Celebrating Sona Ashjian's Retirement

Dear Providence Community,

With mixed feelings, Providence High School announces Sona Ashjian will embark on a well-deserved retirement at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Sona has served many roles in our community since becoming a parent in 1999, when she saw her children, Christina ’03 and Michael ’07, graduate. After her deep involvement on campus as a member of the Parent Board, including serving as Hospitality Chair and Blood Drive Assistant, she later joined the faculty and staff in the Medical program in 2004.

Over the last 22 years as a faculty member, Sona has served primarily in the Medical Program, watching the program continue to grow, evolve, and reach new levels of excellence. Sona’s love for medicine, our students, and our Providence community has left a lasting mark on Providence High School. She has impacted the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom now work in the medical and healthcare fields.

Our entire community and I are excited for her and know she will carry the Providence spirit with her as she embarks on this new adventure. Providence is grateful to you, Sona.

A note from Sona

“Over my 22 years as a faculty member, I have had the privilege of working with the remarkable Sisters of Providence—Sister Lucille Dean, Sister Mary Hawkins, and Sister Renata—who showed me what true leadership looks like. Their dedication and loyalty to the faculty, staff, students, and the entire Providence community were truly inspirational. Along the way, I also had the opportunity to work with many wonderful colleagues and parents, and to form friendships that I will treasure for a lifetime.

During my time, I watched students begin their journey as young adolescents—often timid and unsure—and grow into outstanding healthcare professionals and dedicated members of their communities. During this time, the program continued to grow, evolve, and reach new levels of excellence.

Deciding to retire from a program that I care so deeply about and worked so hard to help build was not easy. However, I now look forward to spending more time with my family, especially my grandchildren. I will carry many wonderful memories from my years at Providence and wish the school continued success in the years ahead.”—Sona Ashjian

What colleagues say about Sona Ashjian

“Sona is the heart of the Providence Medical Program. She has made a difference in thousands of students' lives. For over two decades, Sona has been preparing students for success in med school and the medical industry by guiding them through hospital internships. She has been there for all of the medical program events. Personally, Sona has been a constant in my life. When I started at providence high school 16 years ago, Sona was a welcoming mentor. She has watched my family grow as I have watched her family grow. Sona is not just a colleague; she is a part of the family. She will continue to be a figure head of the Providence medical program for years to come.”—David Bird, STEM Department Chair

“I have known Sona as a colleague and friend for many years. She has been an integral part of the well-known Medical Focus Program. There would be scores of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical personnel who will remember her with gratitude. Sona is a sincere and supportive friend. Well–organized, be it a classroom or schoolwide event. Every detail had to be taken care of. Nurturing and always looking to the best interests of students and colleagues. Sona, as you embark on this new phase of your journey, enjoy every moment. May God continue to bless you as you live a life of impact in your family and community. I consider it a privilege to be a colleague and a friend.”—David Rufus, STEM Faculty

“Congratulations, Sona, on your well-earned retirement. Over the years, you've been more that a colleague, you've been a true friend, a steady source of support, and a champion for both the school and the medical program. Your dedication and kindness have made a lasting impact on those around you, especially me. Wishing you all the best as you move into this next chapter as full time tatik.” —Greg Castro ‘02, Admissions & Enrollment

“After 22 years of unwavering dedication, my mom leaves behind a legacy that has shaped countless lives, including my own. Her passion, patience, and commitment to this school community will never be forgotten. I’m incredibly proud of all she’s given and grateful for the example she’s set. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement - love you!” —Michael Ashjian '07

“Watching you reach this moment fills my heart with pride. You have spent so many years working hard for everyone else, and now it’s time for you to choose yourself—to rest and spend time with your grandkids. Thank you for being a life mentor and for consistently demonstrating positivity, strength, and grace in every situation. You lead by example, and we’re lucky to call you Mom.” —Christina Ashjian Garabedian '03

Please join me in thanking Sona for all she has contributed to Providence High School in her 22-year career as a Providence faculty member and her 27 years of continuous dedication to the Providence community.

Congratulations on your retirement, Sona. Please know you will always be a Pioneer and part of our Providence community, even as you move on to the next chapter of life.

In Providence,

Scott McLarty
Head of School