Q&A

With Anthony

What had an impact on you at The Woods?

The robotics team was the biggest. The small school, especially at this age, was really important. The teachers get to know you really well and help guide you. Small class sizes and the wonderful teachers were really the most impactful for me.

What does The Woods Academy mission/profile of a graduate mean to you?

I think, for me, having religion as part of the curriculum and learning more about the world around us was really important. It still sticks with me, especially here in LA and how I spend my time on the weekends. You don’t realize it at the time, but learning about faith and having that be a part of your life is important.

Being in a new city (Los Angeles), faith is super important to me. I didn’t know anyone here and there is an Armenian Church near me and a large Armenian presence, and it’s been super helpful to get to know people through that church.

What was your favorite thing about The Woods?

As I mentioned before, the teachers were awesome. I liked how there were multiple sports and anyone was able to play – if you were athletic or not. I really enjoyed the upper school area and the courtyard, having that space to hang out with friends. Small classes were great allowing you to really get to know everyone – you grew up together. The friendships really stick.

Who were some of your favorite teachers while at The Woods?

I really enjoyed Mr. A’s classes. Mrs. Piwko. Mr. Clubbs. These are just some of the names that come to mind! They were all really great as I mentioned.

Favorite Tradition?

Field Day – I looked forward to that.

ANTHONY’S 8TH GRADE GRADUATION VIGNETTE BY MR. POWERS

What advice do you have for our students at The Woods now?

Get involved in a lot of extracurriculars – clubs or sports. I did sports every season and robotics – it was fun to have a lot going on outside the classroom to expose you to things and strengthen your relationships.

What advice do you have for our 8th graders thinking about their high school journey?

I went to high school knowing only one person going to the same school. There are social implications for your high school choice – don’t be scared to make a jump or try something new – even if it’s not comfortable. If your friends aren’t going to the same school as you, go if it’s the right thing to do. Don’t follow your friends blindly.

Anthony Mahshigian has grown into a highly motivated, academic student who knows how to mix the business of school, fun, friends and sports seamlessly. Always with a big smile on his face, the rest of us would like to know Anthony’s secret for facing the everyday with his carefree attitude. As the “driver” on our robotics team, Anthony put the success of the entire team on his back. If Anthony doesn’t set the robot up properly and start it at just the right angle very quickly then our team doesn’t advance. Anthony loved taking all of the pressure on himself and he always came through for the Owlbots. On the day of the state championship meet, Anthony got to school two hours early to prepare and run through last minute preparation. They say in Hollywood that actors should never work with animals. Well Anthony, took his role as Sandy in Annie and studied his dog Rudy so well that Rudy is now trying to emulate Anthony. A lifer, Anthony has matured and grown tremendously in his days at The Woods. Next year, Anthony will attend the Global Ecology Magnet program in Montgomery County.