More than $34,000 Raised In A True Grassroots Event, Proving That “Pilibos Is Where It All Comes Together” Is A Worthy Motto!
LOS ANGELES—The Southland’s scorching heat didn’t stop over 800 students, faculty, parents and alumni of Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School from walking 5 kilometers during their first ever Walk-A-Thon on Thursday, October 13. The group, led by principal Dr. Alina Dorian and joined by School Board Members, PTO volunteers and community leaders and members, welcomed His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, who after taking a brief tour of the school and witnessing the artwork prepared for him by the students delivered yet another inspiring and motivational message that had captivated everyone present, He told the audience that the school is where faith and spirituality are fostered and in reality, our schools ate the bedrock and foundation on which our societies are built.
The organizers hoped to raise $30,000 to help offset tuition costs and help pay for a variety of school enrichment programs. They exceeded their goal, raising a little under $35,000, mostly via $25.00 sponsorships collected by the students.
“I am so proud of our students, teachers, parents, friends and the whole Pilibos Team who took ownership of this Walk-A-Thon and made it the success it turned out to be. The high spirit we witnessed among our students today was fueled by the invigorating speech of the Catholicos, who truly made youth empowerment the focal point of his Pontifical visit. We are grateful to our Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, who graciously obliged our request to arrange for the Pilibos family to be graced by His Holiness’ blessings, on this important occasion ” said Dr. Alina Dorian.
Classes returned to campus only to continue the festivities with music and dancing, following complimentary lunch served by Aslan’s catering. “As students, we can’t wait to graduate, but once we are out the door, we look for every little excuse to come back. I guess after all, maybe it’s because this is where we made our first friends, this is where we first learned the meaning of teamwork, this is where we learned how to compete and excel, and this is where we experienced many other “first lessons” of a life. So it was great to see our alumni, whether spearheading the PTO, passing out water and snacks, being major sponsors, or walking alongside our student as parents, teachers, and supporters” President of Pilibos’ Alumni Association, Suren Seropian said.
But without doubt, one of the major highlights of the day, was the opportunity to “hang out” with Dr. Armand Dorian, star of many television shows such as “Deadliest Warrior,” “Untold Stories of the ER,” “Diagnosis X,” “Grays Anatomy,” “ER,” “Seven Signs,” & “Extra’s Lifechangers.” When asked what was so special about Dr. Armand Dorian, Mark Hamparsomian, a 9th grade student replied: “He is such a great role model for us all. He is a famous actor, a very successful physician, and a wonderful down to earth human being who finds time to take part in community events. We are so proud to know him!”
Tazah Food Products, Closet World, Prime Vending, Carousel Restaurant, Taleen Simon (Class of ’88), Los Angeles Protection Services, A.R.S. Mayr Chapter, Onasis Jewelery, Kradjian Imports, Craters and Freighters, MAC Hollywood, Novatex International, Karlubian Insurance, Homenetmen LA Chapter, Levon Travel, and Kaiser Permanente were generous sponsors of the walk.
