In November of 2025, Southside Classical Academy conceived of a library with the desire to honor the precious children who passed before having the opportunity to be read to or learn to read themselves. Please read more about Celand (see-land) and how you can get involved! Celand's Library will be hosted in Classroom X at Southside Bible Church. It will serve as space for attendees of Southside Classical Academy and members of Southside Bible Church to borrow wholesome, inspiring literature, as well as theological texts. Please contact Isso at isso.avetisyan97@gmail.com to coordinate book donations.
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The Story of Celand's Library:
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In 2023, we tragically found out that our sweet baby, Celand, had passed away in utero. Although we lost Celand early on in pregnancy, we were devastated by the loss because we recognize that God is the Creator of life and that He has given all human life equal worth, no matter their age or gestational stage. The world would have us believe that the loss of Celand doesn’t matter, but we wanted to be louder than the world and proclaim the value of life. From the desire to honor Celand’s life, and to let others know that babies in the womb are worthy to be valued, the idea of “Celand Day” was born. We know that God uses all things for His glory and our good, so we wanted to use this opportunity to bless other children - especially those in need. In the past we have raised funds for children in foster care, and also to an organization that advocates for the adoption of children with Down syndrome. This year, we wanted to donate physical books for a small library, and as I was asking around for an organization that would benefit from something like this, Haley Murphy reached out to me. She told me that Southside Classical Academy was in need of a lending library, and that they would love to name it in honor of Celand for all the children who never got the chance to be read to or learn how to read themselves. We were overjoyed by this idea and are so excited for the educational opportunity this provides to our cherished SCA students. We are so touched by the thoughtfulness of our church family to honor Celand in this way.
Victor & Isso Darakjian
