NORTH HILLS—The elementary section of Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School was officially named Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary School during an inauguration ceremony on Friday, August 27. Earlier this year, during the Prelate’s Christmas Dinner, in memory of their mother Marie Cabayan, Dr. and Mrs. Vatche and Shoushig Cabayan presented a donation of $500,000 to the school. In response the school administration decided to officially name the elementary section Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary School.
Present at the inauguration event were the benefactors, and among many school guests were students, parents, faculty, administration, members of the School Board, Church Board, Prelacy Executive Members, Representative of the Board of Regents, and representatives of the San Fernando Valley affiliate organizations.
Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian together with Holy Martyrs Church Pastor, Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian conducted the inauguration ceremony with the traditional blessing of salt and water.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the new school name Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School and the School Logo the Prelate conveyed his blessings and well wishes.
The Master of Ceremony Assistan Principal Tro Tchekidjian invited Sossi Hovsepian to the podium, who conveyed her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the Board of Regents.
Tchekidjian then invited Rafi Kuyumjian, the Chair of the School Board who expressed his utmost joy and pride about the success the school had attained, praised the benefactors for their vision and vowed to continue to stand by this institution at all levels.
Principal John Kossakian then took the podium and welcomed everyone in attendance. Next to the official school logo, the school future floor plan was displayed on an easel and Kossakian commented that the project of 18 classrooms, four resource rooms, cafeteria and an administration wing is immense and its construction requires the dedication and commitment of all.
In his remarks, benefactor Dr. Vatche Cabayan spoke about his father whom he had lost at a young age and expressed his gratitude to his mother who had raised him alone with a lot of hardship. It had been his mission to carry his mother’s legacy thereby he thanked the Prelate and the school administration in helping him realize his dream. The administration then presented a prototype of the school logo to him bearing his late mother’s name, Marie Cabayan.
The event featured a cultural program presented by the students to the delight of the attendees. A brief reception followed at the Minassian Hall after the program. At the conclusion, the benefactors visited several classrooms, the library, the computer lab expressing their appreciation and satisfaction.
At the annual Back-to-School Celebration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 2. During the program, benefactors Dr. Vatche and Mrs. Shoushig Cabayan will be honored. The event will be held at CBS Studios in Studio City.
