Shogher Shanoian Appointed Interim Principal at Merdinian School

Dr. Souzy Ohanian, principal of Charlotte and Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, will be stepping down from her position and returning to Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, where she will assume the role of principal.

In a unanimous decision at a special Board meeting held on June 12, the Merdinian Board of Directors appointed the current director of student affairs, Shogher Shanoian, as interim principal to begin serving in her new role on July 1. Shanoian is a member of the Armenian evangelical community and has held numerous leadership positions at Merdinian for over seven years. Her commitment to Merdinian spans decades, as she is an alumna, the parent of an alumnus and two current students.

Shanoian holds a master of science in education from California Baptist University and a bachelor of science in business administration, management, and organization from California State University, Fresno.

“We are extremely grateful for Dr. Ohanian’s visionary leadership,” said Nerses Aposhian, Board chairman at Merdinian School. “I speak for the entire Merdinian community when I say she has brought our school to new heights. We look forward to continuing her work alongside Shanoian to ensure a smooth transition. Shanoian and her administrative team will build on the work accomplished in the last two years, including advancing Merdinian’s curriculum, developing the teaching staff, improving facilities, and growing our school. She has been a steadfast advocate for our students and faculty and demonstrated a lifelong passion for Christian Armenian education. We are enthusiastic and eager for her to enter this new leadership position.”