Asbarez: 100 Students. 10 Years. One Growing Legacy.

We Are Gyumri Celebrates a Decade of Impact with Its 100th Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Recipient

GYUMRI — We Are Gyumri marked a historic milestone, celebrating both the 10th anniversary of the Shirvanian Youth Center and the selection of its 100th Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship recipient. Together, these milestones celebrate a decade of expanding opportunity for young people across Gyumri and Shirak Province.

Following the competitive selection process for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, 18 new students were awarded the Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship, bringing the total number of scholarship recipients since the program’s inception to 100.

Established in 2015 through the efforts of the We Are Gyumri Committee, the scholarship became a cornerstone of the Shirvanian Youth Center’s educational mission following the Center’s opening in 2016. In 2018, it was renamed in honor of Mina Shirvanian, whose legacy continues to inspire educational opportunity throughout Shirak Province.

The Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship supports full-time university students studying in Shirak Province. More than financial assistance, it invests in talented young people committed to building meaningful careers, serving others, and creating a stronger future for the region.

Recipients are selected through a competitive application and interview process based on academic achievement, character, and a demonstrated commitment to helping others.

Unlike traditional scholarship programs, every recipient volunteers at the Shirvanian Youth Center, reflecting the belief that education carries a responsibility to give back.

Over the past decade, the program has supported 100 young people pursuing careers as educators, healthcare professionals, artists, engineers, psychologists, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders throughout the region.

The anniversary celebration honored 13 scholarship recipients who completed their university studies this year: Tamara Nikoghosyan, Svetlana Tovmasyan, Ani Papikyan, Yeghsik Melikyan, Shoghokat Hovsepyan, Izabela Igityan, Anna Manasyan, Nina Markosyan, Larisa Shahbazyan, Haykanush Galstyan, Yeranuhi Ayvazyan, Hasmik Sukiasyan, and Vladimir Vardanyan.

During their years in the program, these graduates mentored younger students, supported educational initiatives, organized volunteer projects, and helped advance the Center’s mission of serving children and families throughout Shirak Province.

Graduation marks not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter of service.

The graduates established the Scholarship Alumni Council to remain active in the Center’s mission, collaborate on new initiatives, and help create opportunities for those who follow.

In its very first year, the Alumni Council fully funded a scholarship for another student. Ani Papikyan became the first recipient supported directly through alumni contributions, demonstrating how today’s scholarship recipients become tomorrow’s philanthropists and mentors.

The 13 graduates of the Class of 2026 now join the Alumni Council, expanding a growing network of young professionals dedicated to sustaining the scholarship program for years to come.

Following a competitive application and interview process, We Are Gyumri selected 18 new recipients of the Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

Thirteen students will pursue university degrees in English language and literature, psychology, mathematics, information technology, translation studies, tourism, folk music, decorative and applied arts, and Russian language and literature. Five additional students will attend regional vocational colleges, preparing for careers in nursing, midwifery, medical cosmetology, management, and marketing.

Together with eight continuing scholarship recipients, the program will support 26 active scholars during the coming academic year. Ishkhan Davtyan, who is currently completing his military service, will rejoin the scholarship community upon returning to his studies.

Throughout the academic year, recipients will mentor children, lead enrichment clubs, support technology, arts, and cultural programs, organize volunteer initiatives, and share their knowledge with younger students.

Since opening its doors in 2016, the Shirvanian Youth Center has become one of Gyumri’s leading youth institutions, offering free academic, cultural, and personal development programs for children and young adults throughout Shirak Province, including those displaced from Artsakh.

The Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship has become one of the Center’s defining initiatives, combining financial support with mentorship and volunteerism to prepare the next generation of professionals committed to making a difference.

The continued success of the Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship is made possible through the longstanding generosity of the Shirvanian family and a dedicated community of benefactors who believe in the transformative power of education.

We Are Gyumri extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Vahik and Alice Petrossian, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian, Mr. and Mrs. Nikol Abrahamian and Zabelle Berberian, among many other supporters, for their continued commitment to creating educational opportunities for young people in Shirak Province.

Their generosity has created a lasting cycle of opportunity in which students pursue their education, give back, and eventually help open doors for those who follow.

2026 to 2027 Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship Recipients

Margarit Chuglina

Margarit Chuglina, of Gyumri, will begin her first year in the English Language and Literature program at Shirak State University this September. Passionate about reading and language learning, she enjoys strengthening her English skills and exploring world literature. As a scholarship recipient, Margarit will volunteer at the Shirvanian Youth Center, supporting its educational and community initiatives.

Ani Yeghiazaryan

Ani Yeghiazaryan, of Gyumri, will enter her second year in the Decorative and Applied Arts program at Shirak State University. She enjoys dancing, drawing, singing, and reading, and hopes to inspire children to develop their creativity through art. At the Shirvanian Youth Center, Ani will volunteer by supporting the Painting Club and sharing her artistic talents with younger students.

