On September 27, the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation organized an educational tour highlighting the accomplishments of Southern California’s Armenian schools. The event brought together a group of prominent legislators and several prominent local elected officials to celebrate the important role of Armenian educational institutions in California’s education landscape.
Lawmakers in attendance included Sen. Bob Archuleta, Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, Rep. Anthony Portantino, Rep. Laura Friedman, Rep. Tori Ta, and former Rep. Adlin Nazarian. was.
The day began with a traditional Armenian welcome at the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood, creating a vibrant atmosphere with music and dance performances. In true Armenian custom, guests were greeted with salt, water and a platter of bread, symbolizing hospitality and unity.
The delegation then moved to the Tashcan Gymnasium where students from Pilibos Junior High School introduced Armenian culture with song and dance performances. After the cultural showcase, legislators and local officials had meaningful conversations with school administrators and the board of directors.
1. Educational tour in Southern California sponsored by the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation
Principal Dr. Souji Ohanian, along with Board Member Gary Dagrian, welcomed members of the Armenian Caucus, touched on Pilibos’ academic achievements, and highlighted the successes of its students and alumni. A pillar of academic excellence, Pilibos remains a source of pride for the Armenian community, with its graduates making significant contributions in a variety of professional fields.
“It is an honor to join my colleagues in the California State Assembly to tour the Rose and Alex Pilibos School,” said Senator Duraso, who represents the 26th Senate District, which includes Little Armenia. “I have always been impressed by how the Armenian community works together to support private schools and achieve an incredible 90 percent college acceptance rate for their students.”
The tour continued to Glendale’s Vahan and Anoush Chamlyan Armenian School, where the school’s principal, Dr. Tarin Kargodorian, and student representatives warmly welcomed the guests. The tour provided a unique glimpse into the daily lives of Chamlia students, with staff observing classroom teaching, play, gardening and even dance classes.
A particular highlight was the STEM-focused activities in the library and technology room, demonstrating the school’s commitment to innovative and forward-looking learning. Throughout the tour, student body representatives enthusiastically shared insights into the curriculum and cultural experiences that define Chamulian’s educational approach.
“As a parent of five children, I know that the greatest gift parents can give their children is a quality education,” said Senator Archuleta, representing California State Senate District 32. “They saw your dedication and your passion for public relations and said, The culture and history of Armenia was exciting. We would like to thank the Rose and Alex Pilibos schools, the Vahan school and the Anoush Chamlu language school for giving our delegation the opportunity to tour their campuses and meet with future leaders of the Armenian community. ”
The day ended with a luncheon at the carousel. There, staff, legislators, and school administrators gathered for thoughtful discussions about the importance of education, higher learning, and community empowerment. The conversation highlighted the important role that Armenian educational institutions play in developing future generations of leaders and professionals.
“I had a great time participating in the tour with the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation. I was deeply impressed by the commitment and innovation these schools have shown to enrich our communities. ” said Congressman Ta, representing the 70th Congressional District. “Their dedication to fostering a positive learning environment is a testament to the bright future we are building together.”
Mr. Patil Aposyan Kasparian, Director of Western Clerical Armenian School, reflected on the significance of this day as follows: Thank you for organizing this event to highlight the achievements and successes of Armenian educational institutions. As our school celebrates decades of educational success in Southern California, we are proud of our students who strive to advance in their academic and professional lives and contribute to the betterment of their communities and society. Masu. ”
“It was an honor to join the California Armenian Congressional Caucus and tour our district’s wonderful Armenian schools,” said Congressman Friedman (D-Burbank). “These culturally rich schools offer advanced language classes, music, art, and STEM classes. We see students’ deep cultural knowledge as well as empathy and confidence. It was very impressive. These global citizens are truly tomorrow’s leaders.”
This educational tour was a powerful testament to the thriving Armenian American community in California and demonstrated the lasting impact of Armenian schools in academic success, cultural pride, and shaping future leadership. The event not only celebrated past achievements, but also cemented the importance of continued investment in education, ensuring a legacy of excellence is passed on to future generations.
