The evening pays tribute to supporters and donors; A Special Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to Garen Nazarian
SAN FRANCISCO—On Saturday, November 2, more than 250 attendees gathered at Khatchaturian Armenian Community Center- Saroyan Hall, located on the school grounds to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School.
Through its generous supporters and donors, the event raised $150,000 which will go toward funding special projects and operational expenses at the prestigious elementary and middle school in the Bay Area.
The evening recognized Garen Nazarian with its Distiguished Alumni Award and keynote address by Dr. Alina Dorian, Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood. Others in attendance included local clergy, school board members, administrators, parents, teachers, and alumni.
Greg Ovanessian, school board member, acted as Master of Ceremonies, and welcomed guests to the special evening. Following the opening prayer and blessings offered by St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Pastor Reverend Father Khoren Habeshian, St. John Armenian Church Pastor Father Mesrop Ash, St. Vartan Armenian Church Pastor Reverend Father Hovel Ohanian, and Calvary Armenian Church Pastor Reverend Father Nerses Balabanian. Ovanessian presented the school’s annual report and an in depth review of the school’s engagement as well as its anticipated seven year strategic plan and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) reaccreditation in 2015.
Grace Andonian, KZV principal, welcomed and thanked the efforts of countless individuals who continue to make KZV a priority in their lives through their contributions. She noted that the evening was a success due to the efforts of the KZV PTA, School Board, and volunteers. “Our school is one of the pillars of our national identity, and its preservation and enhancement is our responsibility and our duty. KZV embarked on this long journey to excellence thirty-three years ago with you as its witness,” stated Andonian. “In the light of the deepest purpose of an Armenian education, your sons and daughters have graced this institution with their many gifts and talents. They have lived out our core values. KZV is truly a very special community that impacts young lives forever.”
This year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Garen Nazarian, first graduating class of KZV in 1988. Alumni Board member, Naira Der Kiureghian, class of 1998, presented the award, one that honors and exemplifies the mission and goals of KZV. Garen is an individual who stands for professional and academic excellence, a commitment to Armenian heritage, community service, leadership, and innovation. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in English Literature, Garen obtained a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. After law school, Garen joined the LA County Public Defender’s Office. Mr. Nazarian, who currently lives in Yerevan,Armenia, is currently employed at Southwestern Law School as their Armenia Fellow. Though he was not able to accept the award in person, a special video message by Mr. Nazarian was presented to the audience. His sister, Meghedi Nazarian, KZV Class of 1997, accepted the award on his behalf.
The keynote address for the evening was delivered by Dr. Alina Dorian, Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. Dr. Dorian spoke eloquently about the importance of Armenian Schools in the United States and diaspora. “Tonight is an opportunity for us to come together to see who our partners are, to see who believes in our mission, who understands the importance and is grateful for the existence of our Armenian academic institution,” stated Dorian. “Let’s not take it for granted.”
Following the formal program, guests were treated to live entertainment provided by Element Band featuring Tro Krikorian and San Francisco native DJ Tigran. The dinner for the evening was provided by Grape Leaf Catering.