Anzhela Poghosyan

Anzhela Poghosyan will begin her third year in the Russian Language and Literature program at Shirak State University. A trained vocalist who sings in a church choir, she also enjoys reading and sewing. Through her volunteer service, Anzhela will lead the Russian Language Club and help students strengthen their language skills.

Anahit Charchyan

Anahit Charchyan, of Gyumri, will continue her studies in Translation Studies, specializing in English and Russian, at Shirak State University. Driven by her passion for languages and lifelong learning, she will continue volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center by leading the Russian Language Club and supporting students in their language development.

Anahit Melqonyan

Anahit Melqonyan will begin her second year in the English Language and Literature program at Shirak State University. She enjoys reading, watching English-language films, listening to music, and spending time outdoors. As a volunteer, Anahit will contribute to the Center’s educational and community programs.

Hasmik Avetisyan

Hasmik Avetisyan, from Shirakavan Village, will begin her fourth year studying Psychology at Shirak State University. She enjoys reading, personal development, and participating in educational initiatives. Through her volunteer work, Hasmik will support the Center’s youth development and educational programs while applying her growing knowledge of psychology.

Izabela Hakobyan

Izabela Hakobyan will enter her third year in the Psychology program at Shirak State University. Her studies focus on understanding emotional well-being and human behavior. As a volunteer, she will contribute to educational activities that support the personal growth and development of children and young people.

Volodya Markosyan

Volodya Markosyan will begin his first year in the Information Technology program at the Gyumri Branch of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia. Interested in digital technologies and computing, he will volunteer at the Shirvanian Youth Center by supporting technology focused educational initiatives.

Tatevik Vardanyan

Originally from Artsakh and now residing in Gyumri, Tatevik Vardanyan will continue her studies in the Service program at Shirak State University. She is passionate about tourism and lifelong learning and enjoys reading in her free time. Tatevik will volunteer in the Center’s educational and community programs throughout the year.

Levon Varosyan

Levon Varosyan will begin his second year in the Folk Singing program at the Gyumri Branch of the Komitas State Conservatory. Dedicated to preserving Armenian musical traditions, he will share his knowledge and passion for folk music through the Shirvanian Youth Center’s cultural and educational activities.

Emma Tadevosyan

Emma Tadevosyan, of Gyumri, will begin her first year studying Psychology at Shirak State University. Her interests include reading, writing, singing, drawing, film, and graphic design. Emma will volunteer by leading the Psychology Club, helping younger students develop confidence and emotional awareness.

Zaruhi Khachatryan

Zaruhi Khachatryan, from Kamo Village, will begin her second year in the Mathematics program at Shirak State University. She enjoys solving mathematical problems and logical puzzles and is gaining practical experience through volunteer work at an accounting firm. At the Shirvanian Youth Center, Zaruhi will lead the Mathematics Club and encourage students to develop strong analytical thinking skills.

Marieta Martirosyan

Marieta Martirosyan, of Gyumri, will continue her studies in the Service program at Shirak State University. Interested in tourism and hospitality, she enjoys reading and staying informed about developments in her field. She will contribute to the Shirvanian Youth Center through educational and community service activities.

Ani Grigoryan

Ani Grigoryan, of Gyumri, will begin her third year in the Medical Cosmetology program at Gyumri State Medical College. She enjoys personal development, music, and working with children. As a volunteer, Ani will support the Center’s educational and youth programs.

Nvard Manukyan

Nvard Manukyan will begin her second year in the Management program at the Agricultural College. She enjoys reading and continuously expanding her knowledge. Through her volunteer service, Nvard will assist with the Center’s educational, organizational, and community initiatives.

Kima Torosyan

Kima Torosyan will continue her studies in Marketing at Shirak State University College. Her interests include marketing, literature, history, translation, graphic design, and creative writing. Having already participated in numerous volunteer initiatives, Kima will contribute her creativity, communication skills, and organizational experience to the Shirvanian Youth Center.

Larisa Margaryan

Larisa Margaryan will begin her second year in the Midwifery program at Gyumri State Medical College. She enjoys reading and listening to music and will volunteer by supporting the Center’s educational and community programs while continuing her professional studies.

Hripsime Gevshenyan

Hripsime Gevshenyan will continue her studies in General Nursing at Gyumri State Medical College. In addition to her healthcare interests, she enjoys filming, video editing, social media, and event organization. She will volunteer by supporting the Shirvanian Youth Center’s communications, multimedia projects, and community events.

The mission of We Are Gyumri is to create a positive and lasting impact on youth in Gyumri, Armenia. The campaign restructured and renovated the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri that had been destroyed during the 1988 Spitak earthquake. A year-round functional program was created at the Center to teach youth in Gyumri everyday skills, to provide them with the essentials they need for a brighter future, and to serve as a bridge between youth in Gyumri and their peers in the Diaspora. As another component of the campaign, the We Are Gyumri Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Fund is intended for residents of the Shirak Province to pursue their undergraduate education in their native region. We Are Gyumri is an ARF Western U.S. Central Committee initiative.

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