March 12, 2016

On Saturday, March 12th, 2016, AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School held its 10th Anniversary Gala at Palladio Banquet Hall where they welcomed over 300 guests!

The evening was dedicated to honoring the school’s founding Principal, Mr. Hagop Hagopian, who was presented with a plaque by Chairman of the School Board of Trustees, Mr. Sinan Sinanan. Mr. Hagopian’s commitment and dedicated service to the school were celebrated.

Following His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s invocation and inspiring message, heartfelt speeches were delivered by Mr. Sinan Sinanian, Mr. Hagop Hagopian, and principal Dr. Armine Movsisyan. Guests were moved as they took a trip down memory lane watching a video and slideshow, capturing some of the highlights over the years.  Guests were then treated to an evening of exceptional entertainment by prominent artists and continued their celebration with Armenian and international music.

The school remains grateful for the generous contributions made prior to and during the event, showcasing the community’s support and generosity. MHS would like to extend their appreciation for the continued dedication of the AGBU, the Manoukian Family, the School Board of Trustees and its Chairman Mr. Sinan Sinanian.

On Friday, March 4, 2016, AGBU San Fernando Valley Chapter hosted author Maral Boyadjian to present her award winning novel “As The Poppies Bloomed.” Salpi Ghazarian, Director of the Institute of Armenian Studies at USC, interviewed Mrs. Boyadjian on the process of writing the novel including its challenges and adventures. Nazarian Hall was filled with an audience that engaged in the interview, the excerpt reading, and the slideshow of the Author’s visit to Armenia.

On Saturday, March 5, 2016, AGBU Tarouhi-Hovagimian Alumni Committee organized an exciting event at the Vatche & Tamar Manougian School in Pasadena. The event was an hour-long presentation about a group that traveled, in July of 2015, from Yerevan to Western Armenia, to the base of Mt. Ararat, climbed to the summit, visited Van, Aghtamar, Gars, Ruins of Ani, back to Armenia, Artsakh, then back to Yerevan. The presenter was Vatche Alexanian, the chairman of the committee, and one of the climbers to the summit. Also present at the event were Samuel Tahmasian and Greg Golamerians who were members of the climb team.

More than 120 attendees watched the presentation in excitement. The highlight of the evening was Mt. Ararat (please see pictures). The audience was mesmerized with our holy mountain views and could not stop applauding when the climb team picture on the summit was displayed (see picture). They also admired some of the stones brought back from Mt. Ararat.