I went on to graduate from UCLA in 2009 with degrees in Political Science, Middle Eastern and Armenian Studies. I currently work as an investment adviser in Glendale and still collaborate with CASPS on a number of different projects. I greatly value the useful work they do for Armenian students, and I hope to see more organizations like CASPS emerge in our community.

If you or someone you know was honored by CASPS, please help us connect with him/her. We would love to highlight each and every one of our honorees.

If you or someone you know was honored by CASPS, please help us connect with him/her. We would love to highlight each and every one of our honorees.

CASPS is happy to announce that retired GUSD teacher specialist Annette Zarian has joined its Executive Team. CASPS welcomes Annette and her many years of experience and expertise with educating our youth. We are excited and look forward to working with Mrs. Zarian.

Executive Director Arsineh Hovannisian welcomed the guests to CASPS’ fourth annual event and introduced the mistress of ceremonies, Satenig Baghdasaryan, honoree from the previous year. Following the invocation and blessing by Very Reverend Father Muron Aznikian on behalf of His Eminence Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, Miss Baghdasaryan invited Khachig Chris Melikyan, CASPS board member and Dean of Students at East Valley High School, for his congratulatory remarks.

The keynote speaker for the event was the honorable Paul Krekorian, LA City Council member. His inspiring speech included a look back at his own career that was filled with “many firsts.” Among them were being the first Armenian to sit on the Burbank School Board, being the first Armenian to represent the biggest group of Armenians in the Diaspora in the California Legislature, and being the first Armenian to take a seat on the LA City Council. He encouraged the students to strive the become trailblazers in their respective careers.

Alma Pena Sanchez, Superintendent of LAUSD Local District 2, followed with words of appreciation for the community and commendation for the students. She expressed her pride to represent the students and added that she enjoys attending this annual event.
The four students with the highest grade-point averages, Noemi Agagianian, Samantha Arman, Christopher Hakobian and Mary Tsaturian, then took stage for their personal addresses of appreciation. Their beautiful words reminded the audience of their deserved honors and brought tears to many eyes. These honorees received $500 awards sponsored by the Armenian Educational Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Laura Atoian. CASPS thanked AEF and the Atoian family for their generosity.

Finally, Mary Balian Saghbazarian and Anna Keshishyan, two of the key organizers of the successful event, presented the certificates and awards to all the students. Each student received certificates from CASPS and from Councilmember Krekorian. Community leaders, the Superintendent, Mr. Krekorian and CASPS representatives congratulated the students on stage and group pictures followed.

CASPS Executive Director Arsineh H. Hovannisian opened the evening with her remarks and introduced the Master of Ceremonies, 2009 CASPS honoree Michael Badalyan

In his invocation, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, commended the high achieving youth and encouraged them to always remember the community from which they came and to make use of their education to give back to the community.

Mr. Badalyan also invited CASPS board member Medea Kalognomos to present the CASPS message in Armenian.

Alexander Kazandjian, Emil Minas, Arthur Sarafian and David Vartanyan, the four honorees with the highest grade point average from each school represented addressed the crowd and 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 his keynote address, Kevin Welsh, longtime Hoover High School principal, recounted with much humor and insight his admiration for the Armenian nation and the many ways Armenians have made a positive impact on his life.

A special recognition was bestowed upon longtime CASPS board member Laura Atoian, who has served the organization with tireless and selfless devotion.

The evening’s ceremonies were concluded with congratulatory remarks by GUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Escalante and the presentation of monetary awards and certificates. Honorees from each school received certificates from CASPS, U.S. Representative Adam Schiff, and State Senator Carol Liu. The four honorees with the highest grade point average received a $500 award sponsored by the Armenian Educational Foundation and the Melanie Ookthens Memorial Fund. AEF representatives Mr. Razmig Hovanessian and Mr. Varoujan Keosseian personally handed the checks to the students. CASPS thanked the Ookthens family and the Armenian Educational Foundation for their generous donations.

As explained in opening remarks, this event provides a unique and refreshing opportunity to celebrate the positive aspects of our community.

