We talked with Helik Isagholian, the president of the Board of Directors at Ararat and asked her about the effects of the current economy in 2010 operations and her plans for the second half of the year and beyond. 

 

Everyone associated with Homemnetmen is familiar with Navasartian games. It's Homenetmen's annual centerpiece achievement, featuring sporting events, a festival and a grand parade, entertaining thousands of athletes, parents, volunteers and supporters. The organizers agonize over maintaining the balance between intense competition and sportsmanship, while participants - members, parents and fans alike - are treated to a carefree weekend of fun and games. This much is obvious even to the most casual observer. What is not immediately apparent, which perhaps is the true importance of these games, is that the games - culminating in the final weekend - are some of the defining moments in our youth's growing up years. The time when everything is possible ; the future is as bright as the July sun. It's when one has that first summer crush, the first encounter, and when lifelong friendships and bonds are formed. All Homenetmenagans, regardless of age, have a 'Navasartian moment'; a story albeit slightly embellished, nonetheless profoundly true, which in essence is a testament to how we relive our youth and our forming years, through the games.  
 
Now, before we drown ourselves in nostalgia, we must recognize the selfless devotion of a handful, who typically have the least the gain, but without whom none of this will be possible. They are the nameless, faceless and tireless unsung heroes, who place the burden on their shoulders and carry the load.
 
We salute all the volunteers, whose magnanimous gift of time enables thousands of others to have their day in the sun.

The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) strives to enhance educational achievement and actively endeavors to solve social and academic challenges facing students in local public schools. To recognize academic achievement, CASPS establishes an annual event honoring all Armenian students graduating with a GPA of 3.5 or more, from Glendale schools. 

This year, numerous youths form various divisions of Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" Chapter, were among the recipients of CASPS awards. We salute our graduates, celebrate their achievements and wish them success in all their endeavors.
For additional information about CASPS and the services they provide visit http://www.casps.org/.
 
Following members of Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" Chapter were honored during the event:
 
Katherine Biglarian
Ani Ebrahimian
Carineh Ghafafian
Christine Hemelians
Arsine Garibian
Ani Khachikian