On Thursday, April 26, 2018, the 22nd annual reception organized by the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) honoring outstanding Armenian students graduating from the Glendale Unified School District was held at the Adult Recreation Center in Glendale with the participation of elected officials, principals, teachers, counselors, and administrators of the Glendale Unified School District, members of St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees, the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools, and community organizations.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian and Executive Council member Dr. Kaloust Agopian, attended and conveyed his blessings and congratulatory message to the graduating students.
The program began with welcoming remarks by CASPS Executive Director Mrs. Arsineh Hovannisian, who stated, “Today we are beaming with pride and joy to see our youth excelling. As the future leaders of tomorrow, we expect you to return to your community and serve it with pride.” Mrs. Hovannisian went over the various programs offered by CASPS, thanked the Prelacy for years of continued support and the Armenian Educational Foundation for sponsoring the evening’s monetary awards. She concluded by recognizing the CASPS team for 24 years of service to our students. Mr. Edrick Sarkissian, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, congratulated and commended the students for their ambition, drive, and positive attitude, and urged them to trust in themselves for in their heritage a history of bravery and wisdom.
On behalf of the Western Prelacy family, the Prelate congratulated and commended the students for their achievements as well as their parents and teachers for their care and guidance. Addressing the students, His Eminence urged them to be strong and courageous, to never lose hope, and to always trust in God in all the coming chapters of their lives. He exhorted them to make the most of their God-given gifts and talents to advance not only their individual lives but also the collective life of our church and nation. His Eminence reminded them that as children of the Armenian nation, each and every one of them has a duty to our homeland, stating, “In this year especially as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia, may you pledge to contribute your part to defending, upholding, and promoting the values and principles we hold dear to our hearts, the values of our faith, the value of democracy which we saw triumph in recent days, the values on which our nation was founded upon.” The Prelate concluded by praying for the Lord to guide their steps and watch over them as they continued life’s journey.
The keynote address was delivered by L.A. County Superior Court Judge Amy Ashvanian, who began by congratulating the students on the culmination of many years of hard work and study. Judge Ashvanian focused her message on the importance of education, giving her own life story as an example of what can be achieved with education, perseverance, confidence in your abilities, and a dream. She urged the students to educate not only their minds but also their hearts and souls, to care for others, to be a part of the community, and to be proud of being both Armenian and American. Speaking on the responsibilities and challenges the students will face as adults, she concluded by stating, “Whatever you do in life make sure you do it with great love, goodwill, and confidence. And don’t ever give up on your dreams.”
GUSD Superintendent Mr. Winfred Roberson thanked CASPS for their partnership and conveyed the message to the students that a good name is much better than riches, stating, “As you acquire successes, keep your name good and give back to your community.”
Two students presented classical Armenian songs on the guitar. The program concluded with the presentation of awards and certificates.
