MEMORIES Here are some quotations from the e-mails I have been receiving. I have made them anonimous to encourage more to come.

"I think that the administration at Melkonian had hoped that I would be the very first American-Armenian male to have ever graduated. However, it simply was not prepared for the challenge.
Yes, I was expelled. I attended the school from 1986 to 1988. My class was the graduating class of 1989. It was truly unfortunate that I was not permitted to complete my last year , since I still consider the time that I spent at Melkonian among the best years of my life. The friendships that I developed--many of which continue unabated--have since been unrivaled.
Before me, there was only one other American Armenian who had attended the school. His name was Hagop Chopourian. He was from Chicago, and, yes, he too was expelled only a few years before me. (Think of the burden on my shoulders!).
In any event, I am certain that many stories have been told of the antics that me and my classmates were (guilty) of, as we have heard many about Melkoniantzis who preceded us. Hopefully, the tradition of passing stories from year to year still continues. It is a wonderful tradition in a wonderful school.
By the way, I was never involved in organized crime, nor did I become a drug-addict, nor am I a devil-worshipper (all of which I have heard alleged after I left). In fact, I went on to complete high school, graduate from Columbia University in New York City, and have since established a successful consulting business. Anyway, now that by-gones are by-gones, I will allow Melkonian to take credit where credit is due.
Melkonian truly is a great educational institution, and I will most likely send my children there too.
Look forward to hearing from someone."

"That school was like my second home. In fact sometimes I felt much confident and confortable in Melkonian than at home."

"Hi there
It has been a long time since 1966, but Melkonian has been next to my parents all my life. I had the best time of my life there and I miss it so much. We learned to be a family, and that feeling is stronger than ever. I will be visiting the sit as often as I can, keep in touch.
Thank you for your beautiful idea."

"I remember, sometimes I could not wait to go back to Nicosia to join my friends, so I would count days..."

"When I first arived (I was 12 then) I totally hated that school. I saw each day as a nightmare and the school as a small prison. I remember I was not the only one with that sort of feelings.
But few months after the graduation I realised that those were the best 6 years of my life. I learnt I how to be organised, how to make real friends and value friendship."

"They did not allow us to get out much, so when I say that I studied 6 years in Cyprus and can't speak Greek, they all go surprised. We were not let out very often so we did not see much of the external world. But after the graduation we were more than just prepared for difficulties of the real life."

I graduated in 1983. I can't believe I am one of the lucky ones who has attended that school. The memories are so wonderful and don't fade with the years. The bond with fellow Melkoniantsis has been a very special one, which does not fade with time and is difficult for others to understand.

E-mail some of your memories on u7j62@keele.ac.uk and I will copy & paste them here (anonimously if you wish).