LOS ANGELES–An estimated $25,000 was raised during a Sunday afternoon cocktail party on June 10th–which kicked off fundraising activities for the construction of a new gymnasium/library facility at the Rose and Alex Pilibos School. The event–which attracted more than 100 school supporters and community leaders–among them Western Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–was held at the residence of Pilibos Finance Committee members Mr. & Mrs. Vahe and Silva Tashjian.
The construction of the new gymnasium/library complex on the grounds of the school can be seen as yet another sign of the school’s continued commitment to advance the academic and physical fitness of its students–ensuring a safe and effective environment for the future generation of Armenian-Americans.
This state-of-the-art facility will house a 3,000-plus square foot library–which will provide the most technologically advanced mechanisms and resources for the advancement of the students’ abilities to learn and grow.
The library–which will be built in the shape of Noah’s Ark–will stand atop the new below ground gymnasium. The library structure will not only represent the positioning of the ark atop Mount Ararat–but also carry the biblical significance of the ark as a depository of enlightenment and education.
The 10,550 square foot gymnasium facility will provide the complete tools necessary for improving the physical fitness of students–and enhance the faculty’s capabilities in instilling healthy competition and growth in the students.
A brief program began with welcoming remarks from host Vahe Tashjian–who on behalf of himself–his wife and the finance committee expressed his gratitude to the attendees for honoring their invitation and pledging their support for the construction project.
In his remarks–Prelate Mardirossian expressed his support for the project–adding that while the Prelacy itself was in the process of acquiring new headquarters–the Pilibos project would remain a priority for him and should become so for the community.
In thanking the Tashjians–the finance committee and others involved with the project–Rose and Alex Pilibos principal Viken Yacoubian introduced the architects of the new facility–Robert Mangoorian and Mary Ann Ray of Studio Works–whose unique design has inspired overwhelming momentum surrounding the program.
"The school is fortunate to have such dedicated supporters–who–throughout the years–have demonstrated their will and commitment to the enhancement of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School," commented principal Yacoubian.
"I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Vahe and Silva [Tashjian] for opening their home to the community and spearheading the fundraising activities for this important project," added Yacoubian.
During the event–Pilibos graduating senior Suren Hazarian delighted the attendees with his operatic performance. Hazarian–who was accompanies on the piano by Pilibos music teacher Lyusiya Galstyan–is a trained opera tenor–who was won several state and national music recognitions and awards. Also performing during the event was Pilibos fifth grader Meline Ambartsoumyan–who at a young age is already an accomplished pianist and composer.
For more information about the Rose and Alex Pilibos school gymnasium/library project–please contact the school’s development office at (323) 663-0072.