The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) each year honors outstanding Armenian students graduating from the Glendale and Los Angeles Unified Schools Districts.
The 16th annual reception honoring Armenian graduates from the Glendale School District was held on Tuesday, May 29, at Anoush Restaurant in Glendale., under the auspices of the Prelate and hosted by St. Mary’s Church.
The Prelate attended and delivered his message and blessings to the students. He was accompanied by Pastor of St. Mary’s Church Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian.
Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian was also in attendance, as well as St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees members, Armenian Educational Foundation members, and educators.
The keynote speaker was Professor Richard Hovanissian, who spoke about the history of the Armenian community in California.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by CASPS Executive Director Mrs. Arsine Hovanissian.
The Prelate began his remarks by expressing joy and pride at the hard work and perseverance of the students that led them to this achievement. He also thanked and commended their parents, the volunteers of CASPS, principals, teachers, and administrators of the Glendale Unified School District for the love, support, and encouragement they have demonstrated towards our youth and for providing them with the education and instruction to become well-rounded mature.
In his message to the students, the Prelate addressed them as the future leaders and representatives of the Armenian-American community and advised them of their responsibilities to the prosperity of both this nation and our Armenian community. Stressing that education is a life-long journey, he urged them to keep learning and keep growing spiritually and mentally, and citing a passage from Proverbs, reminded them to trust in the Lord with all their hearts and trust in Him to guide and direct their paths. In conclusion, the Prelate prayed for God to bless them, to grant them strength and wisdom to overcome obstacles, patience and perseverance to pursue their ambitions, and for the Lord to be their guide and protector in their journey through life.
The event included the presentation of certificates and mementos to the students, and the Armenian Educational Foundation awarded scholarships to the top students. CASPS also honored Dr. Kathy Fundukian-Torossian for her assistance to the committee.
On Wednesday, June 6, the Prelate will attend the 6th annual CASPS reception honoring Armenian graduates from LAUSD, which will take place at Grant High School.