Glendale, California, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Students at Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale are protesting the cancellation of the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program by the U.S. Department of Education. Over 1,000 students have written letters to government officials advocating for recognition of their academic achievements. The program, which highlights excellence in education, had selected Chamlian for its 2025 cohort, only to see it abruptly canceled. The school community has initiated a petition that has garnered over 1,300 signatures, calling for accountability and fairness in the award process.
Glendale, CA – Chamlian Armenian School Students Protest Cancellation of 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale, California, was recently selected as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, an honor abruptly cut short by the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement on August 29, 2025, to cancel the program entirely. This decision has prompted over 1,000 students from the school to take action, writing letters to urge federal and state education officials for recognition of their achievement.
Officially, the National Blue Ribbon Schools program has recognized over 130,000 educational institutions since its inception in 1982, intending to highlight academic excellence and equity in education. However, the cancellation means that Chamlian, along with hundreds of other schools selected for the 2025 class, will not receive the acknowledgment and validation that comes with this prestigious award.
Chamlian School had been diligently preparing for the award, with significant efforts by the faculty and staff amounting to hundreds of hours of work. The school’s head, Talin Kargodorian, expressed disappointment regarding the cancellation, as the award was seen as crucial for enhancing the school’s reputation within the community and aiding in fundraising efforts. Additionally, the recognition was particularly significant given that Armenian schools have historically not received such designations over their 50 years of service.
The cancellation of the program was only discovered by Chamlian school officials through media reports shortly after the announcement was made, without any prior notification from the Department of Education. In addition, prior to the cancellation, Chamlian was requested to prepare a description and photo for the Blue Ribbon program’s website, contradicting the recent decision to cancel the awards.
In response to the decision, the school community has initiated a petition that has gained over 1,300 signatures, demanding that the Department of Education honors the recognition for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon School cohort. Artin Ghazarian, chairman of the Chamlian School Board, emphasized the need for the recognition to be devoid of political influences, advocating for fairness in the award process.
The cancellation affects not only Chamlian Armenian School but also other institutions waiting for similar recognitions. According to a spokesperson from the Glendale Unified School District, Clark Magnet High School was also expecting confirmation of its own Blue Ribbon status before the program was canceled. Historically, ten out of thirty schools within the district have received Blue Ribbon awards in previous years, showcasing a strong tradition of excellence among local schools.
As of now, Chamlian students who reached out to the Department of Education and other officials regarding the cancellation have yet to receive any response, leaving the community with unanswered questions about the future of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program and its implications for schools like Chamlian.
Background of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program was established to recognize high-performing K-12 schools. Each year, approximately 300 schools, including 50 private institutions, are recognized for their academic excellence or for their progress in closing achievement gaps. The cancellation of this program means the loss of a significant opportunity for Chamlian and numerous other schools nationwide to receive the recognition they have worked hard to achieve.
FAQ
What is the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program?
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a federal initiative established in 1982 to recognize K-12 schools that demonstrate academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.
Why was the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program canceled?
The U.S. Department of Education announced the cancellation of the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program on August 29, 2025, impacting all schools selected for that year.
What actions have students taken in response to the program’s cancellation?
Students at Chamlian Armenian School have written over 1,000 letters to education officials and initiated a petition that has collected more than 1,300 signatures, demanding recognition for the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| School Name | Chamlian Armenian School |
| Location | Glendale, California |
| Event Date | August 29, 2025 |
| Program Founded | 1982 |
| Annual Recognitions | Approximately 300 schools |
| Petition Signatures | Over 1,300 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Glendale News Press: Chamlian Responds to National Blue Ribbon Cancellation
- ABC15: 6 Arizona Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Recognition
- Los Angeles Times: Monte Vista Elementary Embraces Blue Ribbon Honor
- Wikipedia: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
- Google Search: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
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