WASHINGTON–DC–Congressman Adam Schiff named Seta Simonian "Woman of the Year" for California’s 29th District at a luncheon on Tuesday–March 21–2006. Each year–in honor of Women’s History Month–Congressman Schiff pays special tribute to the contributions made by outstanding women in our community.
"There are few professions more deserving of recognition than that of teacher–and it is a real pleasure to honor Seta for her years of service in Glendale," said Schiff. "She has inspired so many–especially with her devotion to art and music and to promoting and preserving the treasures and the beauty of Armenian culture and heritage."
Simonian was born in Aleppo–Syria and at age 11 moved to Beirut–Lebanon. After graduating from the American University of Beirut at the age of 22–she married Hratch Simonian. The Simonians lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for 8 years–then moved to California in 1985. Since 1987–Seta–her husband–and their 2 children–Karin and Sebouh–have resided in Glendale.
Soon after moving to California–Simonian cofounded and chaired the Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society of Pasadena. She is a current member of Arvest and Artee Cultural Groups of Hamazkayin–and since 1994–has been the chair of the Hamazkayin Music Committee–which collaborates with artists in Armenia and releases authentic CDs and classical Armenian music. She is currently an assistant for the Hamazkayin Student Forum held in Armenia every summer.
Simonian was also an anchor at Horizon Armenian TV in Glendale for 3 years. A cofounder of the Committee of Armenian Students in the Public Schools–she is also a member of the Armenian Cultural Foundation–Armenian Educational Foundation–Armenian International Women’s Association–the National Education Association–and the California and Glendale Teachers’ Associations.
Simonian received her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the American University of Beirut–and a Master’s in Education Administration from California State University Los Angeles. She has a teaching diploma–a bilingual teaching certificate–and has completed an Armenian Studies program.
A wonderful role model for her students–Simonian has been a teacher for over 30 years and is currently teaching math at Wilson Middle School in Glendale.
Congressman Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District–which includes the communities of Alhambra–Altadena–Burbank–East Pasadena–East San Gabriel–Glendale–Monterey Park–Pasadena–San Gabriel–South Pasadena and Temple City.