Manoogian Alumni - Continuing to Contribute to Our Community
We are so proud of our AGBU Manoogian Charter School alumni! Many return to Manoogian, as parents, teachers, team members and mentors, continuing to support others along their academic journeys and helping create our unique familial culture.
In just one example, two of our alumni, who are successful executives in the medical research field, have established a mentorship program for our 11th and 12th grade students. With group workshops and individual counseling, the alumni review best practices for college applications with the students and help them with their specific concerns. Our alumni also regularly return to the Manoogian School to talk to our students about their careers and serve as graduation commencement speakers.
Our strong alumni association is committed to supporting our current students, and helping ensure their success, with members returning to the school as educators, tutors and parents over multiple generations. Their support and guidance helps ensure our current students are prepared for the realities of college and career.
Through our Alumni Profiles, you will learn about the exceptional work our alumni are doing to make our school, community and the world a better place. Please visit this page often because new alumni profiles will be added frequently.
Alumni Profiles
Each and every one of our alumni are doing work that makes the world a better place. These alumni profiles showcase their current education and career highlights, the impact that the Manoogian School had on their lives, and their overall career goals.
If you are a Manoogian School alum and would like to be featured on this page, please reach out to us.
Ari Sagherian, 26, Class of 2013
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
Having attended A.G.B.U. Manoogian for 15 years, the school is like a second home to me and the people like family. The strength and depth of the bonds formed from such a tight-knit community are irreplaceable, with many of my closest friendships today tracing their origins to pre-K classrooms.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
After so many years attending A.G.B.U. Manoogian, I have had countless memorable experiences but the trip to Armenia in 2012 was unforgettable. I will forever cherish the laughs shared with friends while immersing myself in the Armenian culture, exploring iconic locations, and deepening my ties to my motherland.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The exceptional education at A.G.B.U. Manoogian has paid dividends for me throughout my college and professional career. The combination of great teachers, small classroom sizes, opportunities to take college level classes in highschool, and accelerated math and science programs helped me be prepared for the rigors of college. Thanks to the quality of the education, I was able to thrive in college and achieve many goals in my career.
What are you doing now?
I currently work at General Motors as an artificial intelligence scientist where I conduct applied research for autonomous vehicles. As a functional business underlies every career, I am also studying to earn a Master’s of Business Administration.
What are your plans for the future?
Until autonomous vehicles regularly taxi people around, I plan on chipping away at this complex problem one line of code at a time. After that, I intend to explore opportunities at the intersection of business and technology
Oksana Kutsa, 26, Class of 2013
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
At the Manoogian School, I gained a diverse community that continues to be my inspiration to achieve great successes and my comfort whenever I stumble. I know that this family will always cheer me on through life’s hurdles. The kindness and support I felt during my years at Manoogian sparked in me both confidence and passion to take risks and pursue new
goals.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
My most treasured memories at Manoogian come from my experiences in Armenian history classes. I was often called an “honorary Armenian” in these classes! As our teachers immersed us in the beauty of Armenian culture, I and my fellow students were often captivated by an ethereal melody or picturesque poem. In such moments, we were all united in appreciating the uniqueness of another culture.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
Manoogian encouraged me to be confident in the pursuit of my goals. Due to the school’s strong academic curriculum and supportive staff, I felt well prepared to pursue my undergraduate degree. I often credit Manoogian for giving me strong writing skills which were essential to my success during my graduate studies.
What are you doing now?
