News Summary
Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale has been impacted by the recent cancellation of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. In a show of solidarity, students penned over 1,000 letters urging acknowledgment for selected schools. The program, which honors academic excellence, has significant historical importance, and its termination has sparked protests and a petition with over 1,300 signatures. School officials expressed disappointment, highlighting the community’s hope for recognition after years of dedication. The outcome of their advocacy efforts remains uncertain as they seek to uphold the school’s reputation.
Glendale, CA – Chamlian Armenian School, which was previously selected for recognition in the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, has become the center of a protest in light of the program’s recent cancellation. The U.S. Department of Education announced on August 29, 2025, that the prestigious awards would not be granted this year, which has left students and staff at Chamlian feeling disappointed and disheartened.
In a show of solidarity and advocacy, over 1,000 letters were penned by students at Chamlian, addressed to the U.S. Secretary of Education and the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. These letters urged recognition for the selected schools in the now-canceled Blue Ribbon program, which has a history spanning over 40 years, instituted in 1982 to honor schools that demonstrate academic excellence.
Chamlian Armenian School, a prominent educational institution in Glendale, was one of hundreds of K-12 schools that received the disappointing news of the program’s termination. The school stood out among over 130,000 educational facilities nationwide, with only around 300 schools awarded recognition annually, including 50 private schools. The recognition from this program was significant for Chamlian, as it symbolized validation for nearly 50 years of commitment and hard work within the community.
According to the school’s head, Talin Kargodorian, the preparation for the Blue Ribbon nomination required extensive efforts, involving countless hours dedicated by faculty and staff. This recognition was anticipated not just as an accolade but as a means to bolster the school’s reputation and assist future fundraising efforts. Kargodorian emphasized that Armenian schools have historically not been awarded this honor in their more than half a century of service.
Chamlian’s officials received the cancellation news through media reports, following a lack of communication from the Department of Education prior to the official announcement. Just days before, they had been asked to submit a 200-word description and accompanying photo for the National Blue Ribbon program’s website, showcasing the confusion and abruptness surrounding the program’s cancellation.
In response to this unexpected turn of events, the Chamlian community mobilized by launching a petition, which has since gathered over 1,300 signatures, demanding that the Department of Education honor the cohort of schools selected for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools program. This grassroots movement highlights the passion and dedication of students and faculty towards recognizing their achievements.
Artin Ghazarian, chairman of the Chamlian School Board, expressed a desire for the recognition process to remain impartial and not be affected by political considerations. The school has, however, not received any communication or response from the officials they reached out to regarding the cancellation.
Additionally, according to a spokesperson for the Glendale Unified School District, similar circumstances have impacted other schools, such as Clark Magnet High School, which was also awaiting confirmation of their Blue Ribbon status when news of the program’s cancellation was announced.
The historical significance of the Blue Ribbon Schools program cannot be understated. In previous years, many schools within the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) were recipients of this prestigious designation, with 10 out of 30 schools earning Blue Ribbon awards. The recent cancellation leaves a gap not only for Chamlian Armenian School but for other institutions striving for recognition and validation of their academic efforts.
The outcome of the protests and petition efforts remains uncertain, but the determination of the Chamlian community stands strong as they pursue recognition for their accomplishments and the opportunity to elevate their school’s reputation within the educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Glendale News Press: Chamlian Responds to National Blue Ribbon Cancellation
- ABC15: 6 Arizona Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Recognition
- Los Angeles Times: Monte Vista Elementary Embraces Blue Ribbon Honor
- Wikipedia: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
- Google Search: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
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