On December 13, HRI hosted its first-ever Christmas gathering in the heart of Yerevan, bringing together 105 students, 15 parents, and 35 volunteers for a truly unforgettable day.
The celebration was both a joyful Christmas experience and a long-awaited reunion for HRI’s students, families, and volunteers, with participants traveling from villages across Armenia and Artsakh. The day began at Moscow Cinema, where students enjoyed a special screening of the new Christmas film «Mallորվածը». When the film ended, the room filled with excitement as Santa Claus walked in, followed by actor Leo Mkrtchyan (the film’s star and Armenia’s Eurovision singer), singer Hripsime Hakobyan, and the film’s producer Gagik Sephkhanyan.
The surprises continued throughout the day with special appearances by singers Sona Rubenyan and YellowHeart, two hugely beloved artists whose presence completely electrified the room.
In the evening, the group gathered at the Hovnanian Foundation for festive programming filled with creativity and connection. Every student received a personalized Christmas stocking filled with gifts, while English Program students were surprised with handwritten cards and handmade keychains from HRI’s U.S. chapters. During special activities, students created personalized keychains and Christmas cards for their English teachers and wrote heartfelt letters to their camp and youth center donors, sharing words of gratitude and connection. Students with top attendance in the English Program were also recognized with certificates and gifts. A PhotoBooth captured the joyful moments of the evening, giving students keepsakes to remember the celebration.
Donning matching Santa hats, the group explored Yerevan on foot from day into evening. Along the way, students enjoyed a warm meal together at Tashir Pizza, sharing food, laughter, and conversation before continuing through the city’s glowing holiday lights. Surrounded by festive decorations, the group sang Christmas songs, laughed together, and captured memories along the way, ending the unforgettable day at Seasons Park under the beautiful Christmas lights.
Special thanks to our HRI Chapters (AGBU–MDS, Burbank High School, CSUN, Glendale Community College, Lick–Wilmerding, UC Berkeley, and UCLA), and to all of our partners and volunteers for making this day unforgettable for all of us.
The celebration was both a joyful Christmas experience and a long-awaited reunion for HRI’s students, families, and volunteers, with participants traveling from villages across Armenia and Artsakh. The day began at Moscow Cinema, where students enjoyed a special screening of the new Christmas film «Mallորվածը». When the film ended, the room filled with excitement as Santa Claus walked in, followed by actor Leo Mkrtchyan (the film’s star and Armenia’s Eurovision singer), singer Hripsime Hakobyan, and the film’s producer Gagik Sephkhanyan.
The surprises continued throughout the day with special appearances by singers Sona Rubenyan and YellowHeart, two hugely beloved artists whose presence completely electrified the room.
In the evening, the group gathered at the Hovnanian Foundation for festive programming filled with creativity and connection. Every student received a personalized Christmas stocking filled with gifts, while English Program students were surprised with handwritten cards and handmade keychains from HRI’s U.S. chapters. During special activities, students created personalized keychains and Christmas cards for their English teachers and wrote heartfelt letters to their camp and youth center donors, sharing words of gratitude and connection. Students with top attendance in the English Program were also recognized with certificates and gifts. A PhotoBooth captured the joyful moments of the evening, giving students keepsakes to remember the celebration.
Donning matching Santa hats, the group explored Yerevan on foot from day into evening. Along the way, students enjoyed a warm meal together at Tashir Pizza, sharing food, laughter, and conversation before continuing through the city’s glowing holiday lights. Surrounded by festive decorations, the group sang Christmas songs, laughed together, and captured memories along the way, ending the unforgettable day at Seasons Park under the beautiful Christmas lights.
Special thanks to our HRI Chapters (AGBU–MDS, Burbank High School, CSUN, Glendale Community College, Lick–Wilmerding, UC Berkeley, and UCLA), and to all of our partners and volunteers for making this day unforgettable for all of us.
Check out the video recapping this special day:
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