Currently, I work as Public Health Analyst at RTI International. As part of RTI’s Biostatistics and Epidemiology division, most of my research is focused on improving identification and management of rare genetic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency. I also work on HIV related projects which aim to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among young children in South Africa, Mali, and Mozambique.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to pursue a PhD in epidemiology
Lilit Kazazian, 26, Class of 2013
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
As I wrote in one of my college admissions essays, the Manoogian School is my second home. Of course, it is where I learned about my rich Armenian heritage, but it is also a diverse family where I built my strongest friendships. I love that lasting sense of community that is so unique to our school.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Some of my most precious memories are from our high school trip to Armenia. Years of classroom learning about Armenian history and culture came to life: suddenly, here were the majestic mountains, the awe-inspiring ancient structures, the humble and generous people. Experiencing it all alongside my friends and teachers was so gratifying.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
Manoogian facilitated both my academic and personal growth – from a shy five-year-old who had just immigrated to the U.S. to an adult who believed she could achieve whatever she set her mind to. My strong foundation in English and math certainly eased my transition to college
and set me on a path to succeed in graduate school and beyond. Perhaps more importantly, I was empowered to dream that I could have a positive impact on the world.
What are you doing now?
I work as a Health Scientist in the Division of Global Health Protection at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At CDC, I have supported global and domestic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2018-20 Ebola epidemic. My work currently focuses on strengthening the laboratory-based surveillance of acute febrile illnesses worldwide.
What are your plans for the future?
A doctorate degree in public health may be in store.
Viken Yeranosian, 26, Class of 2014
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
I loved the feeling of being in a school where the staff would treat you like family. Whenever I needed help with classes or other personal issues, there was always someone there to talk to for help. I was very comfortable to be able to go to Dr. Torossian or any other staff. They always welcomed me.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Playing ping-pong with my principal Dr. Torossian and Mr. Avedikian during lunch times. I can’t say they won.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The rigorous curriculum and strict grading definitely helped prepare me for college. Also, during my senior year, I was in the pre calculus class and was given the freedom to work at my own pace while meeting milestones. That’s exactly how college works.
What are you doing now?
I am a senior design engineer at Eaton Corporation. I design, build, test, and productionize accessories that go on Class 8 semi trucks. In addition, I started my own business for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) consulting and solutions. I am also an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy where I teach introduction to programming.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans at the moment involve expanding my family and growing my business.
Raha Cherette-Mouzoon, 26, Class of 2013
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
I personally loved attending A.G.B.U Alex & Marie Manoogian School because of the strong sense of community. Because of the class sizes and the student retention across grades, Manoogian makes you feel valued and integral in your educational experience. Difficult class material, college classes, and intimidating test prep feel much more conquerable in an environment in which you feel supported and empowered, and Manoogian fosters that kind of environment perfectly.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
It goes without saying that our trip to Armenia as 11th graders still feels like it was yesterday. I had never experienced what it was like to be immersed in a completely different cultural landscape and it really made me appreciate the Armenian history that I had spent years learning about in school even more than I already did. A less academic memory that I have is definitely our senior prank day—specifically when we got into a water gun/water balloon fight with all the teachers. It may be silly, but fostering an academic space where students can both respect and admire their educators while also having that sense of camaraderie is truly rare.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
Entering into college, I had no idea just how much attending Manoogian would help me adjust and excel in college. Our English education left me with writing and rhetoric skills that made the demands of course essays and presentations easy tasks. Moreover, Manoogian is where my love for the sciences first began. The approachable way it was taught, along with the breadth of knowledge that was covered definitely set the stage for my desire to pursue a career in healthcare.
What are you doing now?
Currently, I am a third year medical student at Central Michigan University doing my clinical rotations in Southwest Michigan.
What are your plans for the future?
In the immediate future, I plan to specialize in psychiatry during my residency. I may do a fellowship in childhood or adolescent psychiatry after that as well. In the long term, I would potentially like to use my medical degree and my public health degree cto do my part to the barriers to quality mental health resources in Southwest Michigan.
