The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) held its third annual half-day Leadership Conference, “Connecting to Your Community,” on Saturday, April 17th at the offices of the Western Prelacy in La Crescenta. Armenian students with grade point averages of 3.5 and above who attend schools in the Glendale Unified School District were invited to attend the conference. Executive Director Arsineh H. Hovannisian invited Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian to open the program with his invocation and blessing.
CASPS Board Member Medea Kalognomos made remarks about the seminar and introduced the various panelists. Glendale Unified School District Board President Mrs. Mary Boger was the first panelist and spoke to the students about her tenure at GUSD, first as a volunteer and then as a board member. She then advised students on interpersonal relations and how to serve people who count on you to make decisions; that leaders need to deal with issues and policies, not individuals or personalities. Atina Manvelian, student member of the GUSD board spoke about her steps towards becoming a community and school leader. She conveyed the importance of having students’ needs and concerns heard. Tereza Yerimyan, an intern at ANCA-WR, expressed her thoughts on being an active member and leader in one’s community, but also helping other communities. Kalognomos shared inspirational stories about people with causes and how their unrelenting commitment and leadership made a difference.
Nova Hindoyan, who was named Woman of the Year by Congressman Adam Schiff, was also invited to speak about her spirit of volunteerism, years of service, and dedication to many community organizations, namely the Armenian Relief Society. After a short break and discussion, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian treated the participants to his motivational story. He said that getting involved and making connections in the community would lead to greater opportunities. In his case, he had simply decided to volunteer for a political campaign while in school, and that led him to pursue politics and become a community leader.
CASPS Board Member Laura Atoian concluded the seminar with an activity called Concentric Circles, during which the students from different schools got to know each other by asking and answering informative and miscellaneous questions about each other.
The successful event concluded with a lunch for the panelists and students.
If they maintain their high academic standing, these same students will be invited to an awards reception in May. CASPS is honored to serve such outstanding students. They make our community proud.
