On Tuesday, May 14th, CASPS hosted its 17th annual reception honoring the 2013 outstanding graduating Armenian students from the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD). Over 190 students who earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher were honored at the reception hosted at The Glendale Adult Recreation Center. Joining the honorees were their parents, teachers, school counselors and administrators as well as GUSD and community leadership.
In his invocation, representing Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Very Reverend Father Muron Aznikian commended the honorees and encouraged them to remember the community from which they came and to make use of their education to give back to the community.
David Khachatrian, Mihran Hovhannesyan, Ani Avoundjian, and Pauline Pechakjian, the four honorees with the highest grade point average from each school represented addressed the attendees. Each thanked the key people in their lives and expressed enthusiasm for the new chapters ahead. All of the honorees distinguished themselves not only academically, but in their extracurricular activities and community service as well. The evening’s program highlighted their many accomplishments as students and members of their respective school communities.
In her keynote address, Professor Anahid Gharakhanian, Vice-Dean at Southwestern Law School and Hoover High School graduate, inspired the students with words of wisdom for their personal and academic growth.
Attendees also enjoyed pianist and junior at Clark Magnet High School, Allen Dishigrikyan who performed two traditional Armenian songs.
The evening’s ceremonies were concluded with congratulatory remarks by GUSD Board President Nayiri Nahabedian and the presentation of monetary awards and certificates by board member Laura Atoian. Honorees from each school received certificates from CASPS, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, and State Assemblymember Mike Gatto. The four honorees with the highest grade point average received a $500 award sponsored by the Armenian Educational Foundation. CASPS thanks the Western Prelacy, and the Armenian Educational Foundation for their continued support.
Tereza Yerimyan, the mistress of ceremonies did a great job conducting the program and stressing this event’s unique opportunity to celebrate the positive aspects of our community.