Linda (Kalfayan) Movsesian, 29, Class of 2011
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
What I loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School was that it was not only a school for me, it was my second home. My years from pre-school through 12th grade were spent in classrooms where I felt very supported. Nothing compares to the memories I created with my closest friends stemming from my preschool years. Having my mother as my preschool and 5th grade teacher, I spent many long days waiting for her to complete her work before we went home; as a result, I developed a close connection to the school in such a way that friends and teachers became family. I will always cherish the years that I spent at AGBU.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Probably the most memorable experience I had while attending the AGBU Manoogian School was our trip to Armenia in 11th grade. After years of studying Armenian language, history, and culture, it was a very unique experience to travel to Armenia with our Armenian teachers and principal and be fully immersed in the culture and historical sites. Surrounded by my classmates and friends, it was a trip of a lifetime, and I am very grateful that the AGBU Manoogian school was able to provide me with that experience.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The exceptional education at A.G.B.U. Manoogian has paid dividends The education that I received from the Manoogian School was what prepared me for undergraduate and graduate school. The teachers were very enthusiastic about the topics they were teaching, the small classroom sizes helped me focus on the material and not get distracted, and the ability to take college classes at the University of Michigan while still in high school was incredible. Dual enrollment gave me an early preview of what college would be like.
What are you doing now?
I received my Bachelors in Biochemistry from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2015 and received my Doctorate of Pharmacy from Wayne State University in 2019. After graduation, I started work at CVS Pharmacy in Brighton, Michigan, and soon after took on a role as depot leader at CVS. I organized and led a team of pharmacists and technicians in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to patients in Long-Term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes. I am currently an IV Pharmacist working at a Long-Term Care Pharmacy. I make, verify, and distribute sterile intravenous medications for patients in specific long-term care facilities.
What are your plans for the future?
Although I am currently content in my position, there are many different areas of pharmacy that I may explore in the future
Abby (Newman) Panabaker, 30, Class of 2009
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
The rich generosity of the teachers at Manoogian has resonated with me for years. I learned so much from my teachers about more than just their subjects; about humility, hard work, personal values, and human kindness. I have kept in touch with many, and even (briefly!) got to teach one teacher’s grandchildren in another state! That familial connection is rare and invaluable.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Our field trips, both locally and to Washington DC and Armenia, were life-changing, but an experience that always makes me smile was our prom night. I helped lead the Prom Committee, and we had an amazing team. My class, like the school today, was diverse, but my classmates worked incredibly hard to make sure every student was welcomed and respected. I was so proud of the way we came together and produced something magical.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
Manoogian gave me what no other public education successfully teaches: Empathy. Books and tests and rubrics cannot produce true respect and appreciation for another person; it’s only born from collaboration, teamwork, and friendship across groups. The Manoogian environment can produce profound, genuine empathy and respect among its students, and that skill is universally necessary across all professions.
What are you doing now?
I have returned home after nine years away; this year, I have the privilege of teaching Honors English here at the AGBU Manoogian School, following my teacher, the illustrious Judy Kadri. It is beautiful kismet to me to carry on the legacy of academic excellence at my own alma mater.
What are your plans for the future?
Teach, teach, and teach some more. Encourage my students to reach for great things, and equip them as best as I can to communicate, work hard, and develop strong character. My hope is that they leave my classroom better people than when they entered it.
Andrey Shturko, 20, Class of 2020
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
Attending A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School felt like being part of a family. I always felt respected and supported. I loved the diversity and harmony of the community, where I could make a lot of unbreakable bonds. And I love that today, the Manoogian School shares that familiar love with all those Ukrainian families during such dreadful times of war.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Some of my most precious memories are from our high school trip . There are many indelible memories I have looking back at my time at Manoogian School; however, my favorite is when I was one of a few students starting a rookie robotics team. I still vividly remember the eager and scary feeling of learning novel things and the great reward of team building and achievement.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
Manoogian facilitated both my academic and personal growth – from The Manoogian School is where I discovered my passion for engineering and was able to appreciate art. While taking upper-level courses in mathematics, computer science, and biology, I had an opportunity to be part of Manoogian FIRST robotics and automotive teams, where I scratched the surface of real-world engineering. In addition, I had many opportunities to share my art via playing my music at Manoogian Idol, the talent show, and Dr. Torossian hanging one of my paintings in the High School lobby.
What are you doing now?
