Author: Antranik Varosian

Turkey closes airspace to Armenian airline FlyOne ‘without warning’: media

Antranik Varosian
May 1 2023



Turkey on Saturday closed its airspace to low-cost Armenian airline FlyOne Armenia without warning, the domestic Armenpress news agency cited the carrier's board chairman as saying.

"For reasons incomprehensible to us and without any visible grounds, Turkish aviation authorities cancelled the permission previously granted to the FlyOne Armenia airline to operate flights to Europe through Turkish airspace," said Aram Ananyan, FlyOne's chairman.

"Turkish aviation authorities implemented the cancellation without prior notification, putting our airline and our passengers in an uncomfortable situation".

FlyOne Armenia, a subsidiary of Moldovan airline FlyOne, began operations in December 2021. In February 2023, Ananyan told Armenpress that the carrier had five Airbus aircraft and offered flights to 14 destinations in eight European and Middle Eastern nations.

Ankara has not had diplomatic or commercial ties with Armenia since the 1990s.

The two nations are at odds primarily over the 1.5 million people Armenia says were killed in 1915 by the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor to modern Turkey. The Armenian genocide[a] was the systematic destruction of the Armenian people and identity in the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/05/01/turkey-closes-airspace-to-armenian-airline-flyone-without-warning-media/

Armenian PM, Czech President highlight implementation of ICJ’s decision

Antranik Varosian

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 21:32, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel at the presidential residence of the Prague Castle, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The interlocutors discussed a number of issues related to the further development and strengthening of Armenian-Czech relations. In particular, cooperation in both the political and economic spheres was emphasized. Cooperation in the fields of high technologies, education, and tourism was considered promising. The Czech side noted that they are interested in the experience of Tumo centers in Armenia and cooperation in the direction of opening a similar center in Prague.

The parties exchanged ideas on the developments taking place in the South Caucasus region. Prime Minister Pashinyan presented details about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted by Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and emphasized the importance of the international community's consistent response. Both sides emphasized the need to implement the decision of the UN International Court on unblocking the corridor.

In the context of strengthening peace and stability, the deployment of the European Union civilian mission in Armenia was highlighted.

Reference was also made to the Armenian-Turkish dialogue.

Prime Minister Pashinyan laid a wreath at the National Memorial on the Vítkov Hill, paying tribute to the memory of the unknown soldier.

Armenia and Azerbaijan to hold peace settlement talks soon: TASS

Antranik Varosian
Canada –

Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold talks in the near future on a peace deal to try to settle their long-running differences, Russia's TASS news agency quoted the secretary of Armenia's Security Council as saying.

The official, Armen Grigoryan, did not say when, where and at what level the talks would happen.

    TASS also reported that Armenia's defence minister had discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the focus of two wars in the past three decades, with the new commander of Russian peacekeepers in the region.

    The mountainous enclave is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, but populated by about 120,000 ethnic Armenians.

    Azeris identifying themselves as environmental protesters have since Dec. 12 partially blocked the Lachin corridor, the only highway and supply route that runs across Azeri territory which connects Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Azerbaijan went further last Sunday by setting up a checkpoint on the road, which Armenia called a major breach of a 2020 ceasefire deal. Baku said the move was necessary to stop the route being used to transfer fighters and weapons.

    Despite years of attempted mediation between them, the two countries have yet to reach a peace agreement that would settle outstanding issues such as the demarcation of borders and return of prisoners.

    French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has visited Azerbaijan and Armenia in the past two days, urging both sides to undertake confidence-building moves and resume talks on a settlement.

    Reporting by Reuters Editing by Andrew Osborn

    https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/armenia-and-azerbaijan-to-hold-peace-settlement-talks-soon-tass-1.6375485

    ICJ suspends Armenia v. Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan v. Armenia cases until decision over preliminary objections

    Antranik Varosian

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     12:54,

    YEREVAN, APRIL 25, ARMENPRESS. The International Court of Justice has suspended the examination of the Armenia v. Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan v. Armenia cases until a decision is made regarding the objections filed by both sides against each other.

    On April 21, Armenia filed its objections to the ICJ regarding Azerbaijan’s lawsuit, and received Azerbaijan’s objections.

    Armenia filed its full case against Azerbaijan on 23 January this year in the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

    States are entitled to present preliminary objections within three months after receiving the case. The court suspends the case until a decision is made concerning the objections.

