On June 4, 2013, CASPS honored more than 150 academically excelling Armenian students enrolled in Los Angeles Unified School District ESC North schools for their academic achievement. Students, parents, teachers, counselors, administrators and other community members were treated to a festive and memorable event, held at Grant High School.
Executive Director Arsineh H. Hovannisian welcomed the guests to CASPS’ seventh annual event and introduced the mistress of ceremonies, Mrs. Zepure Kivork, assistant principal at North Hollywood High School. Following the invocation and blessing by Very Reverend Father Muron Aznikian, representing His Eminence Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Mrs. Kivork invited two students from Grant High School and North Hollywood High School who wowed the audience with two traditional dances.
The keynote speaker for the event was LAUSD ESC North Administrator, Mrs. Lisa Gaboudian. Her inspiring speech included a personal retrospective on life’s challenges and the importance of hard work and commitment to a dream.
Mrs. Gaboudian also spoke on behalf of the Superintendent Byron Maltez, and expressed their words of appreciation for the community and commendation for the students.
Mrs. Gaboudian was followed by Sosi Dzhugarian of Van Nuys High School who recited beautiful Armenian poetry in Armenian and its translation in English.
The four students with the highest grade-point averages, Lusine Mezhlumyan, Nora Ashley Niazian, Viktoria Norekyan and Mariam Zadikyan then took stage for their personal addresses of appreciation. Their beautiful words were well-received by the audience. Each of these honorees received $500 by Mr. Razmig Hovanessian on behalf of the Armenian Educational Foundation. CASPS thanks the Western Prelacy and the AEF for their continued support.
Finally, Laura Atoian, Anna Keshishyan and Shake Ayvazian the organizers of the successful event, presented the certificates and awards to all the students. Each student received certificates from CASPS, LA City Mayor Elect Eric Garcetti and U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman or Tony Cardenas. Community leaders, the Superintendent, and CASPS representatives congratulated the students.