I work as a Health Scientist in the Division of Global Health Protection.Today, I am a mechanical engineering student at the University of Michigan – Dearborn, a certified rocketeer in High Powered Rocketry via Tripoli Rocketry Association, and an Airframe and Propulsion lead at Michigan Aeronautical Science Association – Dearborn, which is a rocketry team at UM-Dearborn. We annually compete at Spaceport America Cup in New Mexico, the world’s biggest intercollegiate rocket engineering competition.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue my undergraduate studies and focus on aerospace engineering for my graduate degree.
Alec Kurjian, 32, Class of 2008
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
Family. I think that is the best way to explain why I love AGBU Manoogian so much. I have friends from my class that I am close with to this day, people I have known since I was in Pre-K. Some of us did not graduate from the school, but the friendships have lasted for almost 30 years. My teachers are still a part of my life and those of us who graduated find our way back even after we leave.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Our senior trip! Our class was the first to attend the trip to Armenia from the school and it exceeded expectations. It was my second time going to Armenia and I got to share it with my life long friends. I was so happy our school was able to send us on that once in a lifetime trip.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
When I was in high school my classmates and I were able to participate in the IGNITE and INSPIRE program. We took college courses to prepare us for the rigors of life after high school. Since I have left, I know multiple classes have shattered records in regards to money earned through scholarships. The school continues to prepare people for the real world and sets them up for success.
What are you doing now?
I attended the University of Michigan – Dearborn, then attended American University of the Caribbean for medical school. I am currently a Family Medicine doctor in Midland, MI. It is my first year of practice after graduating residency, and I am really enjoying the challenge.
What are your plans for the future?
With my career (finally!) in place, my goal is to get married and start a family. I would like my children to attend Manoogian so they can be the third generation in my family to graduate from AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian school.
Ani Toumajan, 33, Class of 2006
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
What I loved most about attending the Manoogian School was the fact that it felt like an extension of home. You knew everybody – all the students, all the teachers and staff. It felt like one big family. Because my parents both taught at the school, I also spent many hours there after dismissal and during the summers. I could trace a throughline of my childhood from one end of the building to the other. It was truly a unique experience.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
After 15 years of attending the Manoogian School, it is difficult to pick just one, but I think back fondly at all the preparations for Kindergarten Graduation. It’s one of my earliest memories. My teacher asked me to do the welcome speech for all the guests that evening. I practiced the speech with my mom until I learned it by heart. It was wonderful to see all the smiling faces in the audience ready to watch our graduation. Some of those students were my classmates all the way through high school.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The school created an environment in which I felt empowered to try new things. Our smaller class sizes often allowed for enthusiastic discussions and opportunities to engage more deeply with the subject matter. For me, two of the skills that were essential for my path in college and my career were critical thinking and writing skills. I first started to develop these lifelong skills at Manoogian, and I continue to improve on them today.
What are you doing now?
I have been working on Capitol Hill for about a decade. Currently, I work at the United States Senate in Washington, DC where I am a Legislative Assistant to Senator Debbie Stabenow. I work on public policy issues related to international trade, armed services, foreign affairs, and homeland security. It is especially meaningful to me that in my current position I can work on behalf of people in my home state of Michigan.
What are your plans for the future?
My parents showed me the value of doing work for the benefit of your community. In the future, I would like to continue working in public service. In general, I am interested in working on sound public policy that helps people.
Major Steven Oganyan, 35, Class of 2006
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
Every day was an exciting feeling to go to school at A.G.B.U. Manoogian. The tight-knit family group and community were what made it ultimately special. It’s a bond very few schools and communities have.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
One memorable experience I have is taking Armenian language classes and learning about our heritage and its rich history. I will never forget the excellent staff and teachers that impacted my life throughout this day. The A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School teaches you to pursue anything you set our
mind after. Go after it!
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The teachers were 100% dedicated and always committed to the success of their students. The one aspect I appreciated is the small set classrooms, which allowed for more one on one time with the students. The curriculum was also top-notch and challenging, preparing us to excel in future academia.
