PRESS RELEASE
CHARLIE KEYAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Contact: Randy Baloian at [email protected]
Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian, Principal
108 N. Villa, Clovis, California 93612
Tel: 559-323-1955
Fax: 559-323-1959
Email: [email protected]
Web:
FRESNO’S KEYAN SCHOOL HOLDS 37TH ANNUAL BANQUET;
CELEBRATES WASC ACCREDITATION
FRESNO – The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School held its
37thAnnual Banquet, bringing together more than 250 community members
for a night of music, song, and celebration. The event was held in the
Haig and Isabel Berberian Hall of St. Paul Armenian Church.
In his opening remarks, emcee and Board Secretary Shaunt Yemenjian
announced that the CKACS has received accreditation from the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, which recognizes schools that
offer a high quality of education according to its rigorous standards.
`Accreditation solidifies what we’ve always felt about the school’that
it is a worthy and necessary institution that offers an exceptional
education to our youth,’ said Yemenjian. `This achievement is very
much in keeping with our `Raise the Bar’ theme for this year.’
Yemenjian also welcomed the school’s special guests, including
Rev. Father Arshen and Yn. Sirarpi Aivazian of St. Paul Armenian
Church, Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, and
Rev. Father Yeghia and Yn. Roberta Hairabedian of St. Gregory Church,
Fowler. Also present were California State University, Fresno Armenian
Studies Coordinator, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian and Gomidas
Institute Director and Historian Ara Sarafian, who was in town from
London for a series of lectures.
Following the Flag Salute and recitation of the student’s oath
Ashagertagan Ookhduh by the Student Council and students, a delicious
meal was served by parents and community volunteers.
CKACS School Board Chairman, Marshall D. Moushigian took the podium to
report on the school’s financial state. With an initial contribution
of $5,000 from the Sona Saroyan Estate, the school has established an
endowment fund to support its educational programs and capital
improvement projects. Moushigian also gave special thanks to the
CKACS’ major patrons’the UCLA Dream Fund, the Bertha and John
Garabedian Foundation, the Roxie and Azad Joseph Foundation, and the
Leon S. Peters Foundation. The board expects that the recent
financial audit and WACS accreditation will open new doors for grants
and educational opportunities.
The highlight of the evening was the dazzling performance by vocalist
and violinist Lucine Fyelon, whose musical selections included
classical, operatic, and Armenian works. Her powerful rendition of Ov
Dzidzernag brought the crowd to its feet in appreciation. Fyelon was
accompanied by her mother and concert pianist Sirarpi Zirekyants.
After introducing the school’s staff, Principal Zaroohi Der
Mugrdechian stressed that the CKACS depends on the dedication and
commitment of the parents who not only bring their children to school
ready to learn but also work on numerous fund raising activities and
events throughout the year. She thanked the local Daughters and
Knights of Vartan for a large covered sand box for the PreKindergarten
and Homenetmen for an electronic scoreboard to be used for the
school’s sports activities
In what is becoming a banquet tradition, the CKACS Board gave out its
annual community appreciation awards. This year’s recipients are
long-time supporters Pat Sevoian, and Robert and Jackie Manselian as
well as Barret and Caroline Arakelian who have been an integral part
of the school since the 1990s. A special and surprise tribute went
out to banquet coordinator and current CKACS Board member Serpouhie
Messerlian, who served on the steering committee that founded the
school in 1977.
The evening’s program also included fund raising by parent Hrair
Messerlian and CSUF Armenian Studies Professor Sergio La Porta as well
as a silent auction featuring group art projects from each class.
CKACS’ next event will be International Night, which will take place
on Saturday, May 3rd on the school grounds. Each class will represent
a selected nation and will perform dances and serve cuisine from those
countries. Call 559-323-1955 for more information or check the school
website at
Press Contact: Randy Baloian at [email protected].
School Contact: Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian, [email protected]