CASPS Board Member Medea Kalognomos made remarks about the seminar and introduced the various panelists. Glendale Unified School District Board President Mrs. Mary Boger was the first panelist and spoke to the students about her tenure at GUSD, first as a volunteer and then as a board member. She then advised students on interpersonal relations and how to serve people who count on you to make decisions; that leaders need to deal with issues and policies, not individuals or personalities. Atina Manvelian, student member of the GUSD board spoke about her steps towards becoming a community and school leader. She conveyed the importance of having students’ needs and concerns heard. Tereza Yerimyan, an intern at ANCA-WR, expressed her thoughts on being an active member and leader in one’s community, but also helping other communities. Mrs. Kalognomos shared inspirational stories about people with causes and how their unrelenting commitment and leadership made a difference.

Mrs. Nova Hindoyan, who was named Woman of the Year by Congressman Adam Schiff, was also invited to speak about her spirit of volunteerism, years of service, and dedication to many community organizations, namely the Armenian Relief Society. After a short break and discussion, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian treated the participants to his motivational story. He said that getting involved and making connections in the community would lead to greater opportunities. In his case, he had simply decided to volunteer for a political campaign while in school, and that led him to pursue politics and become a community leader.

CASPS Board Member Mrs. Laura Atoian concluded the seminar with an activity called Concentric Circles, during which the students from different schools got to know each other by asking and answering informative and miscellaneous questions about each other.

The successful event concluded with a lunch for the panelists and students.

If they maintain their high academic standing, these same students will be invited to an awards reception in May. CASPS is honored to serve such outstanding students. They make our community proud.

Board member Laura Atoian made a Power Point presentation describing CASPS history, mission, vision, programs and activities. She also gave a full account of the organization’s annual budget, sources of funding, personnel and management structure. She offered examples emphasizing the fact that running a 501 C3 non-profit organization requires attention to similar issues facing any business enterprise.

The sumptuous buffet, including all beverages and desserts were donated by the CASPS team. Comedienne Lory Tatoulian provided roaring laughter with her “Dandeegeen” skit, and topped it off with her signature “That’s Amote”, a hilarious parody of Dean Martin’s classic “That’s Amore”. She was followed by renowned dance teacher Tom Bozigian, who taught several Armenian folk dances, extending fun and enjoyment well into the evening. Everyone appreciated the friendly family ambiance of the event, and commented positively on the importance of supporting our students in public schools.

Twenty-One students participated in the Art Contest from schools in the Glendale Unified District, including Hoover High School, Glendale High School, and Crescenta Valley High School, with their artwork. This year’s theme for the contest was “Your Role Model or Inspiration.” Out of the 21 Armenian students who participated some chose Zoravar Vartan Mamigonian, Charles Aznavour, Michael Jackson, their siblings, grandfather and political activist and musical artists like Serj Tankian as their inspiration for their work of art. Others chose various experiences such as migrating from another country, a tragic point in Armenia’s history and a frightening event as an inspiration for them to move on and do better. Most students painted and drew. GUSD Board Members and CASPS honored the students with recognition certificates; while they also received awards generously sponsored by Artists for Kids and the Armenian Educational Foundation. Participants received awards for the following categories: “Best in Show” awarded with $300, ”Best Graphics”, “Best Illustration”, “Best Portrait”, “Best Political Poster”, “Best Fine Art”, all awarded with $200, Honorable Mentions awarded by $75 and Recognitions at $50. AFK had contributed a total of $500 towards the awards ceremony and the AEF contributed $1700 in awards.

GUSD Board Member Greg Krikorian, GUSD Superintendent Michael Escalante, Deputy Superintendent Richard Sheehan and Administrator Mary LaMasa congratulated the budding artists and thanked CASPS for standing by the School District and partnering to educate our youth.

CASPS also recognized the dedication and effort of our three judges who have volunteered their time and expertise for the last three years. CASPS presented judges Samvel Saghatelian, Caroline Tufenkian and Seeroon Yeretzian with a certificate of appreciation.

CASPS, the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools, appreciates those who participated and attended the event and were able to celebrate the talent and art of our Armenian youth with us.