Melkonian students appeal to public to save school

- First participation in inter-school drama contest

Nicosia (Feb. 19) – Melkonian students, upset with the uncertainty over their school’s future, made a strong plea to the public on Thursday night to help save their school.
After the final curtain of the performance of “Ara and Semiramis”, the first Greek-language play staged at the Melkonian in many years, students once again took front stage and called for support to help keep the historic educational canter open.
The Armenian General Benevolent Union’s uncertainty over the future of the school, that some want to close in order to repatriate millions to be derived from the sale of its lands, has caused frustration among students who are still unaware if the Melkonian will continue as a boarding school catering to the worldwide Diaspora, or whether it will accept new students in the September 2004 new school term. “What you have seen tonight is the result of many years of learning of our nation’s culture in this school, an establishment celebrating nearly 80 years of history which is in danger of closing down,” said senior year students, who had leading roles in the play.
“The gates you passed through, this hall where we stand today, these wonderful historic buildings are in danger of being lost forever,” they said.
“We appeal to you to help us in our efforts,” they told the crowd that included officials from the Ministry of Education and a jury of well-known professional actors, including dramatist Photos Photiades and veteran actress Pitsa Antoniadou.
The government official, who presented the play’s organisers with a certificate of merit for their participation in the 15^th all island intra-school modern theatre and dramatic competition among 44 high schools, responded by saying “we will support you and wish you good luck in your efforts.”
The play was an adaptation based on the book of poems and myths by Zabel Boyiadjian and the performance included a medley of Armenian folk group dances. Entrance was free and enjoyed a reasonable attendance of visiting Greek Cypriots, parents and friends.