    The preliminary objections filed by Armenia concern most part of the demands presented by Azerbaijan in its case, the Office of the Representative of Armenia for International Legal Affairs said in a statement.

    MP warns Pashinyan against ‘telling lies’, vows adequate response

    Antranik Varosian
    Panorama
    Armenia –

    MP Taguhi Tovmasyan of the opposition Pativ Unem (With Honor) faction has denounced Thursday’s “disgraceful” incident in which security officers forcibly removed a group of lawmakers from the parliament.

    The incident happened after Tovmasyan refused to leave the parliament rostrum after finishing her speech in protest against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s latest statements on Artsakh.

    She accused the premier of “spreading lies and casting doubt on Artsakh’s Armenian identity.” Nearly a dozen other opposition MPs joined the protest. Speaker Alen Simonyan announced a break and ordered security guards to force the deputies out of the parliament podium, prompting a scuffle.

    “Yesterday’s incident in the National Assembly was a total disgrace,” Tovmasyan told a news conference hosted by the RPA office on Friday.

    She claimed the speaker’s order was unlawful and its executors “had no right to obstruct the MPs’ activities”.

    “They are supposed to neutralize a threat, whereas we were just standing there and were not threatening anyone’s security. This is a blatant violation which must have consequences," Tovmasyan stressed, adding she has asked law-enforcement authorities to hold the offenders to account.

    The MP warned Pashinyan against “telling more lies” to the people from the parliament podium.

    "If Nikol Pashinyan continues to spread lies, he will receive an adequate response. From now on, we will not allow him to tell lies from the National Assembly rostrum,” she said.

    New Jersey’s “Rebirth” honors Armenian nation’s fallen heroes

    Antranik Varosian

     Guest Contributor Diaspora 0

    Rebirth, March 25, 2023

    EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—On Saturday, March 25, Hamazkayin of New Jersey, together with the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) “Agnouni,” Bergen “Armenouhi” and “Shakeh” Chapters of New Jersey, AYF-YOARF New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter and Homenetmen of New Jersey presented a spectacular, sold-out event “Rebirth,” dedicated to the fallen heroes of our homeland.

    A procession of flags and drums by the Homenetmen scouts and members of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) opened the program, followed by the national anthems of the United States, Artsakh and Armenia.

    The beautifully curated and star studded program was filled with patriotic songs and traditional dances. Composer and oud master Ara Dinkjian mesmerized the audience with his renditions of popular national songs. World-renowned duduk player Arsen Petrosyan offered the deep and melancholy ancient music of Armenia. Artsakh’s gifted poet Hermine Avagyan read her original pieces and gave the audience a glimpse of everyday life in Artsakh under siege by Azerbaijan. With his captivating and rich voice, Arabo Ispiryan’s performance reminded the audience of the Armenian nation’s ultimate sacrifice for its freedom and independence. Nune Yesayan also took the stage with her electrifying songs that brought audience members to their feet.

    Arabo Ispiryan performs at Rebirth, March 25, 2023

    The highlight of the program was the Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble. Under the direction of Barkev Sanossian, over 100 dancers ages 3-30 performed national and folk dances dressed in splendid traditional Armenian costume. Ethnographer Gagik Ginosyan traveled from Armenia to assist in training the dancers. Ginosyan performed the intricate knife dance “Chalme” with Mkitar Hakobyan on the dumbeg.

    Rebirth, March 25, 2023

    The Rebirth Committee extends its gratitude to the performers and musical artists who participated in this event and the donors and community members who made it a success.

    Rebirth, March 25, 2023

    Wounded troops in April 11 Azeri attack recovering

    Antranik Varosian

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     14:42,

    YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The six troops wounded near the village of Tegh during the April 11 Azerbaijani attack are recovering, Healthcare Minister Anahit Avanesyan told lawmakers in parliament on April 18.

    She said the condition of the survivors is getting better every day.

    The one serviceman who was critically wounded is already in stable condition, she added.

    “None of them is in life-threatening condition anymore, and three of the six are still receiving hospital care,” Avanesyan said.

    On April 11, Armenian troops carrying out engineering works near the village of Tegh close to the border with Azerbaijan came under heavy gunfire in an unprovoked attack. Four Armenian soldiers were killed and six wounded.

    Financing of the tourism sector from the state budget of Armenia increases by 5 times

    Antranik Varosian
    • Gayane Sargsyan
    • Yerevan

    Tourism financing in Armenia

    In 2023 1 billion drams (almost $2.6 million) was allocated from the state budget for the development and promotion of the tourism sector in Armenia, which is five times more than the amount provided in previous years. At the end of last year, a schedule and an estimate of expenses were also approved.

