On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the 55th anniversary gala of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School was celebrated in grand fashion under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States. The 55th anniversary gala took place at Mission Hills Landmark Hall, drawing hundreds of community members. Organized by the special 55th anniversary gala committee, chaired by Ms. Jacqueline Boyajian-Minassian, the evening was a testament to the school’s enduring legacy and bright future.
The 55th-anniversary gala was attended by members of the Western Prelacy Executive Council: Chairman Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife, Vice-Chair Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, Secretary Mr. George Chorbajian and his wife, Treasurer Dr. Kaloust Agopian, Member Mr. Gevik Baghdassarian, and Chancellor of the Western Prelacy. The gala was hosted by long-time community benefactor Mr. Vahe Karapetian. Also present at the gala were representatives of affiliated organizations, and associations, the large family of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, alumni spanning multiple generations, national benefactors, donors, and esteemed guests.
The evening’s official program commenced with a prayer by Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Hollywood, followed by the national anthems of the United States, Armenia, and the school, performed by the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School choir, directed by Ms. Lusine Meliksetyan, the school’s music instructor.
Following a warm welcome by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Haig Boyadjian, Ms. Jacqueline Boyajian-Minassian, an alumnus of the school, delivered a message on behalf of the 55th anniversary gala committee. The program continued with a special recognition ceremony honoring the following distinguished alumni of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School: Dr. Sarkis Mazmanian (Honorary Scholar), Mr. Michael Tchakmakjian (Honorary Outstanding Entrepreneur), Mr. Aram Yacoubian (Honorary Art Visionary), Mr. Mourad Shahinian (Honorary Community Member), and Mr. and Mrs. Nazareth and Maria Karnikian for their dedicated years of service as educators.
Throughout the recognition ceremony, video presentations highlighted the school’s daily life and its future expansion plans under the theme “Unstoppable Pilibos.” The detailed vision for the newly acquired properties and upcoming expansion projects instilled in the audience a deep sense of national pride and optimism, reinforcing their commitment to advancing our national educational mission to greater heights.
Dr. Souzy Ohanian, Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, delivered an appreciation speech to benefactors and donors, recounting the acquisition of two adjacent properties and expressing her heartfelt appreciation to generous benefactors. Dr. Ohanian recognized Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, Vice-Chair of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, as the Legacy Benefactor. In memory of his beloved wife, Satig Der Ohanessian, Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, along with his children and their families made a generous contribution that fulfilled a long-standing dream of the school community. In recognition of their generous contribution, the elementary section of the school will be named the Mher and Satig Der Ohanessian Elementary School. Dr. Ohanian also recognized Visionary Benefactors Dr. Paul and Mrs. Talia Kaloostian, whose generous contribution will enable the construction of a new building, which will be named the Dr. & Mrs. Paul and Talia Kaloostian Humanities and Arts Building. Thanks to the unwavering support of longtime and new members of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian school community who believe in the educational mission of Prelacy Armenian Schools, approximately $5 million was raised during the 55th anniversary gala.
In his address, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian congratulated Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School on its remarkable 55 year journey and wished them success in their expansion projects for the glory of Armenian education, Armenian teachers, and students. The Prelate expressed deep appreciation and offered his blessings to the primary benefactors, Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian his children and their families, and Dr. Paul and Mrs. Talia Kaloostian and their family, as well as all supporters, donors, and volunteers who wholeheartedly contributed to securing the purchase of the new properties. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized the vital role of this educational institution, in the heart of Hollywood’s Armenian community, which consistently enriches the Armenian community with its vibrant Armenian spirit. This expansion will provide the school with the opportunity to better serve the educational needs of Armenian students, many of whom, as noted by the Principal, have long awaited such an opportunity.
On this momentous occasion, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, had sent a Pontifical Blessing Letter, which was read by H.E. Archbishop Khacherian to a standing ovation from the hundreds in attendance.
The evening concluded with a joyous celebration, marking a historic achievement in the legacy of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School and setting the stage for a promising future.
