On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over two consecutive ceremonies at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School marking the reopening of the renovated Mardirossian Soccer Field and the inauguration of the Voskan and Elize Stambolian Center for Educational Excellence. The ceremonies also included the unveiling of commemorative plaques honoring the benefactor families.
The Prelate arrived at the school accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, Mr. Ronnie Gharibian, member of the Executive Council, and Mrs. Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian, member of the Board of Regents. Archbishop Khacherian was welcomed by Head of School Dr. Talin Kargodorian and school representatives. Together with Dr. Kargodorian and members of the Mardirossian family, Archbishop Khacherian unveiled the commemorative plaque bearing the Mardirossian family name at the renovated soccer field, amid enthusiastic applause.
On this occasion, the Prelate expressed his appreciation to the members and relatives of the Mardirossian family for their continued generosity and care toward Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, which they regard as a second home for their children and grandchildren. Archbishop Khacherian also congratulated the school administration, staff, teachers, students, and parents on this milestone in the continued growth and advancement of the school, and wished the entire Chamlian community a healthy and safe academic year filled with new achievements.
At 11:00 a.m., Archbishop Khacherian, together with Western Prelacy benefactor Mr. Aris Stambolian and Head of School Dr. Kargodorian, unveiled the commemorative plaque of the school’s Center for Educational Excellence, named in honor of Mr. Stambolian’s parents and bearing the inscription “Voskan and Elize Stambolian.”
Present at the ceremony were Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Aris and Angela Stambolian, their daughter, Mrs. Suzy Stambolian-Valentin, and her husband, Executive Council member Mr. Ronnie Gharibian, Board of Regents member Mrs. Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian, representatives of the School Board, and members and friends of the greater Chamlian School family.
During the formal ceremony, held in the school’s Early Learning Wing, words of appreciation, congratulations, and heartfelt well-wishes were extended to the Stambolian family, as well as to the governing bodies and individuals whose efforts contributed to the continued advancement of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School.
In his concluding remarks, Archbishop Khacherian highlighted the important educational and moral role of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School in shaping successive generations of Armenian youth within the greater Armenian community, nurturing their national identity, character, and Armenian Christian values. The Prelate emphasized the sense of responsibility demonstrated by benefactors who seek to strengthen Armenian community life through the establishment and support of churches, schools, and cultural centers dedicated to the education and development of future generations. In this context, Archbishop Khacherian praised the character, commitment, and generosity of Mr. Aris Stambolian and expressed his appreciation for his many contributions to the Armenian community of Los Angeles over the years.
During both ceremonies, groups of students presented a well-prepared cultural program on the school campus under the guidance of their teachers.
