Among the celebrations of May, the Last Bell perhaps stands apart with its uniquely emotional mosaic. The tradition of celebrating the occasion emerged in the middle of the last century and, over time, became one of the most symbolic events of school life. If the First Bell marks the beginning of the educational journey, then the Last Bell is the summation of that path — filled with memories, achievements, and a sense of responsibility toward the future. In Armenia, this day has long ceased to be merely a graduation ceremony; it has become a meaningful rite of passage through which generations are symbolically handed over, gratitude is expressed to teachers, and young people standing on the threshold of a new life are sent forward. This year, nearly 62,000 students across the republic experienced that moment, including more than 20,000 twelfth graders.
Among those dream-filled graduates were the 13 students of “Usum,” who had their final lesson the day before and today stepped onto the stage as future political scientists, lawyers, economists, programmers, analysts, and doctors. In the opening remarks of the celebration, Vice Principal A. Hambardzumyan congratulated the graduates on this important milestone in their lives, expressing confidence that they would remain in the school’s history through their finest qualities and achievements.
In her congratulatory address, school principal Susanna Tamaryan noted that graduating from school is not only an accomplishment, but also a responsibility — to dedicate one’s knowledge and abilities to the development of society. She emphasized that every individual bears responsibility not only before themselves, their teachers, and their parents, but also before the state and humanity as a whole. S. Tamaryan encouraged the graduates to combine human values with knowledge in every decision they make, stressing that true success is born precisely from that harmony.
The stage was then handed over to the graduates. Through dance performances and humorous sketches reflecting their personalities, they transformed the event into a heartfelt summary of their school years. Laughter and emotional whispers alternated throughout the hall and courtyard, as every smile carried within it the story of years gone by.
Graduate M. Mkhitaryan, a longtime student of the school, also extended congratulations to the graduates and gratitude to the school, highlighting the importance of an environment where students are taught not only academic knowledge, but also the ability and courage to listen to one another and express their own opinions.
Built upon a delicate balance of classical style and subtle humor, the celebration became one of the most emotional and sincere events of recent years — free from rigid formality and instead resembling a warm, genuine conversation with the audience.
To not think freely is to not think at all!
