the most fulfillingpart of my training,” he said, addingthat over the past two years hehas learned enough of the languageto be able to read in Armenian.His brother, Arthur Sabounjian,who became a sub-deacon in 2003,was another source of inspiration,as were the parish altar servers.Now, Michael hopes he can becomea role model to younger students.He is already helping train twoyoung parishioners to become acolytes.Fr. Krikor Sabounjian leads a vibrantprogram for altar servers atHoly Translators Church. Last February,Daniel Hyde and Ara Bablouzianwere ordained acolytes, alongwith Michael. Also at that time,the Primate ordained Jeffrey Hyde,Christopher Seifel, and Michael Tutunjianas sub-deacons.“My hope is that when these kidscome through, some of them willbe inspired to move on, and maybebe touched by God and called to thepriesthood,” Fr. Sabounjian said.There are also opportunities foryoung women to learn to servethe church, he added. Some singin the choir, while others assistduring the Kiss of Peace portionof the liturgy, and serve in otherways.f