On Saturday, September 6, 2014, Holy Martyrs Armenian Elementary & Ferrahian High School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Gala Banquet held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, during which founder and first principal Mr. Kapriel Injejikian was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his message. His Eminence was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and member Mr. Vahrij Pilavjian were also in attendance.
Among the official guests in attendance was Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who on behalf of the City Council presented Mr. Injejikian with a memento. Principal John Kossakian conveyed his remarks, after which he invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
His Eminence noted that the opening of the first Armenian School in the United States was significant for the local community for it offered Armenian children a safe and familiar environment to grow up in and to learn the faith, language, and traditions of our forefathers, but also for the Armenian Diaspora on the whole, for it forged the way for the establishment of future educational institutions across the U.S. His Eminence congratulated the evening’s honoree, whose vision, foresight, and tireless efforts were instrumental and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude, said the Prelate, and conveyed his blessings to all those who contributed to the realization of the dream and to all who continue the work of the founding generation, including principals, benefactors, sponsors, supporters, alumni, and parents. The Prelate then made a surprise announcement, revealing that Mr. and Mrs. Krikor and Shake Tchakian had pledged $200,000 in a show of appreciation and support to the school’s mission. The donation will be allocated to the new construction fund at the North Hills campus.
