On March 24, Holy Martyrs Armenian Schools, comprised of Ferrahian High School, Cabayan Elementary, and Pilavjian Preschool, commemorated its 60th anniversary with a spectacular gala event on Saturday, March 22nd, at the prestigious Beverly Hilton. Under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, over 600 alumni, parents, faculty, and community supporters gathered to celebrate six decades of academic achievement and cultural preservation.
The evening was a resounding success, filled with heartfelt tributes, captivating entertainment, and generous philanthropy. Haig Boyajian, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1994, served as the charismatic Master of Ceremonies, guiding the audience through a program that honored the school’s rich history and promising future.
The evening began with a warm reception held within the hotel’s courtyard, where attendees were able to journey through the school’s past via engaging historical displays that illustrated its 60-year story.
Gala co-chairs Sareen Sorfazian and Alex Beylerian welcomed the crowd before thanking each member of the 60th Anniversary Gala Committee who made the special night possible.
Guests were treated to dynamic video presentations showcasing the vibrant daily life of Holy Martyrs students, as well as an exciting overview of the ongoing construction at the North Hills campus, demonstrating the school’s commitment to providing modern and state-of-the-art facilities.
The gala featured electrifying entertainment, with Tigran Asatryan and DJ Sammy Flash filling the ballroom with music that had attendees dancing throughout the night.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the school’s most generous benefactors. The Keosian family, known for their long-standing support for the school, were honored with the naming rights to the recently acquired Latter Day Saints building on the Encino campus.
With a significant donation from Mr. Koko Topalian, the auditorium within the Keosian Complex will be named the Nerces and Aghavni Topalian Auditorium.
The Benlian Brothers were also recognized for their continued support and leadership with the naming rights to Building A, the classrooms building at the North Hills campus that is currently under construction.
The Ghevondian family made a significant contribution towards the renovation of the gymnasium on the main Encino campus. In recognition of their generosity, the facility will be named in loving memory of their father, Masis, as the Masis and Manoosh Ghevondian Gymnasium, ensuring future generations of students will have access to top-tier athletic facilities.
Mrs. Sona Touloumdjian and her children were also honored for their continued support. The gymnasium within the Keosian Complex will be named Touloumdjian Gym.
The Vahe and Lucie Foundation pledged a significant annual gift dedicated to enriching the arts program and supporting scholarships for young artists.
Dr. Vatche and Mrs. Shoushig Cabayan continued their decades-long support of the school with their yearly contribution to the school’s endowment fund, thoughtfully designated for the teachers.
The gala was a testament to the community’s dedication to the Holy Martyrs family of schools, raising a remarkable three million dollars to support its ongoing mission.
A highlight of the program was a stirring address by Ferrahian Principal, Sossi Shanlian, who recognized the collective impact of the assembled guests, and reflected on their vital role in shaping the school’s distinctive familial atmosphere. Mrs. Shanlian then offered a special recognition for elementary school Principal John Kossakian and preschool Director Vehik Gabrielian for their lengthy service to the school.