What are you doing now?
I work for the federal government and am the Director of Logistics for a military installation in Michigan. I recently began my small business and also got promoted to Major in the Army National Guard. Lastly, I was selected to participate in the Michigan Army National Guard Marathon Team.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be completing my Master of Management Degree in April of 2023 and am scheduled to have 20 years of military service in 2037. Once I retire, I plan to continue my career as a Department of Defense Civilian and work for the Defense Logistics Agency, preferably in the aviation sector. In the interim, my passion for flying is one I plan on pursuing as a personal hobby. I want to begin investing in real estate and owning rental properties to diversify my business.
Inna Mirzoyan, 30, Class of 2011
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
I loved the tight knit friendships that were built from Pre-K to graduation. My classmates and I were close with each other’s families and experienced many moments together. I also liked that now we all graduated but still support each other’s life milestones on social media because of that bond we created years ago. I also loved my English teacher, Mrs. Kadri, for seeing a talent of mine I did not even know existed which was writing. I continue to sharpen my writing skills and made an entire career of writing (as I write my PhD dissertation). She inspired me to read poetry through a poetry project and enjoy theater because we read Shakespeare often and did a mock theater performance to Julius Caesar. We didn’t have a functioning theater program and she did the most she can to give us a taste of what it may be like in her one class and I will always have a warm feeling in my heart remembering those moments and an appreciation for the opportunities her English class gave me to have an outlet to develop my inner creativity.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
One memorable experience I have is taking Armenian language classes and one of my favorite memories is probably when my senior class (class of 2011) all performed together on stage in the cafeteria to Green Day’s “Good Riddance, Time of Your Life.” It was the perfect graduation and farewell song, and some classmates sang while others played guitar. I felt the love between us all as we prepared to enter very different journeys in life. Another one was creating a class business and running it for a semester with my classmates or running a mock election campaign during the Barack Obama and John McCain election where we treated our high school like a real world scenario with election flyers, voting, and debates. That was such a historic election and I’m lucky to have been at a time in my life when I was just starting to think about issues like that and develop my own opinions as a young adult. I always talk about this moment when I discuss how I began caring about social issues and policies that impact our country.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The teachers were 100% dedicated and always committed to the success. I enjoyed my Social Studies/American Government and English classes. These prepared me to attend the James Madison College at MSU because I was already exposed to so many skills on how to improvement my writing and think critically about politics and our U.S. government. In one of our American Government classes, we did a mock Congress and each acted as Senators. I later worked in Lansing for a State Senator and interned for the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) in D.C. and thought about how that
small moment in our classroom led to me our nation’s capital because the teacher and our curriculum awakened an interest in me.
What are you doing now?
I am finishing my PhD in Sociology at M.S.U. and will be completed at the end of Summer 2023.
What are your plans for the future?
I will be starting a new position as an Assistant Professor in Sociology at Wayne State in the Fall 2023.
Sandra Alias, 28, Class of 2012
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
What I loved most about attending the A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School was being treated like family. From my first instant of strolling through the vibrant halls at Manoogian, I felt as if I was home. The warm, loving, and nurturing environment Manoogian possesses is like no other educational institution. The high academic standards held for me and my fellow classmates allowed us to excel even after graduation. The comradery I experienced throughout my four years yielded friendships and connections will last a lifetime.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
The Armenia trip was the most unforgettable experience. To be completely immersed in the culture in which I spent multiple years learning about was absolutely amazing. From tasting the fresh, authentic Armenian foods to being guided through the vast history of the beautiful country with my faculty and friends, the trip was extraordinary to say the least.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
Entering into my undergraduate career at the University of Detroit Mercy after attending Manoogian was an effortless transition. I received a foundation of knowledge and discipline to succeed in my college courses. Additionally,the dual enrollment program prepared me for the expectations and rigor
of university education. Subsequent to my strong educational background from A.G.B.U., I was able to achieve my Bachelors in Biology and attend the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to earn my Doctorate degree.
