WRITING THE RIGHT: Why an Armenian high school?

By ANI AMIRKHANIAN

The proposed construction of an Armenian high school has touched some nerves and stirred a debate among Glendale residents.

Whether there is a need for an Armenian high school is hard to say.

Some are concerned with building on the undeveloped land, while others simply feel that the construction of an Armenian high school only fulfills the interests of the Armenian community.

The Armenian community seems to feel that a high school is needed in Glendale.

Whether the construction of an Armenian high school is necessary is not for me to say. But I can say why the Armenian community feels the need to have its "own" school.

All the concerns that residents have are valid, but to most members of the Armenian community, an Armenian school in the city they call home will create a sense of comfort.

Allow me to provide some insight into the Armenian mind-set. Having spoken to numerous Armenians about this issue, I have come to some of the following conclusions:

  ·   To most parents, having an Armenian high school will put them at ease, knowing their children will be learning to read and write in Armenian, the language that seems to be diminishing as the American-born generation of Armenian immigrants make their way into society.

·   Armenian immigrant parents fear that as their children assimilate into the American culture, they will unconsciously neglect their heritage or have little exposure to Armenian history, literature or the arts.

 
An Armenian high school may or may not be the solution, and Armenian parents also have other options with regards to education in exposing their children to the culture.

On the flip side, I also empathize with residents who oppose the proposed development near Crescenta Valley Park.

The need to preserve the land as open space is crucial, considering there is little natural landscape left in the city or in the foothills.

Where there once was open land, now there are condominiums or shopping centers.

The land in question is also part of a vast area in the foothills which was once home to the forgotten Native American populations.

In the course of this land debate, has anyone ever questioned the history and the significance of the Verdugo Mountains?

The debate is still in its infancy and will continue.

It is becoming an "us" against "them" debate, where compromise, if any, is yet to come into play.

For the time being, I choose to be neutral in this debate.

  ·   ANI AMIRKHANIAN covers education. She may be reached at (818) 637-3230 or by e-mail at ani.amirkhanianlatimes.com.