Category: News

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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Students representing Armenia won one silver and four bronze medals, and received an honorable mention, at the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad, held in Shanghai, China.

The competition brought together 666 students from 120 countries, with each country represented by up to six contestants. The Olympiad was conducted in two theoretical rounds.

Hayk Manukyan, a 10th-grade student at the Quantum College, earned a silver medal for Armenia.

Bronze medals were awarded to Tigran Hakheyan and Aren Grigoryan, both 10th-grade students at Quantum College, as well as Sarkis Arakelyan, an 11th-grade student, and Arsen Makaryan, a 12th-grade student, both from the A. Shahinyan Physics and Mathematics Specialized School.

Arman Asatryan, a 12th-grade student at the A. Shahinyan Physics and Mathematics Specialized School, received an honorable mention.

In the team standings, Armenia placed 43rd.

The Armenian team was led by Grigor Kerobyan of WorldQuant and Narek Khandanyan of Krisp.

At the 66th International Mathematical Olympiad, held in Australia last year, the Armenian team won three bronze medals and three honorable mentions.

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Armenian Genocide Commemorated at the Event

NEW YORK — The Armenian Bar Association hosted its annual Public Servants Dinner at the historic Yale Club of New York City, honoring the courage, endeavors, and sacrifices of all public servants.

This year’s Public Servants Honorees were the prominent civil rights attorney, Armen H. Merjian, and the Administrative Judge of the New York State Unified Court System, Joseph A. Zayas.

The event brought together the leadership of the New York Courts, administrative and supervising judges, appellate and trial court judges, members of the federal judiciary, distinguished public servants, leaders of bar associations, and prominent attorneys.

Judges Frank (Hagopian) Caruso and Deborah H. Karalunas served as the masters of ceremony. Following the national anthems performed by Hasmik Mekanejian and Anahit Zakaryan, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, led the opening prayer.

Karalunas set the stage by delivering the opening statement, noting that the event is held on the eve of the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and that “[f]or the Armenian people, public service is more than a professional calling; it is a moral one, reflective of our belief that the world will prosper when we stand united to promote justice and compassion, and protect one another’s dignity.”

Robert H. Tembeckjian, the Administrator and Counsel to NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct, delivered remarks recalling his native Armenian dialect from Tigranakert, and remembering the survivors of the Genocide who rose “up from the ashes of mass prosecution to write poetry, compose operas, build enterprises, churches, and schools all over the world.”

Souren A. Israelyan spoke on behalf of the organizing committee, acknowledging the prior honorees of the Public Servants Dinner and the sponsors of the event, whose generosity made the event possible.

The remarks on behalf of the New York State Bar Association were delivered by its President Kathleen M. Sweet. She congratulated the honorees whose “work while challenging and undervalued, and more often than not thankless, is recognized here tonight.”

Hasmik Mekanejian, a mezzo-soprano, and Anahit Zakaryan, a soprano, with the piano accompaniment of Diana Gabrielyan, treated the audience with a stellar performance of classical Armenian, Italian, and Broadway songs.

At the presentation of the Public Servant Awards, Judge Claire Chadirjian Cecchi introduced Armen H. Merjian. Merjian is one the leading civil rights attorneys in the United States, and likely the most significant advocate for those who suffer from HIV/AIDS.

In 2025, Amelia Hanibelsz, an award-winning filmmaker, produced a documentary short about Merjian titled “The Good Fight.” The film has won 10 awards in international film festivals. With the filmmaker’s permission, a segment of the film was shown during the event. During his remarks, Merjian shared that all four of his grandparents were orphans of the Armenian Genocide, and his Armenian heritage shaped who he is.

Karalunas introduced Judge Joseph A. Zayas. Zayas is the Chief Administrative Judge of the State of New York, the highest-ranking administrative position within the New York State Judiciary, overseeing the day-to-day administration and operations of 3,300 state and local judges and 17,000 non-judicial employees in over 300 locations across the state.

During his remarks, Zayas expressed that he “wanted to understand the reasons why Armenians place such a high value in public service.” His enquiry elucidated that Armenians are deeply connected with their heritage, and the history of their own suffering creates a “moral bridge” with the struggles of others.

