Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools Honors Long-Serving Educators and Faculty

On Sunday, November 12, 2017, a special banquet was held at “Bagramian” Hall in Montebello honoring over fifty teachers and employees of Prelacy Armenian Schools who have served for 25 years or more. The celebratory banquet was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools. The Prelate, accompanied by Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, attended and conveyed his congratulatory message. Among the guests in attendance were Executive Council members, representatives of the ARF Central Committee, Hamazkayin, ARS, and Homenetmen Regional Executives, Prelacy Schools’ principals and directors, supporters and friends.

The program began with the national anthems. The Prelate delivered the invocation and conveyed his message congratulating the esteemed educators and faculty members who have faithfully devoted decades to the noble mission of enlightening and illuminating the hearts and minds of our youth. His Eminence commended the Board of Regents for their initiative to bring into the limelight those individuals who serve with utmost commitment and keep our revered Armenian schools on strong footing. “Though in our daily grind it may seem as though the loyal servants of our churches, schools, and organizations go unnoticed, that however is far from the truth. Those who plant seeds for the fruitful future of our nation, among them today’s honorees, hold a special place in our collective consciousness, and this banquet is a wonderful occasion for us to publicly thank and recognize them. That being said, our educators and school faculty members laudably serve with humility and modesty, in accordance with the promise of our Lord and with faith that our greatest reward comes from Him. Furthermore, our educators receive another priceless gift, the reward of seeing the fruits of their labor in each and every one of their students; in the words of one of our greatest poets Vahan Tekeyan, their lives are enriched by what they get back from their students,” said the Prelate. Addressing the honorees, His Eminence stated, “you have our reverence and admiration every day, not just at this moment, for you give your heart and soul to our youth each and every day. You give life to our schools, and our youth take shape under your wings as faithful Christians and Armenians,” and concluded by blessing them for their worthy service.

Board of Regents member and Master of Ceremonies Mr. Sarkis Ourfalian delivered welcoming remarks, and Board of Regents Chair Mrs. Lisa Gaboudian delivered the Board’s message. The keynote speech was delivered by former Board member/Chair Mr. Mher Chekerdemian, after which the Prelate presented a Letter of Blessing and Commendation to Mr. Chekerdemian. Another long-time educator, Mrs. Carmen Der Garabedian, also was honored with a Certificate of Blessing and Commendation in absentia. Both have dedicated decades to the instruction and education of our youth, and were honored with the “St. Mesrob Mashdots” medal by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.

Congressman Adam Schiff conveyed his congratulations via a video message. During dinner, guests enjoyed music by Greg Hosharian’s Armenian Pops Ensemble and viewed a video presentation featuring testimonials by the honorees.

At last, the honorees were presented with mementos and recognized for their service.

The program concluded with the benediction.

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