What are you doing now?
As of now, I am a Lead General Dentist for Great Expressions Dental Center. It is my passion to create beautiful, healthy smiles for every patient in my practice. In the past, I have served as Adjunct Pre-Clinic Faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Having the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with future dental professionals was a humbling experience.
What are your plans for the future?
My future career plans within the field of dentistry include obtaining ownership of a private practice. Also, transitioning back into academia to continue educating bright minds of dental students.
Khrystyna Bilous, 25, Class of 2016
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
What I loved most about attending the school was an incredibly accepting environment. The school fostered a sense of inclusivity and respect for students from diverse backgrounds, including those with language barriers like myself. The teachers demonstrated remarkable patience and understanding, providing additional support and guidance to help students overcome language challenges.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Overall, I enjoyed my time in high school and in the USA. Everything felt different and exciting, especially events like Spirit Week. I still remember how fun it was to wear PJs to school during Spirit Week.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The school played a crucial role in preparing me for both college and my career, especially considering my circumstances as an immigrant to the USA at 16 with limited English proficiency. The teachers were honest with me about the challenges I would face due to my language barrier, emphasizing the need for extra effort to achieve the same level of success as my peers. Their honesty and guidance helped me understand the importance of hard work and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
What are you doing now?
I work as a case manager for a mental health treatment provider. I work mostly with people who have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, borderline disorder, and substance use disorders. In addition, a couple months ago I became a trainer for a family psychoeducation group. This group is based on the idea of helping families of ill individuals understand how to move forward, where to ask for help, and how to navigate life ‘after’ the diagnosis.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I plan to pursue a master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a focus on family and child therapy. My goal is to become a counselor who helps people accept themselves, overcome life challenges, and live balanced lives.
Ben Newman, 35, Class of 2006
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
The chance to be immersed in and learn more about my family’s Armenian culture, language, and traditions.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
I was part of a group of students who traveled to Washington D.C. for the Armenian Assembly of America’s convention during my senior year. We got to see many of the great monuments and attend meetings with elected officials working on behalf of Armenian Americans around the country.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
AGBU gave me the opportunity to learn from so many different people’s experiences. When I was attending AGBU, some of my classmates bought tickets to see Amr Diab perform at The Fox Theatre downtown. I didn’t know much of his music, and the entire concert was in Arabic, but it was an amazing experience. Years later when I was studying abroad in France, I met a group of Libyan students who were also studying abroad. They weren’t sure what to think of me as an American, but as soon as I mentioned that I had seen Amr Diab in concert they completely opened up to me and we became great friends. I never would’ve been prepared to connect with them or other groups from around the world without attending AGBU.
What are you doing now?
I live in Maryland and I work in the cultural sector as the Executive Director of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. It’s a small orchestra that specializes in performing music written by composers like Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart and I’m responsible for the company’s day to day operations.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on continuing to build my career in the cultural sector and I hope to lead a big performing arts organization one day.
Reem Israel, 30, Class of 2012
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
I loved how close we all were in the school. The small class sizes allowed us to get the attention we needed from our teachers, and to progress in our education. The events that were put together were always fun. Learning Armenian dance and being able to participate in the shows while our families watched was a great time!
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
My most memorable experience while attending the school is having the chance to travel to Armenia. We were able to dive into the culture, visit monuments and beautiful monasteries, as well as eat the most amazing cuisines. The views were breathtaking. It was a trip I’ll never forget!
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
My whole life I attended schools that were large in capacity, and therefore I never felt that personal one-on-one care with my teachers. Making the switch to Manoogian High School allowed me to have that closeness of being one-on-one with the teachers, and I felt that tremendously reflected in my grades.
What are you doing now?
I graduated Detroit Mercy Dental School in 2020 after a cumulative 8 years of education. I have been practicing as a General Dentist in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to continue practicing dentistry, and possibly owning my own practice someday. Being in dentistry also allows me to have the wonderful work-life balance to be able to spend time with my family.
