An extra-large crowd filled the Academy’s Hovsepian Activity Center for the school’s annual Family Night Dinner.

Red, white and green streamers across the ceiling, Italian flags on tables, and posters with pictures of Rome transformed the ASA gym into an Italian trattoria setting the tone for the Parent Teacher Council’s annual Family Night Dinner.  This year’s theme of “A Night in Rome” was inspired by the return of Sister Nelly Isin and Sister Emma Moussayan. Parents and students enthusiastically greeted each other and the sisters; their excitement chased away the outside chill to once again demonstrate the warmth of the Academy family.

Principal Sister Emma kicked off the festivities with a prayer and welcoming address. “Although I miss Rome, I have received a very warm welcome back to the Academy and am happy to be here to serve the children. We have many wonderful families gathered here tonight; next year I hope we have double this many!” she exuded. 

The eighth grade graduating class hosted this year’s event.  The students, dressed in hand-decorated black t-shirts, served as the evening’s waiters and waitresses while their parents prepared the food in the kitchen led by co-chairs Bill Arthin and Liz Mazmanian ‘77. Caesar salad, family style spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread were enjoyed by all.  Friendly’s Restaurants topped off the evening by donating and serving a wide variety of delicious ice cream rolls to accompany the dessert buffet that was prepared by volunteer parents.

DJ and alumnus Serop Buldukyan ‘06 added to the ambiance of the evening by playing Italian classics during the dinner hour.  After dinner, it was time to dance and Serop did not disappoint, electrifying young and old alike with Armenian and American music selections. Always a highlight of the evening, the Academy’s Montessori students proudly sang to the admiring crowd. Raffle prizes rounded out the evening of camaraderie and friendship, as smiling guests left their extended family gathering.