    In response to a JAMnews request sent to the Ministry of Economy about how exactly the amount intended for the development of tourism will be spent, and whether the opinions of interested parties were taken into account when making decisions, the following response was received:

    “When developing the program for 2023, the results of assistance programs implemented in the industry in recent years, the needs of the sector identified as a result of research and assessments of the current situation, as well as the results of consultations with beneficiaries were taken into account.”

    But travel companies and tourism industry experts were not aware of them. They did not receive invitations to discuss from government agencies.

    • Tourism in Armenia in 2023
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    • Stagnant economic ties in the South Caucasus: Three stories

    “I don’t know how the allocated amount will be spent. I know that the country has accepted applications for participation in various international exhibitions. Many organizations have already visited these exhibitions, but this was also the case in previous years.

    In the past, cooperation and communication with the tourism committee was closer than it is now. Even if very important sectoral issues are adopted, we are not informed at all now. As a result, only after the fact we learn about the adoption of some decisions,” Gevorg Gasparyan, head of the Armenian Federation of Travelers and founder of the Arevi Hotel, said.

    However, he welcomes the fact that the government has decided to pay more attention to the tourism sector:

    “This is a fantastic and unheard of amount for Armenian tourism. Finally, the government invests in an industry that actually has a large impact on the country’s GDP. I’m glad the ice has broken. Before this decision, we were 10 times behind neighboring countries in terms of investment in tourism, now this gap is narrowing.”

    Groups of young people are uniting and changing the situation in the most “difficult” villages of the country, using their own potential and resources

    Tour guide and expert Yasha Solomonyan shares the point of view of their colleague:

    “As someone who has been working in tourism for more than 10 years, I am certainly glad that the state is finally starting to pay more attention to the field.”

    He believes that, taking into account the opinions and advice of industry stakeholders, government agencies will be able to carry out reforms more effectively:

    “Otherwise, representatives of the sphere have to act as critics of the programs being implemented. While we are ready to be advisers, consultants. The fact is that we learn a lot after the fact, and when something has already been done, there is nothing to advise, it remains only to criticize.

    An expert in the field of tourism, the founder of the tourism project Like local Gevorg Babayan also did not know the details of how the allocated amount would be spent. But he is aware that the tourism committee should organize events in different countries to make Armenia more recognizable. He knows about this, since he was also offered to take part in organizing one of these events, but refused:

    “In the course of discussions with colleagues, we realized that it would be impossible to implement our ideas, since the amount allocated for these activities is not enough. And we decided not to participate just for the sake of the bird, as it is also a matter of our reputation.”

    Since January of this year, the LikeLocal project has been providing an opportunity for tourists explore Armenian culture during ‘family dinners’ in Armenia

    Despite the fact that the work plan has already been approved within the framework of the amount allocated from the budget, specialists working in the field suggest that the tourism committee take into account their wishes. They also look forward to the possibility of more active participation in projects and effective cooperation in the future.

    Yasha Solomonyan, tourism expert: “I would like the amount allocated from the state budget to be spent, first of all, on improving the sphere, on reforms, on improving professionalism. I hope that the costs will be targeted, especially in terms of marketing and the choice of markets that can provide an influx of solvent tourists with high incomes.”

    Gevorg Gasparyan, founder of the Arevi Hotel: “I really hope that as a result of investments in the country’s marketing, a large tourist flow will be provided. When developing any product, I advise you to take into account the opinion of organizations operating in the field. We have many experts with extensive experience who will help to achieve more tangible results.”

    In Armenia, the number of people using solar energy has increased dramatically. A businessman, a housewife, and an energy expert explain why.

    Gevorg Babayan, founder of the tourism project Like local: “I have always talked about the need to take the demographic picture of tourism seriously. Young, innovative, highly traveled and open-minded people need to be encouraged to participate in the tourism industry. It is necessary to work on attracting more young tourists who are active and connected with social media. By sharing their every move on social media, they advertise the tourist spots they visit.

    We need to create new products and services that attract young people. We need to understand what are the global trends in tourism and what young people expect from us.”

    Gevorg Babayan connects the gaps in various industry programs and decisions not only with insufficient coordination of the work of the committee with existing tourism organizations, but deeper problems:

    “We don’t have a tourism development strategy, we don’t have a concept, we don’t know where we are going, but branding has been launched. It is clear that it was necessary to use something as a logo. But branding something that doesn’t exist yet and using the fifteen-year-old phrase “The hidden track” (hidden route) is illogical. Approaches in tourism change from time to time, and we still say “The hidden track”.