Judge Jenny Rivera, an Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, delivered the closing statement. Rivera shared that because of her Puerto Rican heritage and her family’s experiences, “I really do appreciate the Armenian concerns of maintaining identity, preserving culture and language; your commitment to justice, to human rights, to the rule of law, and of course, to the norms of international law speaks very deeply to me.”

The event was closed by a benediction delivered by His Eminence Anoushavan Tanielian, the Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy.

On the following day, April 24, both NYS Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani commemorated the Armenian Genocide. Governor Hochul proclaimed April 24, as the Armenian Remembrance Day.

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Photo by John Lee

BY DAVIT ABRAHAMYAN

On a scorching 103-degree summer afternoon, we gathered around a charcoal grill to prepare Khorovads. The smell of smoky, sizzling meat on metal skewers had once again brought us together, reaffirming the bonds that unite Armenian families. Standing nearby and listening to the lively sound of overlapping conversations, I thought less about the plate full of Khorovads, and more about what it represents in Armenian culture.

Growing up in Los Angeles among the Armenian Diaspora, I came to understand how cultural identity was preserved through traditional gatherings. Weddings, baptisms, Easter, and Christmas celebrations brought along meaningful, heritage-rich experiences – instilling a sense of identity in the youth, and reminding the older generation of Armenians the core meaning behind these traditions. Yet, festive community celebrations seem incomplete without tasteful traditional dishes, and only a few meals tie food and culture together better than Khorovads.

In an era of assimilation, the ritual of gathering around the grill preserves a meaningful part of Armenian culture. The importance of Khorovads lies not in the finished meal, but in the traditions that unfold around the grill while the meat is being prepared. Around the crackling fire, friendships are built, stories are shared, and advice is given by elders with years of grilling experience. As the flames flicker, those around the fire begin the celebration with a toast to friendship and longevity – a tradition which has been carried across generations. Standing alongside our elders, we would observe these customs unfolding before our eyes. Once everyone gathered around the table, the meal began with guests being welcomed to try the finished meal first – resembling the hospitality embedded in Armenian culture.

Anthony Bourdain encountered this spirit firsthand during his 2018 visit to Armenia. Throughout his journey for an episode of Parts Unknown, the late celebrity chef explored Armenia’s extensive history through the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine. Against the backdrop of Artsakh’s sun-drenched mountains, the locals had the privilege of introducing the chef to the celebratory side of Armenian cuisine. Among the dishes he encountered, none captured Armenia’s hospitality more vividly than what he called the “Armenian Barbecue.” Anthony Bourdain, like many other visitors, was able to grasp the symbolic value of the meal not through formal customs, but around crowded tables, not within the walls of lavish restaurants, but in modest settings – which embodies the communal spirit of Armenian culture.

Much like my family, Diasporan Armenians have carried the generational tradition of breaking bread over the grill across Armenian borders. Last week, I came across a video on social media that gathered the attention of thousands, which also reaffirmed this belief of mine. Across a scenic lake in Norway, two Armenian exchange students encountered one another unexpectedly. To celebrate their acquaintance, the newfound friends strengthened their bond through a small, two-person festival featuring charcoal-grilled Khorovads. Unable to afford meat or even a traditional manghal, they improvised with potatoes, mortadella, and a makeshift aluminum grill. The two recreated the cultural experience of solidifying friendship that has been passed from generation to generation. Despite their modest means, the pair was celebrating their newfound friendship by singing, dancing to Armenian folk music, and filming videos which would later be shared across different social media platforms. In their modest surroundings, the two came to discover the significance behind the meal.

Though simple in appearance, Khorovads carries a significant cultural value — serving as a symbol of Armenian hospitality and uniting the Diaspora across borders. Whether in mass events or modest settings, Khorovads is more than meat on skewers; it is a cultural tradition Armenians carried across the globe. Even today, Diasporan celebrations often commence with a flavorful plate of Khorovads – a tradition that Armenians have cherished for centuries. Maybe that’s why Khorovads has stood the test of time. When the last skewer comes off the grill and the charcoal ash has cooled, what you’re left with is not the memory of a meal, but of family. Family that gathers Armenians together, no matter where they reside. Whether in Armenia, Los Angeles, or alongside a Norwegian lake, we continue to carry our cultural identity beyond Armenian borders around a charcoal grill that serves to preserve a piece of home.

Davit Abrahamyan is a junior at the University of California, Berkeley, where he is studying political science. He pens articles for Asbarez in his free time.

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