The ANCA Endowment Telethon has ignited the fire in Alex Pilibos students not only to become more involved but also to make their voices heard.Over the past few months, the students at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School have dedicated themselves to fundraising for the ANCA Endowment Fund’s May 31st telethon.
“We as Armenians have to help each other,” explained Ani Kolangian, a 12th grade student at Pilibos. “As William Saroyan once said, ‘we need to work together in order to create a better Armenia.’”
Within the school, the student council and the Parent Teacher Association, have organized bake sales to raise money to be donated donated to the telethon. In addition, each student from kindergarten to 12th grade has donated $10 for the worthy cause, knowing his or her efforts would help make a difference. 
A pencil sale was also held where students willingly purchased scented pencils to shore up more capital for the telethon. “This telethon represents us as members of the Diaspora,” said Carla Kekejian, a 9th grade student and active member of the Glendale ‘Roupen’ chapter of the Armenian Youth Federation.
Fundraising efforts went into full effect on May 27th, when students hosted a cultural festival to raise money. “When I hear Armenian music, it makes me happy,” exclaimed Alique Khachikian, a second grade student. Throughout the day, a sense of activism could be seen in the faces of the students.
“It is my responsibility. The ANCA Endowment Fund does a lot, without its work we would not be where we are today,” Meghrie Babikian, 16, said.
Holding hand-made flags over their heads, the students marched onto the yard proud to be Armenian. A sense of accomplishment could be seen in their eyes as they recited poems and sang songs dedicated to their forefathers who fought for the nation’s survival and the younger generation who will carry on the struggle for the future.
7th grader, Shahan Atmatjian explained that “showing our involvement as the Armenian youth will allow Armenians around the world to recognize the importance of this telethon.”
A sense of accountability is what the students at Pilibos have been taught. As individuals, they are in control of their actions and aware of their responsibilities to empower the future generations. Their sole purpose is to give back and make a difference in the Diaspora.
“When an opportunity presents itself, I will seize it and do all that I can for the cause,” said 10th grader Patil Malatian.