    We need to keep abreast of world tourism, people employed in this area must travel several times a year. This should become a mandatory to keep up with trends.”

    70 kilometers through the mountains, with crossings through rivers and gorges, and stopovers in ancient villages

    Expenditures will be made in three main areas:

    1. Increasing the awareness of Armenia and the Armenian tourism product, conducting a more active marketing policy in the target tourism markets.
    2. Development of tourism in the regions, restoration of local traditions, diversification of tourism products, formation of new tourist routes, dissemination of information about them in the international and domestic markets.
    3. Improving the statistical and information system of the tourism sector.

    More than half of the amount allocated from the budget, 528 million drams (about $1.4 million), is earmarked for marketing:

    • participation in 4 international exhibitions,

    • acquisition of marketing services of 4 international airlines,

    • publication of 9 promotional articles about Armenia in prestigious international publications,

    • organization of advertising campaigns in 3 target countries,

    • organization of 6 international study tours.

    280 million drams ($725 thousand) are planned to be spent on diversification, “packaging” and promotion of the Armenian tourism product.

    63 million drams ($163,000) were allocated for the development of infrastructure and advanced training, and the organization of courses for employees employed in tourism.

    The authorities will also spend 120 million drams ($310 thousand) on organizing events to ensure international cooperation.

    Armenia, Azerbaijan renew clashes on Tuesday

    Antranik Varosian
    MEHR News Agency
    Iran –

    TEHRAN, Apr. 11 (MNA) – Several soldiers were reportedly killed on both sides after Armenia, and Azerbaijan renewed clashes on Tuesday.

    The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued a statement on Tuesday accusing the Armenian forces of initiating the conflict.

    The Azeri defense ministry said that the Armenian military targeted areas in the Lachin region, vowing to take the necessary measures to respond to them.

    "The Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of the Digh settlement of the Gorus region using small arms subjected to intensive fire the Azerbaijan Army's opposing positions stationed in the direction of the Lachin region on April 11," Trend News cited the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan as saying in a statement.

    "As a result of the provocation committed by the Armenian side, soldiers of the Azerbaijani Army became martyrs and were injured," the Azeri MoD said.

    "At present, the units of the Azerbaijani Army are taking adequate retaliatory measures," the ministry also said in the statement.

    The Local sources reported that today's clashes between the forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia took place near the city of Digh.

    There are reports of casualties among the forces of both sides as artillery or mortar clashes continue, the reports on social media suggested.

    Meanwhile, the Armenian defense ministry has said in a statement that "At around 4 pm on Tuesday, Azerbaijani army units opened fire in the direction of Armenian servicemen carrying out engineering work in Tegh village of Syunik Province."

    "The Armenian side resorted to retaliatory actions," the Armenian MoD added.

    According to preliminary data, the Armenian side has casualties and wounded, the Armenian side further said in its statement.

    KI

    AW: GenEd welcomes 2023 Teacher Fellows

    Antranik Varosian
    April 3, 2023 Guest Contributor Nonprofit News 1

    SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.  — Fifteen secondary school educators from 14 US states have been selected to participate in the one-year GenEd Teacher Fellowship Program, which includes a 10-day intensive professional development trip to Armenia in July 2023, based at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, after which the GenEd Teacher Fellows will lead their own teacher training activities for their peers. 

    The 2023 GenEd Teacher Fellows gathered for the first time in March via video call, where they met each other and GenEd team members.

    2023 GenEd Teacher Fellows

    Brenda Boehler

    Brenda Boehler (Tucson, AZ) is currently teaching IB Theory of Knowledge, World History and Western Civilization, while also serving as the chair of the Social Studies Department at Cholla High School. Boehler has lived and taught in England, Ukraine and Russia. Her most recent journey was a week-long pilgrimage in the Sacred Forest of Northern Italy. Boehler is currently exploring “Everyday Life in the USSR” as a fellow with the Davis Center on Eurasian Studies. In addition to teaching and travel, she enjoys advocating for animal rights, reading, hiking and practicing mindfulness. Boehler’s ultimate passion is to empower students with new possibilities.

