The Armenian Educational Foundation’s Sixth Annual Oratorical Contest welcomed more than 150 supporters on February 1 at UCLA’s Fowler Museum, in Los Angeles, California. This year, the Oratorical Contest was held in collaboration with the UCLA Center for World Languages.
Representatives from eight local Armenian schools competed in both English and Armenian in the Middle School and High School divisions of the contest. The participating schools included:
- A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirdjian School;
- Armenian Academy at Blair Middle & High School;
- Armenian Mesrobian School;
- C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School;
- Chamlian Armenian School;
- Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School;
- Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School;
- Woodrow Wilson Middle School.
This year’s competition featured a compelling range of topics that challenged students to grapple with complex social, environmental, philosophical, and geopolitical issues. Middle school contestants debated whether digital communication brings people closer or creates more isolation, while others proposed ways to protect Armenia’s natural resources. High school participants discussed humanity’s future in space versus the need to focus on Earth and explored strategies for Armenia’s long-term stability and growth. As in previous years, the judging criteria were based on the American Legion National Oratorical Contest guidelines, emphasizing clarity, logic, and persuasive delivery.
The professional experience of the panel of judges encompassed a variety of backgrounds, including education, language, law, entertainment, digital media, and film.
The distinguished judges for the English competition were:
- Yvette M. Amirian, ACE (Film & Television Editor, Writer, Producer / Adjunct Professor, USC School of Cinematic Arts);
- Nora Bairamian (Ph.D. Candidate in Armenian Studies, UCLA Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures);
- Christina Hacopian, PGA (Producer, Film and TV Series Content);
- Sandra Halajian, Ed.D. (Dean of Instruction and Educator Culture, Geffen Academy at UCLA);
- Mesrop Khoudagoulian, Esq. (Attorney, Member of the Executive Board, Armenian Bar Association);
- Maral Tavitian (Managing Director, USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies).
The distinguished judges for the Armenian competition were:
- Sevan Haneshian Bedourian (Member of the Armenian Writers Union, Author of the poetry book “Areknadench Horizonnner”);
- Melissa Bilal, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, The Promise Chair in Armenian Music, Arts, and Culture, Director of the Armenian Music Program);
- Hagop Gulludjian, Ph.D. (Senior Lecturer, UCLA – NELC, Holder of Khachigian Lectureship in Armenian Language and Culture);
- Kevork Hagopjian, Ph.D., Esq. (Attorney at Law & Expert Facilitator);
- Shushan Karapetian, Ph.D. (Director, USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies);
- Inna Sahakyan (Documentary Director/Producer, Bars Media Films).
Sona Movsesian, Podcast Co-host of “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and New York Times Bestselling Author of “The World’s Worst Assistant,” served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the competition. Sona Movsesian brought her signature humor and effortless charm to the event, creating an engaging and lighthearted atmosphere that kept the audience captivated throughout the competition.
The winners of the Armenian Educational Foundation Oratorical Competition 2025 were announced in an awards ceremony, celebrating the exceptional talent and eloquence of the participants. In the Armenian Contest, Lia Stepanian from Chamlian Armenian School earned the middle school title, while Armen Apanian from Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School was named the high school champion. In the English Contest, middle school honors were shared by Arina Kituryan of Woodrow Wilson Middle School and Arpi Hokhikyan of C. & E. Merdinian Evangelical School. David Charchian, also from Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, claimed the high school title. Each winner was awarded a $1,000 scholarship, recognizing their outstanding achievements and supporting their educational journey.
Dalya Barsamian, the chair of the oratorical committee, remarked, “AEF’s commitment to fostering effective communication is truly commendable, and this competition is a testament to that dedication. I was deeply impressed by the remarkable oratorical skills demonstrated by all the middle and high school students. Their presentations were marked by poise, insightful perspectives, and compelling delivery, showcasing not only a mastery of articulation but also a remarkable capacity for forward-thinking thought.”
AEF Board President Serop Beylerian expressed his pride in the participants, stating, “The Armenian Educational Foundation is incredibly proud of all the students who participated in this year’s Oratorical Contest. Their passion, eloquence, and critical thinking were truly inspiring. Seeing these young minds confidently express their ideas on such thought-provoking topics reaffirms our belief in the power of education and the limitless potential of our youth. We congratulate the winners and commend every participant for their dedication and courage. As AEF celebrates 75 years of empowering Armenian students, we remain committed to fostering the next generation of leaders who will shape our community’s future with wisdom and conviction.”
AEF’s purpose in hosting the Oratorical Contest is to promote public speaking in Armenian youth, with the hope of encouraging and shaping a future generation of leaders, motivators and influencers who can become a positive force and promote progress within their community.
This year, as the Armenian Educational Foundation celebrates its 75th anniversary, the organization reflects on its decades-long mission of empowering Armenian students through education. To commemorate this milestone, the AEF will host a gala on September 7, at the Beverly Hills Hilton, bringing together supporters and community leaders for a night of celebration to honor the foundation’s enduring impact.
For more information on the Armenian Educational Foundation or to donate online, please visit the AEF website.
