LA CRESCENTA—The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools held its second annual leadership conference last month entitled “Connecting to Your Community.” The event took place at the La Crescenta offices of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. More than 100 Glendale Unified School District students with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 attended the half-day conference.
The conference began with Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, delivering his invocation, blessings and a message to the participating students. Long-time board member and event chairperson Medea Kalognomos emceed the program. The first panel featured Glendale Mayor John Drayman, Glendale Unified School District Superintendent Michael Escalante and Glendale Community College Board Member Armine Hacopian. The second panel included Nayiri Nahabedian, Glendale Unified School District Board Member, Maria Mehranian, Managing Partner at Cordoba Corporation and Mark Geragos, Attorney at Law. All panelists discussed their views on the issues of leadership and success by sharing their personal experiences. At the conclusion of the panel session, students asked insightful and sophisticated questions. It was a rewarding experience for speakers and students alike, as meaningful conversations continued into the break and beyond. During the break, students watched a special message from State Assemblymember Paul Krekorian.
During lunch, Haig Hovsepian of the Armenian National Committee Western Region spoke to the students about making a difference in college and beyond. He pointed out that anyone committed to a cause can create positive results. He also discussed internship opportunities within the ANC.
The students seemed hungry for more and asked many of the CASPS board members for follow-up events. Moreover, if these same students maintain their high impressive grade-point averages, they will be invited to an annual CASPS awards reception at the end of the school year. CASPS is honored to serve such outstanding Armenian students in Glendale. The Armenian community should take notice and be proud.
