CHENANGO FORKS - Spartak Ghazaryan, an Armenian exchange student, arrived at Chenango Forks High School in September 2022 without a thought of the impact he would have on the students and faculty during his school-year-long stay. Through the esteemed Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, Ghazaryan embarked on a journey from his hometown of Martuni, Armenia to the school district of Chenango Forks.
From the beginning, both students and teachers were in agreement on Ghazaryan's contributions throughout his exchange experience. Andrea Gumble, a teacher at Chenango Forks High School, hailed him as a "wonderful addition to Forks Nation this year."
Spartak with peers at a school-hosted 'going away party'.
Ghazaryan, already a nationally ranked chess player in Armenia, managed to share his passion for the game with his classmates by establishing a thriving chess club. Reflecting on his experience, Ghazaryan expressed his delight in working with individuals who shared his enthusiasm for chess, even if they had limited knowledge about the sport. His journey with chess began at the age of five, culminating in his remarkable first-place finish in the Armenian Championship for the 'Under 12' age group in 2015.
In addition to chess, Ghazaryan nurtured his love for writing while in the United States. His exceptional writing skills earned him recognition in a national competition organized by the Rotary, resulting in an opportunity to visit Washington D.C. Ghazaryan's winning paper centered on political leadership in Armenia, impressing judges among thousands of submissions.
Spartak with peers at a school-hosted 'going away party'.
Despite being far from home, Ghazaryan embraced the chance to share his culture with his American peers. During the school's much-anticipated 'Cultural Coffee House' event, he captivated attendees by offering traditional food and showcasing Armenian dance forms. Ghazaryan remarked, "It was a pleasure to share my culture with my classmates."
When reflecting on his educational experience, Ghazaryan expressed his appreciation for the open-mindedness of his Chenango Forks counterparts, a quality he found somewhat lacking back home. The exchange student was also fortunate enough to explore iconic American cities such as New York and Los Angeles, courtesy of his host family.
Spartak with teacher, Dan Palmer and peers at a school-hosted 'going away party'.
When asked about his favorite memory in the United States, Ghazaryan found it impossible to single out a specific experience, stating, "The whole system, with its abundance of cultures, food, and lifestyles, makes this country amazing."
Ghazaryan conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the students, teachers, and staff at Chenango Forks for making his time there memorable. As part of his obligations, he has now returned to Armenia to fulfill a mandatory two-year military service. Nevertheless, Ghazaryan harbors ambitions of returning to the United States to pursue studies in Economics and Business, demonstrating his desire to further his education in a country that left an indelible mark on him.
As Spartak Ghazaryan's story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of cultural exchange programs, leaving lasting impressions on both the visitors and the communities they temporarily call home.