Lowell Sun (Massachusetts)
October 2, 2011 Sunday
Armenian-American vets hand out $7,000 in scholarships to 7 local students
LOWELL -- Since 1990, members of the Sam Manoian Post,
Armenian-American Veterans, have done more than march in parades,
conduct graveside services and donate Easter baskets to children.
They have contributed to the educational welfare of Merrimack Valley
and beyond --- to the tune of $150,000.
This year's distribution of $7,000 in scholarships was divided among
seven students, including one in Armenia and another in Providence,
R.I.
More than 200 guests turned out to applaud the recipients during a
recent dinner-dance at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Chelmsford. As
protocol had it, each student expressed words of gratitude upon their
presentation.
Over the past 21 years, 136 Armenian high-school graduates have
received scholarships -- and the buck doesn't stop here.
"It's a tradition we hope to continue for a lifetime," Commander Aram
Jeknavorian said. "The future of our younger generation is something
we take seriously. Anything we can do to enhance that goal will be
encouraged. Many of these recipients have graduated college, started
careers and showed their gratitude by contributing to the fund. The
moral responsibilities they've exercised are exemplary."
This year's recipients are: Aghavny Bebirian (Pelham); Katie Berberian
(Merrimack, N.H.); Sam Boghigian (Nashua); Nicole Gaspari
(Chelmsford); John Kalajian (Providence, R.I.); Jason Keshian (North
Andover); and Lilit Solomonyan (Armenia).
The father of the student from Armenia operates a car-import business
and makes repeated trips to the Merrimack Valley for business. He
signed on as an associate member of the post and lends his support
wherever possible. An older sibling, Astghik Solomonyan, received a
scholarship previously.
From: A. Papazian
October 2, 2011 Sunday
Armenian-American vets hand out $7,000 in scholarships to 7 local students
LOWELL -- Since 1990, members of the Sam Manoian Post,
Armenian-American Veterans, have done more than march in parades,
conduct graveside services and donate Easter baskets to children.
They have contributed to the educational welfare of Merrimack Valley
and beyond --- to the tune of $150,000.
This year's distribution of $7,000 in scholarships was divided among
seven students, including one in Armenia and another in Providence,
R.I.
More than 200 guests turned out to applaud the recipients during a
recent dinner-dance at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Chelmsford. As
protocol had it, each student expressed words of gratitude upon their
presentation.
Over the past 21 years, 136 Armenian high-school graduates have
received scholarships -- and the buck doesn't stop here.
"It's a tradition we hope to continue for a lifetime," Commander Aram
Jeknavorian said. "The future of our younger generation is something
we take seriously. Anything we can do to enhance that goal will be
encouraged. Many of these recipients have graduated college, started
careers and showed their gratitude by contributing to the fund. The
moral responsibilities they've exercised are exemplary."
This year's recipients are: Aghavny Bebirian (Pelham); Katie Berberian
(Merrimack, N.H.); Sam Boghigian (Nashua); Nicole Gaspari
(Chelmsford); John Kalajian (Providence, R.I.); Jason Keshian (North
Andover); and Lilit Solomonyan (Armenia).
The father of the student from Armenia operates a car-import business
and makes repeated trips to the Merrimack Valley for business. He
signed on as an associate member of the post and lends his support
wherever possible. An older sibling, Astghik Solomonyan, received a
scholarship previously.
From: A. Papazian