October 31, 2018

AGBU President, Berge Setrakian greets the pre-school students at AGBU Manoogian-Dermirdjian School

On Wednesday, October 24, 2018, AGBU President, Berge Setrakian visited the Western District. As always, it was a momentous occasion to have AGBU Central Board members visit the campuses. Excitement and anticipation filled the air as Setrakian accompanied by AGBU Central Board Vice President, Sinan Sinanian, and members Lori Muncherian, Yervant Demirjian, and Lena Sarkissian arrived at the Western District Headquarters in Pasadena, CA.

The Board members were greeted with a special assembly hosted by the AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian High School (MHS). The school’s choir performed songs including “Hey Jan Yerevan” and “Garoun Yerevan,” followed by poetry recited by the junior class, and cultural dances by the dance group.

AGBU MHS Junior Class Recites Poetry

Setrakian was invited to the podium to share a few words with the students and school administration. “What you learn here as far as math, science, etc. is not unique to our school, but what you’ve got here is the spirit. The investment that AGBU makes in you, that Vatche & Tamar Manoukian have made in you, that Alex Manoogian has made in you, in me, and in all of us, is the Armenian spirit. We have a heritage, we have Armenia, we have an identity, because every human being likes to go back to his or her roots,” said Setrakian as he explained the value of AGBU schools.

AGBU President, Berge Setrakian speaks at AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian High School

During his visit, Setrakian met with the staff and board members of the Western District, MHS, and AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School (MDS); discussing strategies for growth and expansion, and brainstorming ideas on how the AGBU can continue to enhance the way it serves the communities in the Western District.

On the following day, the Board members visited the AGBU MDS campus in Canoga Park, where they were taken on a tour led by members of the Demirdjian High School (DHS) senior class to see the newest improvements on the campus. Stops on the tour included, the computer lab, dance room, preschool, and elementary math lab.

Setrakian witnessed the students in action and interacted with them during class. MDS also hosted a special assembly where Setrakian was interviewed by members of the DHS Journalism club, and was presented with a special AGBU flag. The flag was taken to Armenia during the Junior class’ visit, this past summer, and was taken on their climb up Mount Aragats.

AGBU MDS Principle, Arpi Avanesian (left) & AGBU President, Berge Setrakian (right) with DHS Journalism Club

“We would like to thank Mr. Setrakian for his time and dedication to AGBU and are incredibly proud to show him and our entire community how we develop caring, responsible, and innovative young Armenians who will no doubt lead us to a bright and successful future,” stated AGBU MDS Principle, Arpi Avanesian.