SAN FRANCISCO—More than 250 community members came together on Saturday, November 3rd to celebrate 32 years of continued success at Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School. The program for the evening included remarks by Principal Grace Andonian, Board of Regents Chairman Chris Keosian, Canadian-Armenian Actress Anne Bedian, and the presentation of the first Alumnus of the Year award.
The evening opened with the Master of Ceremonies, KZV School Board Member, Greg Ovanessian, welcoming the attendees. St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Pastor Reverend Father Khoren Habeshian, joined by St. John Armenian Church Pastor Father Mesrop Ash, and Calvary Armenian Church Pastor Reverend Father Nerses Balabanian, opened with a prayer and blessed those in attendance. Board of Regents Chairman, Chris Keosian, congratulated the Principal, School Board and the community on their 32 years of success with KZV.
On behalf of the School Board, Ovanessian presented future prjects that are in the planning stages. Some future plans include the addition of an elevator to the second floor, beautification of the school premises, tuition reduction, and advancement of the Armenian Curriculum. Ovanessian went on to point out that the Board has accomplished projects such as the addition of 7 new SMART Boards to classrooms and revitalization of the school website.
KZV Principal Grace Andonian, welcomed the enthusiastic crowd, thanking them for their many years of support and dedication.
“This school continues to be the foundation for Diaspora Armenians who are born in the Bay Area. I thank you for your continued belief in the importance and necessity of this school,” said Andonian.
Canadian-Armenian Actress, Anne Bedian, spoke passionately about the importance of knowing and understanding ones identity and how the school and community provide the platform needed for children in the Diaspora to learn those important traits.
The highlight of the evening was Anthony Catchatoorian, class of 1996, receiving the first ever Alumnus of the Year award. After a thorough nomination process, the KZV Alumni board had selected Anthony as he exemplifies the values that KZV instills in its students.
KZV School Board Chairman, Kahren Arzoumanian, was extremely pleased with the outpour of support from the community for this event.
“This annual banquet is extremely important for the financial wellbeing of the school. Our donors today made an investment in the future of the school and community,” said Kahren Arzoumanian. “We are giving the children of our community the opportunity to not only receive an Armenian education, but a high quality education overall. We could not have done it without the help of our benefactors and supporters.”
The banquet was a huge success thanks to the efforts of the KZV PTA, the School Board, and the many individuals who worked tirelessly to make this evening possible. A heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters who make such a phenomenal difference in our school community each and every day.
In the West people are more concerned on issues that can wait, than to assist Armenians who are dying and have urgent need for help in Syria ,
Yes, but as a graduate of the school and a resident of the Bay Area, I have heard first-hand the troubles KZV Armenian school has. And if this area loses the Armenian school, the people here lose a valuable resource to keep the Armenian diaspora alive. Therefore, this event is important to keep our cultural link to our traditions and all Armenians alive. Otherwise, kiss the centuries-old tradition and culture – which people shed blood for – goodbye. And no, we will all not move to Los Angeles to send our kids to Armenian school.