The Military and Sports College named after Monte Melkonian in Dilijan officially opened during a ceremony held ahead of the 60^th birth anniversary of the National Hero of Armenia and Artsakh.

President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan attended the event and congratulated the students of the College on the occasion of the major event. Primate of the Diocese of Tavush, Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who is also a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, began his speech with Nerses Shnorhali’s prayer and noted that it is not by chance that the College is located in the bordering Tavush Province.

“The name of Monte Melkonian and the reopening of the College dedicated to his birth anniversary serve as a major milestone in the series of victories of the Armenians. It seems as though this is a new reality and a new truth that attests our eternity through you,” His Holiness Bagrat said, as reported Armenpress. Addressing the students, the Primate of the Diocese of Tavush said today is the day they start to soar again. “Soar and fill your lives with victories. You will replenish the Armenian army as future officers,” His Holiness added.

According to the College’s alumnus, Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia Alexander Tsakanyan, in every struggle for national liberation, there are heroes who bear the wishes and dreams of the nation in their souls and minds. “Monte was this kind of a hero. Although he didn’t have a military education, he managed the military operations and coordinated the defense of the region in the best way,” he said. Monte Melkonian’s message was to struggle, love the homeland and be honest and fearless. Speaking on behalf of all the alumni of the College, Tsakanyan stated that the College helps fortify the will of the students and helps them choose the best path in life and serve their people. “At this College, we have made best friends in life who help us overcome hardships at difficult moments. The years of study at the College are like the years of a child who is carefree and secure, and this is ensured by the College’s teachers and commanders, who are our elder friends,” Tsakanyan added.

The Military and Sports College named after Monte Melkonian offers courses for 10^th, 11^th and 12^th graders. Currently, there are 190 students, of which 94 got accepted this year. The students are from different provinces of Armenia. The education is based on the general education curriculum. The College will soon make the transition to the Araratian Bachelor’s Armenian-language and internationally recognized educational program. The totally new College, which meets the highest international standards, has wonderful conditions for study and leisure. In particular, the students will be placed in classrooms that are designed for 3-4 students, are heated, air conditioned and have separate restrooms. The College has state-of-the-art gyms, a swimming pool, as well as playgrounds for football, basketball and tennis. The students eat quality food in a high-class cafeteria. The College covers the expenses for stay, food and clothing. Students attend classes Monday through Friday. On the weekends, they can go home or stay at the College.