SOUTHFIELD, MI - The AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School here announces that the school has been recognized by the state of Michigan as a recipient of the first annual Golden Apple Award for student performance on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) tests. Governor John Engler announced the names of 182 schools honored during ceremonies held in Lansing on December 7, 2000.

The Manoogian School is among ten schools in its category, which qualified for the award for both academic high achievement and for showing more than 60 points' improvement in composite MEAP scores over the last three years in fourth- and fifth-grade results. Subjects included Science, Math, Reading, Writing, and Social Studies. "Emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism, together with our cultural heritage, enriches the minds and the lives of all our students. We are proud of their achievements," said Dr. Nadya Sarafian, Principal.

The dedication and the perseverance of the Manoogian School faculty paid off bringing this prestigious award, which includes a handsome trophy of a golden apple and a check for $50,000 to be used at the school's discretion for school improvement purposes. According to Dyana Kezelian, Head Teacher of the Elementary School and second-grade teacher, "The Elementary faculty made a concerted effort to improve the MEAP scores four years ago, and this award is evidence of this commitment."

In addition to attaining academic excellence, the school has increased enrollment to almost full capacity with long waiting lists for certain grades.

After becoming a Charter Academy under the authorization of Central Michigan University, the Manoogian School retained and improved its college-prep core curriculum program. The unique offering of the school is its Armenian studies program, which is a required component of every student's curriculum. The school has recently upgraded the program with new textbooks, audiovisual aides, modem instructional materials, and technology.

"Golden Apple recipients posted either the top MEAP test scores, or the most improved MEAP test scores in the state or both," said Mark Leyda, Executive Director of the Michigan Merit Award Office of the Department of Treasury, which administers the program. "Either way, they did a terrific job, and we are pleased to be able to recognize their academic accomplishment."

"To see and feel the joy of this tremendous success makes it all worthwhile. I have never tasted an apple so delicious," said Hosep Torossian, Assistant Principal for Administrative Services.

Sincere congratulations are in order to the AGBU Alex & Marie Manoogian School, its outstanding faculty, staff, parents, and student body for their diligence and fortitude in achieving academic excellence. An official celebration will take place in the near future to feature the award ceremony, along with the participation of state officials and community leaders.