Celebrating a Century - George Zartarian's Remarkable Journey with The English School
On Friday, January 26th, 2024, The English School had the immense honour and privilege of being part of a truly extraordinary celebration – the 100th birthday of one of our cherished alumni, Mr George Zartarian. This milestone event marked not only a century of life but also a century of enduring connection with our school and a remarkable journey through history.
George Zartarian's association with The English School began in 1937 when he first walked through our doors as a student. He embarked on his educational journey, and despite the challenges presented by the tumultuous World War II era, he graduated in 1943. George was among the cohort of students who continued their studies even during the war. In September 1941, due to the military takeover of our school premises, they relocated to Kyrenia, where their education continued in unique settings, including Catsellis Sea View Hotel and The Dome Hotel.
George's connection with The English School ran deep, as his commitment to education passed down through generations. His three children, Parsegh, Garo, and Lena, all proudly followed in their father's footsteps, becoming students of our institution. The Zartarian legacy continued with his grandchildren, with the most recent family member graduating in 2019. The Zartarian family's enduring ties to The English School is a testament to the strong bonds formed within our community.
During the 100th birthday celebration, Headmaster Mr. Walker presented George with a letter of appreciation, recognizing his lifelong dedication to our school. In a touching moment, George received copies of his end-of-term grades, a cherished relic from his school days. He was also presented with a lapel pin, a symbol of his enduring connection with The English School, which he vowed to hold dear for the rest of his days.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the celebration was the interaction between George and our current student leaders. These young individuals, who have not yet completed their second decade of life, had the opportunity to spend time with a living legend, sharing a unique English school connection with a pupil who had entered his second century of life. This intergenerational meeting was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of education and the strong community spirit that defines The English School.
George Zartarian's 100th birthday celebration was a life-changing event, a poignant moment in the history of our school that we are immensely proud to have been a part of. It served as a testament to the enduring bonds formed within The English School and the profound impact of education in shaping lives across generations. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. George Zartarian on reaching this remarkable milestone, and we look forward to continuing our journey together for many years to come.
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