Merdinian School Gala Celebrates Excellence, Philanthropy, and Legacy
LOS ANGELES—More than 300 community leaders, alumni, educators, parents, donors and supporters attended the C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School’s gala on February 10. The event raised more than $200,000 due to the generous contributions from the community, which will go towards enhancing facilities, elevating teacher salaries, and enriching academic programs.
Held at the Jonathan Club in Downtown Los Angeles, the event began with a cocktail hour and a silent auction hosted by the Merdinian Parent Support Committee. The official program and presentation of awards was kicked off by the Gala Committee Chairperson and Board Member, Dr. Tzoler Oukayan.
Then, Mistress of Ceremonies and Board member, Dr. Alexia Kevonian welcomed guests. The program started with the American and Armenian National Anthems sang by Merdinian teachers Marta Hovhannisyan and Anna Zakaryan. Then, Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America conducted the invocation.
Afterdinner, Board Chairperson and alumnus Nerses Aposhian (Class of 2006) took to the stage to reflect on his personal journey at Merdinian. Fondly recalling his frequent visits to the principal’s office and the patriotic and folkloric songs learned at Merdinian, which still resonate with him today, the audience was captivated as he began singing “Kedashen.”
The program continued with a video presentation highlighting the school’s history, achievements, and enduring impact on the community.
Taking the stage, Principal Dr. Souzy Ohanian detailed the school’s accomplishments, highlighting the record-breaking number of students enrolled, with more than a hundred on the waiting list.
Siblings Nora Bardakjian and Kevork Bardakjian from the Class of 2005 and 2003, took to the stage to present the Excellence in Teaching Award to Merdinian educator and their mother, Suzy Bardakjian.
In introducing the Phillips Family, Aposhian detailed the family’s enduring support and significant contributions to the school’s growth and success. He expressed gratitude to George Sr. and Suzie for passing along their “philanthropic genes” to their sons, Dr. Albert, Gary, and George Jr., and their respective wives Sue, Arsine, and Dina.
George Jr. Phillips, Vice Chairperson of the Merdinian Board of Directors, stepped forward to convey gratitude for the award on behalf of the family.
Dr. Alexia Kevonian then took the stage to announce the official launch of the new Donor Wall, which will be prominently displayed in the school’s Aram & Anahis D. Boolghoorjian Hall. The “Planting of the Seeds” project features a wall tree generously donated by Dr. & Mrs. Vicken & Sossy Aharonian, where supporters can add the leaves to the tree, thereby permanently showcasing their support for Merdinian and their commitment to shaping its future. Kevonian invited guests to contribute to the project by making a donation of $250.
Greg Hosharian and his band entertained the guests with Armenian songs.
