National, International, Armenia, and Community News and Opinion

More documents

Recommendations

Info

10 The Armenian Reporter | December 13, 2008CommunityDiocese kicks off Christmas season withcommunity banquetSixteen youngprofessionalshonored foroutstandingachievementsby Tamar KevonianBURBANK, Calif. – The firstSaturday of December is the traditionalday when the Western Dioceseofficially kicks off the Christmasseason. On December 6, some350 people filled the main hall ofthe Diocesan Complex in Burbank,California, to attend the Fifth AnnualChristmas Ball.The much-anticipated event isa chance for the community andthe church to come together tocelebrate a joyous occasion. Thisyear’s Christmas Ball was evenmore special because the ChristmasCelebration Committee usedthe opportunity to honor 16 youngArmenian-American professionalsfrom various fields.The evening began with a cocktailreception during which guests,dressed in their best holiday finery,greeted each other in merriment.In the adjoining reception hall wasan art exhibition by Aram Vartanov,a young artist who specializesThe honorees with Abp. Derderian and Paul Kerkorian, assistant majority leader of the California State Assembly. Photos: Hilma Shahinian.in religious-themed miniaturescreated with acrylics on parchment.Involved in art since childhood,Vartanov was inspired a few yearsago to focus on illuminated manuscripts.His artworks were a fittingaccompaniment to the evening’stheme.During dinner Raffi Kendirjian,chairperson of the Christmas CelebrationCommittee, thanked theattendees for their continued support.The tradition of the Christmasbanquet “started five years agowith a tradition of honoring an individual,”he said from the podium,but “this time we have chosen 16young Armenian professionals.”Using his background in finance todescribe those chosen, Kendirjiancontinued: They “are individualswho have success as their numeratorand the Armenian heritage asthe denominator.”The honorees were MichaelAmerian, Esq., Ara Apkarian,Ph.D., Daniel Banks, MartyDakessian, Esq., Jack K. Der-Sarkissian, MD, Carla Garabedian,Ph.D., Arto Haddadian,MD, Steven Kamajian, MD, TalinKargodorian, Ed.D., HratchKourouyan, MD, Maria Mehranian,Jack H. Sarkissian, MD,Hratch Sepetjian, Vicken Sepilian,MD, Hon. Judge Zaven Sinanian,and Anita Vogel.Recognizing young professionals“is a good idea because it encouragesthe young generation to participatein the community of the Diocese,”said Marie Dakessian, wife of Dr.Jack Der-Sarkissian. “It’s a greathonor [to be chosen] and I’m proudof him.” Dr. Der-Sarkissian decidedto become active in the work ofthe Diocese because, he said, hebelieves that the church needs toprovide the young generation withbetter outreach and he is happy todo what he can to encourage it. “I’mproud to be a part of it,” he noted.In a departure from past practice,this year the Diocese specificallysought to recognize a youngergroup of people. “For the firsttime in the history of the WesternDiocese, young professionalsare being honored for their successand achievements,” explainedArchbishop Hovnan Derderian,Primate. “They are the pride ofContinued on page 11
The Armenian Reporter | December 13, 2008 11CommunityCarla Garabedian, Ph.D., who madeScreamers.Marty Dakessian, Esq. with his sons,Aram Khachadour and Haig Mardiros.Ara Apkarian, Ph.D.Hratch A. Sepetjian with daughter, Lori. Continued from page 10the American community. It is thegreatest success to understandthat we are Armenian in spirit butAmerican in our loyalty. It’s a clearmessage to our youth to becomeleaders in the United States ofAmerica.”During a video presentation,each honoree thanked the SelectionCommittee and the archbishopfor being selected, gave a briefexplanation of the influences thatthey believed have contributed totheir success, and stated what theyhoped to do in the future.Ms. Vogel, of Fox News, wasraised by an Armenian grandmother“and you all know howthat squashed the other side of thefamily,” she said with a knowingchuckle. Because of her love of hergrandmother and her history ofsurvival, “I never deny any requestto participate in Armenian events,”Ms. Vogel added.Mr. Amerian is looking forwardto “playing a role in creating an environmentfor future generationsto grow, like my father did for mygeneration.”Judge Sinanian is “happy to assistyouths in guiding them in thelegal profession.”Dr. Der-Sarkissian thanked thethree most important people whohave influenced his life: his mother,who instilled in him the Armenianspirit; his grandmother, who instilledin him religious values; andhis wife, who brought together allthe elements of his culture, hisreligion, and his profession. “Andtogether we have chosen to passthose values onto our two sons,” hesaid.In his remarks, Paul Krekorian,who was recently named assistantmajority leader of the CaliforniaState Assembly, said, “It hasn’t beenthat long since we survived the desertof Der-Zor . . . and here we haveleaders in the fields of medicine, law,finance, and education.”Archbishop Derderian, in hisbrief remarks, stressed that “Godhas given each of us a grace: life.We must live it with meaning,filled with love and hope.” Thearchbishop pointed out that the16 young professionals receivingrecognition bring honor to ourcommunity with their success inthe American mainstream. He alsopaid tribute to their parents, whohave sacrificed so much to helptheir children along the road ofachievement.The Primate then presented eachhonoree with a miniature khachkar.The intricately carved traditionalcross stones, made with tufa,were the work of renowned artistKasbar Gharibian. Each was asunique as its recipient. On his part,Mr. Krekorian awarded each of thehonorees with a Certificate of Recognitionfrom the California StateAssembly.The evening ended on a muchmore casual note, with dancing andrevelry following the program anddinner.
Page 3: Number 92December 13, 2008the armen
Page 10 and 11: 8 The Armenian Reporter | December
Page 24: The Armenian Reporter | December 13

National, International, Armenia, and Community News and Opinion

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?