Carmen Mirachian, 25, Class of 2018
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
Hot lunch! All the food sales and Digin Toumajan’s deli lunch.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
When Ms. Kezelian dress coded me in middle school and had me wear a XXXL T-shirt on our field trip. I think about that all the time—God rest her soul!
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
The school taught me communication skills and leadership, both of which are fundamental to running a production company. It exposed me to life-long relationships. I’m glad to be able to use Manoogian School now for some of my projects and to come back to work with the kids on future endeavors!
What are you doing now?
I run my own music video film production company. I am the primary music video producer in Detroit, and my clients have come from all over the country, including Lil Baby, Big Sean, Gunna, and other artists. I am also one of the only female producers in the state.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to create an efficient and resourceful music video industry for artists in Detroit, and to expand my experience in all kinds of production projects, film, television, etc.
Nikita (Mykyta) Mihalkin, 23, Class of 2019
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
What I loved the most about attending the Manoogian School was a tight-knit sense of community given the small size of the school. It was easy to get to know your classmates and teachers beyond just classroom lessons. Cultural identity as an Armenian school, with lessons rooted in Armenian language and culture, also helped contribute to that unique sense of community.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
One memorable experience I’ve had while attending the school was organizing a Homecoming as a student council president. The year prior, the Homecoming experience was poor, and I aimed to fix that. By raising the price of entry and increasing the quality by getting a better DJ, photo booth, and catering as opposed to pizza, the new Homecoming was a success. Lots of funds were raised as a result that went towards my class’s senior year Prom.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
I’d say the school prepared me for college by offering AP class credits and local community college classes. These opportunities gave me a good sense of what to expect in college. DEC Career Readiness Academy has been a particularly great program at the school that helped me prepare for my career, and I am still using lessons from it today.
What are you doing now?
Since I graduated from the Ross School of Business in 2023, I’ve been working in the tech industry at Intel Corporation as a business operations analyst. My work primarily involves forecasting demand and managing supply operations of various computer processor products. I also create and improve business processes that drive profitability and reduce costs.
What are your plans for the future?
Since I’m still early in my career, I plan to continue working in the tech industry in business operations and product management areas. I plan to move to a tech hub city to further my career and make professional connections. Much further down the line, I’d like to become an executive at a large corporation or start my own company.
Galine Bush, Class of 2004
Please share with us what you loved most about attending the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School?
One of the things I really liked at Manoogian was the small class size. This really created not only a bond between students, but with our teachers as well. Having graduated 20+ years ago, the “home-away-from-home” atmosphere still resonates today whenever I’m at the school.
Will you please share a memorable experience you had when attending the school?
Our English teacher, Mrs. Kadri, took us on some wonderful field trips. We visited Stratford to see Shakespeare’s plays, took the train to Chicago, rode the Maid of the Mist boat into Niagara falls, and multiple yearly trips to Cedar point. She knew exactly how to enrich our studies by balancing the educational aspect and making sure learning was also fun.
As luck would have it, my husband was also my second-grade classmate, and our two children currently attend the Manoogian School.
In what ways did the school prepare you for college and career?
As a graduate of the Manoogian School, I felt prepared when entering my freshman year at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. During my Junior and Senior years of high school, a handful of us were able to earn college credits at U of M Dearborn’s campus through the IGNITE program. Taking college classes as a high schooler was challenging and exciting. I knew the workload wasn’t going to be easy but it certainly prepared me for the demanding courses up ahead.
What are you doing now?
I am currently a Quality Improvement Manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield. I lead a team that creates programs to help improve the care of Medicare members.
What are your plans for the future?
As a parent of two kids attending Manoogian, I am excited in what the future holds for them. My daughter, who enjoys robotics, asked me recently if I went to the STEAM center when I attended Manoogian. She couldn’t believe it did not exist “back then”! I look forward to watching them graduate (not too soon!) from the same school their parents attended.