“The Triumphant Return of the Students of the ‘Ընտանիք’ Center…”

On March 30, a festive, lively, and triumphant atmosphere prevailed at the “Ընտանիք” Children and Youth Creative Center of Gyumri under the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia. The Center’s teaching staff, students, and parents enthusiastically and emotionally welcomed the winners of the International Children’s Art Competition and solemnly celebrated their triumphant return.

Back in February, 16 works by students of the “Ընտանիք” Center’s Painting Group were submitted to the international children’s art competition entitled “The Caucasus Is the Home of the Persian Leopard,” announced in the Russian Federation by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The aim of the competition was to draw teenagers’ attention to the preservation of the natural heritage of the Caucasus, raise the level of environmental awareness, support talented children, and contribute to the aesthetic education of young people.

Teenagers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and various regions of Russia submitted their works to the competition.

Six students of the Painting Group of the “Ընտանիք” Children and Youth Creative Center of Gyumri, who were recognized as winners representing Armenia, were invited, under the leadership of Director Arthur Minasyan and group instructor Arthur Muradyan, to participate in the award ceremony in Krasnodar on March 27, with travel and participation funded by the foundation.

The organizers warmly and enthusiastically welcomed the guests from Armenia, whose works had been recognized as among the best.

At the award ceremony, in the 13–18 age category, diplomas and prizes were awarded to:

• Mariam Movsisyan — 1st place

• Arusyak Sargsyan — 2nd place

• Romik Nikoghosyan — 3rd place

In the 7–12 age category:

• Melanya Alekyan — 1st place

• Vahe Vardanyan — 2nd place

• Arusyak Mkrtchyan — 3rd place

V. Shmunk, Head of the WWF “Russian Caucasus” program, sent a letter of appreciation to Levon Mkrtchyan, Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, on behalf of himself and the competition organizers. In the letter, he expressed gratitude to the administration and students of the “Ընտանիք” Children and Youth Creative Center for their highly organized and successful participation in the competition.

“In particular, I would like to highlight the students’ artistic technique, the originality of their ideas, and their creative approach,” wrote V. Shmunk.

Every achievement of an Armenian, in any field and anywhere in the world, and every place where the state flag of the Republic of Armenia is raised, is a source of honor and victory for all of us.

Well done, young Armenians, for representing Armenian talent and ability so successfully on the international stage!

H. Sargsyan