    Sarah Dixen

    Sarah Dixen (Winona, MN) teaches AP World History, human geography, AP Government and service learning in Winona, MN. She taught and developed the curriculum for a masters in education program for 10 years and returned to high school teaching to work more closely with students and her content area. She serves as department chair, advises her school’s National Honor Society and Knowledge Bowl team. She is also an active member of her local community.

    “I am looking forward to studying with others and then incorporating an understanding of the Armenian Genocide by developing a unit on genocide into our school’s human geography course, as it is imperative that the future generations understand this history,” said Dixen. 

    Misty Ebinger

    Misty Ebinger (New London, OH) is a social studies teacher at New London High School. An educator for 21 years, she teaches government and Chinese Communist Party history classes, along with several electives, including Holocaust and Genocide Studies. She also serves on the board of Ohio’s Holocaust and Genocide Education Network, representing small, rural school districts. She has previously traveled to Germany, Poland and Israel to study the Holocaust.

    “I am excited to travel to Armenia, to learn from experts about the Genocide, in order to enhance my lessons at home about this little known, but incredibly important event in world history,” Ebinger enthused.

    David Green

    David Green (Acton, MA) has been a teacher for 28 years outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He has taught world history, US history and psychology. For the last eight years, he served as department leader for 20 social studies educators. Through his travels to places like Syria, Lebanon, Israel, eastern Turkey and Armenia, he has learned firsthand about the wide impact of the Armenian Genocide and far reach of Armenian culture. He is interested in formalizing these experiences and new insight gained by participating in the GenEd program into a new and innovative curriculum.  

    “I am extremely excited to share the GenEd experience with such a dynamic and accomplished group of educators and to work firsthand with our Armenian counterparts on such a critically important topic,” shared Green. 

    Leigh-Ann Hendrick

    Leigh-Anne Hendrick (Chautauqua, NY) is the director of the Holocaust and Social Justice Education Program of Chautauqua and a co-founding director of the Chautauqua Country Summer Institute for Human Rights and Genocide. She is a social studies teacher with 24 years of experience and has worked as a consultant with the United States Department of Education where she presented both nationally and internationally. Hendrick has received training at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC and is a Museum Teacher Fellow. She strives to empower students and educators to take an active role in our shared humanity.

    “Every person should know the horrors of history and the implications of being a bystander. These are the stories that repeat time and again and are evident in this history,” said Henrick. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn the history of the Armenian Genocide with a dedicated team of educators – to foster respect and empathy through the study of human rights.”

    Don Jenkins

    Don Jenkins (Oak Harbor, WA) is a teacher at North Whidbey Middle School in Oak Harbor, Washington. He has been teaching social studies for 30 years; his students have been learning about the Armenian Genocide in his Pacific Northwest history and US history classes. Last summer, he traveled to Poland with The Pilecki Institute with teachers from all over the world to learn about the impact of totalitarianism during the 20th century.

    “I look forward to getting to know the people of Armenia during the study tour, collaborating with educators to integrate the Armenian Genocide in my classes and to share what I learn with other teachers in my network,” said Jenkins.

    Cynthia Martinez

    Cindy Martinez (Felton, CA) has been teaching social studies for the last 26 years. She currently teaches 12th grade economics and AP government, as well as 10th grade core world history at San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton, CA. She also serves as department chair. Along with helping her school develop an ethnic studies program, Martinez’s most recent endeavor is working with GenEd to develop a curriculum unit on resistance in the Armenian Genocide.

    “I’m so excited about all that I’ll learn and experience on this trip to Armenia, so much that I’ll be able to share with students and include in curriculum development,” shared Martinez.

    Regina Bouroudjian Odishoo

    Regina Bouroudjian Odishoo (Libertyville, IL) is a certified speech/language pathologist and special education teacher. She holds a doctorate in reading, language and literacy, which she uses in her roles at Libertyville High School, teaching literacy and co-teaching US history. Her experiences as a first generation Armenian/Assyrian American have been the catalyst for incorporating genocide studies into curriculum and emphasizing the development of students’ critical thinking in order to build a more inclusive and accepting society. 

    “As a surviving legacy of the Armenian Genocide, this opportunity is surreal,” described Odishoo. “To connect my ancestral home to my home in the American public school system in order to educate and prevent further atrocities from happening again is an honor.” 

