On October 15, 2025, Ara and Jay Bagdasarian presented on The Armenian Genocide to two classes of high school students at New London High School in north central Ohio. The sessions were hosted by Misty Ebinger, an award-winning Social Studies teacher who was recently named 2025 Genocide Educator of the Year by the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Commission.

Mrs. Ebinger teaches a detailed elective course on the Armenian Genocide. Her students, who voluntarily enroll, become well-versed in Armenian history, culture, and the alphabet, as well as the events leading up to the Genocide, its aftermath, and modern-day issues, including the deportations from Artsakh. Her classroom reflects this dedication: students’ names, written artistically in the Armenian alphabet, decorate the walls, and a large historical timeline traces Armenian history from 301 AD to the present.

Ara and Jay’s presentation began with a brief overview of the Armenian Genocide—already a key focus of Mrs. Ebinger’s curriculum—before delving into a deeply personal account of their grandparents’ experiences during and after the atrocities. Their talk centered on the harrowing story of their grandmother, Arousiag Demirjian, whose family was driven from their native village of Mezre, Kharput, during the death marches. She became the sole survivor of her family after collapsing in the desert near Deir-ez-Zor.

Arousiag was rescued by an Arab merchant who brought her to Baghdad. Two years later, she was discovered by an AGBU missionary and taken to an Armenian orphanage in Port Said, Egypt. Her passage to Ellis Island in 1919 was arranged by Karekin (Charles) Demirjian, who would become her husband a year later. Together, Arousiag and Karekin built a life of faith and service in America. They raised three children and eight grandchildren and were among the founding members of St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church, where they played leading roles in parish life for many years.

Through their story, Ara and Jay highlighted the enduring faith, resilience, and love that sustained their grandparents and shaped the generations that followed. Their family’s journey stands as a living testament to survival, hope, and the strength of the Armenian spirit.

Mrs. Ebinger’s students listened with great attentiveness and gratitude. Many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to hear a firsthand family account that gave new meaning and humanity to the history they had studied.