LOS ANGELES–Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School began its 1997-98 academic year with an unprecedented 615 students–a record high for the school which averaged between 500 and 530 students over the past five years.
Opening ceremonies held on Thursday–Sept. 4–marked the beginning of the 1997-98 school year. Dean of Students Charles Lousararian officially welcomed Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–the Prelacy Executive Council–members of the Pilibos Finance Committee–and the student body.
In his speech–Chairperson of the Financial Committee Sarkis Berberian told students that it was their responsibility to make wise decisions and choices–thus providing meaning to their lives.
Principal Vicken Yacoubian welcomed the students and acknowledged that in conjunction with the rising quality of academic achievemen’s–the number of enrolled students has also been on the rise for the past three years.
During that time–the school has also initiated rigorous academic criteria for student admission.
Prelate Mardirossian stressed the significance of Armenian cultural and academic education.
The 615 students then proceeded to their homeroom classes.