    Mary Ellen Richichi

    Mary Ellen Richichi (Jupiter, FL) teaches Holocaust/Genocide Studies, world geography and pre-AICE global perspectives at Independence Middle School (IMS). She brought the Holocaust elective course to her school and turned it into a growing program. Richichi runs the Culture Club and the UN Club, where students connect with peers around the world in real time. In 2021, she made IMS a No Place for Hate school through the Anti-Defamation League. In 2022, Richichi received the inSight Outstanding Holocaust Educator Naftaly Award. During spring and summer breaks, she organizes international educational trips for her students to see the world.

    “The GenEd Project will deepen my knowledge about the Armenian Genocide every step of the way through educational cohorts, professional collaborations and travel experience to Armenia,” noted Richichi. “I truly look forward to this educational opportunity and to share what I learned with others.” 

    Jennifer Sepetys

    Jennifer Sepetys (West Bloomfield, MI) teaches social studies at West Bloomfield High School. She serves as the social studies department chair and teaches AP Government, global studies of genocide and positive psychology. She was honored as the Region 9 Teacher of the Year for 2022-2023 by the Michigan Department of Education. Last summer, she received a fellowship through the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation and traveled to Poland with educators from across the country. Sepetys is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership at Oakland University. 

    “The fellowship offers an incredible opportunity to learn more about Armenia and share my experience with students, teachers and the community,” she shared.

    Katherine Todhunter

    Katherine Todhunter (Northampton, MA) has been teaching about the history of genocide for 21 years at Northampton High School. She is also a lecturer in the history department at Smith College and the program supervisor for Smith’s student teachers in history. Over the years, Todhunter has been awarded fellowships and led study tours to Cambodia, Central and Eastern Europe, Guatemala, Japan, Rwanda and Turkey. She earned an undergraduate degree in Peace and Global Studies with a focus on Russia at Earlham College and visited Yerevan for the first time in 1990 when she was studying in the Soviet Union. It was then that she first learned of the Armenian Genocide. She holds graduate degrees in geography and international development from Clark University and a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. 

    “I am most excited to learn about how Armenian people, in particular women, resisted and fought to keep their culture alive in the face of genocide,” said Todhunter. 

    Debra Troxell

    Debra Coram Troxell (Winston-Salem, NC) is a National Board Certified teacher from Winston-Salem, NC. She received her bachelor’s degree in history from Appalachian State University, a master’s degree in information studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a graduate certificate in geospatial technology from NC State University. Troxell teaches AP Human Geography, international relations and world history at West Forsyth High School. She serves as the social studies department chair, the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district coordinator for National Boards and is in the Teacher Academy. 

    “The best way to ensure a group of people ‘never again’ experience a genocide is to teach students and adults about ‘forgotten genocides,’” she asserts.

    Kristi Ugland

    Kristi Ugland (Mt. Pleasant, SC) is an English teacher at Palmetto Christian Academy in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. She teaches world literature, AP English literature and senior thesis seminar. Ugland has created and taught several courses on Holocaust and genocide history, 20th century history and literature and collective memory. She is a US Holocaust Memorial Museum Teacher Fellow and works with the South Carolina Council on the Holocaust. Ugland holds a master of arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. 

    “To better understand the present and the future, students need to be aware of the past,” she believes. “It’s time for the history and effects of the Armenian Genocide to be widely taught and known.”

    Emily Wardrop, PhD

    Emily Wardrop, Ph.D. (Oklahoma City, OK) teaches interdisciplinary studies and several advanced topic history seminars (including a seminar on genocide) at Casady School in Oklahoma City. In addition to teaching, Dr. Wardropy serves as the history department chair, a member of the school’s academic leadership team and as a co-advisor to Casady’s Youth in Government club.  

    “I am very interested in the ways in which events, especially instances of mass violence, are remembered, memorialized or forgotten,” she explains. “I particularly look forward to learning about the ways that Armenia and Armenians have remembered and memorialized the victims and the events of the Genocide.” 

    Dr. Mike Xiarhos

    Mike Xiarhos, Ph.D. (Warwick, RI) teaches philosophy, genocide studies and AP Psychology at Pilgrim High School in Warwick, Rhode Island. He also teaches theological studies at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. Dr. Xiarhos has degrees in education, modern European history and philosophy. He has published articles in academic journals focused on ethics, religion and student travel. He has also taken over 300 high school students to over 20 countries during his 19-year teaching career. 

    “I am honored for the opportunity to take part in this truly important work, and I’m grateful to have this experience with such dedicated and talented teachers,” said Dr. Xiarhos.

    The GenEd Teacher Fellowship Program is made possible thanks to the generous donors and foundations who support The Genocide Education Project.