GLENDALE—On Tuesday, June 3, Chamlian Armenian School received a highly anticipated visit from UCLA senior basketball player, Sooren Derboghosian, who plays power forward for the college team.
Sixth through eighth grade students gathered in Chamlian’s newly built gymnasium to welcome Derboghossian and begin a fun-filled day of games with the college basketball player. He transferred to UCLA from Glendale Community College as a junior, and is majoring in International Development Studies. As a recipient of the UCLA Scholar Athlete award for two years in a row, a distinction given to the athlete with the highest GPA, Derboghossian shared about his positive experiences at UCLA and offered words of advice about the importance of studying hard and getting a good education. Following a short Q & A session, the students cheered for the 6’10” athlete as he played against the 8th graders in a 3-point shoot-out game. The contest was followed by an obstacle course and finally, the much anticipated teachers vs. students basketball game where Derboghossian played on the teachers’ team.
The school administration is grateful to coaches Iren Nikoghossian and Vasag Sherpetjian for their help in organizing the day’s activities. The administration also congratulates Derboghossian on his impressive accomplishments and extends its sincerest appreciation to him for his memorable visit to Chamlian.
