LOS ANGELES — TCA Arshag Dickranian School was honored with a visit from former NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian, accompanied by Armenia Fund (Western) Chairman Ara Aghishian, Esq. and the fund’s Executive Director (Western) Sarkis Kotanjian on Friday, November 6. The guests arrived at the school at 2:30 p.m. where they were greeted by the Chairman of the School Board of Trustees George Mandossian, Vice Chairman Parsegh Kartalian, Board member Yegia Taglyan, Principal Vartkes Kourouyan and members of the Student Council. This was Ghoukassian’s second visit to the Arshag Dickranian School; his first was in September 2002.
Ghoukassian was first escorted to the principal’s office for a briefing. There he was presented with a back copy of the school’s 2002-2003 yearbook bearing the pictures of his first visit. The guests were then led to the Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall where sixth- to 11th-grade students, teachers and PTO members had gathered to greet them and conduct a short program.
Kartalian, Student Council President Alex Garibyan and teacher Alvard Uzunyan made welcoming remarks. After the greeting remarks the students watched a video projection about Karabagh and a short documentary about the hardships of a family living in Shushi.
Ghoukassian then got to the podium following the introductory remarks by Ara Aghishian. “Such gatherings remind us of our Armenian identity and heritage,” he said. “We are all obligated to serve our country and to contribute to its development.” Ghoukassian also reminded students of the importance of supporting Shushi and encouraged them to participate in the upcoming Thanksgiving Telethon on November 26.
After the program, the guests proceeded to the school’s new basketball court where a rousing free-throw match took place between Ghoukassian and the school team captain Alex Garibyan amid the cheers and applause of the onlookers.
At the end and prior to their departure, the guests were invited to join in the school lounge for a treat of assorted cookies and refreshments served by the PTO.
