Former NKR President Arkadi Ghougassian Visits TCA Arshag Dickranian School

Los Angeles, November 10, 2009 - TCA Arshag Dickranian School was honored with a visit from former NKR president Mr. Arkadi Ghougassian, accompanied by The Armenia Fund Chairman Ara Aghishian, Esq. and the Fund's Executive Director Mr. Sarkis Kotanjian on Friday, November 6th, 2009. The guests arrived at the school at 2:30 p.m. where they were warmly greeted by the chairman of the School Board of Trustees Mr. George Mandossian, vice chairman Mr. Parsegh Kartalian, board member Mr. Yeghia Taglyan, principal Vartkes Kourouyan and members of the Student Council. This was Mr. Ghougassian's second visit to Arshag Dickranian School, as his first was in September 2002.

Mr. Ghougassian was first escorted to the principal's office for a briefing.  There he was presented with a back copy of the school's 2002-2003 yearbook bearing the pictures of his first visit. The guests were then led to the Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall where 6th to 11th grade students, teachers and PTO members had gathered to greet them and conduct a short program.

Mr. Ghougassian then got to the podium following the introductory remarks by Mr. Ara Aghishian. "Such gatherings remind us of our Armenian identity and heritage," said the honored guest. "We are all obligated to serve our country and to contribute to its development." Mr. Ghougassian also reminded students of the importance of supporting Shoushi and encouraged them to participate in the upcoming Thanksgiving Telethon on November 26th, 2009.