Winners of the AYF Juniors Achievers Program
GLENDALE—The Armenian Youth Federation Juniors Central Council announced the winners of its recently launched Junior Achievers program, which aims to motivate and encourage its members to be the best they can be in their academic and career related pursuits.
As a part of its inaugural program cycle, the AYF JCC received numerous nominations from across the region for technology and sciences, civic activism, media, arts and athletics categories.
“We individually interviewed each nominee,” said Sylva Khayalian a member of the AYF JCC. “Choosing the winners for each of the five categories was truly a challenge due to the high caliber of each member we interviewed.”
Following an in-depth review process the AYF JCC selected the following winners – brief biographical summaries are included. Each winner receives a framed certificate of recognition, a scholarship reward and a surprise award, which will be announced in the near future.
Alique Boyajian – Civic Activism
Ninth grade student at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian High School. She is a member of the AYF Juniors Burbank Chapter. Alique is an avid activist for any and all issues dealing with the Armenian youth and especially Armenia. During her spare time, Alique loves to play basketball and volunteer for Armenian organizations and give back to her schools – Chamlian and Pilibos. She would like to further expand her horizon in the coming years by involvement in civic & political learning opportunities and movements.
Harutyun Demirjian – Technology and Sciences
Senior at the Applied Techology Center. He is a member of the AYF Juniors Montebello chapter where is spearheading the chapters “Eco Unger” Special Skills program for environmental sustainability at the local Armenian Center and community. Harutyun is a Commissioner of Activities for the ASB. He loves the Boston Celtics and wants to be an mechanical engineer.
Armen Gevork Safeyan – Athletics
Senior at Mesrobian Armenian School. Armen is a member of the AYF Juniors Montebello Chapter. He is a Kobe Bryant fan and has attended Kobe Camp. He spends virtually all of his free time at the gym or practicing basketball. His dream is to become an NBA player. Armen also enjoys playing soccer.
Sevag Roohinian – Media
Junior at Mesrobian Armenian School. Sevag is a member of the AYF Juniors Montebello chapter. He is a part of the ASB at Mesrobian, a part of the school’s National Honors Society Club, and a chapter officer for the school’s Junior State of America chapter. Sevag most recently starred in the movie Aram Aram and his hobbies include playing soccer, fishing, and having fun with friends. He also volunteers at Armenia Fund’s Telethons.
Suzanna Sevadjian and Susie Gasparyan – Arts
Suzanna Sevadjian is a 6th grade student at John Muir Middle School where she was recently awarded with Elen Ruben’s Award for Academic Excellence. She is a member of the AYF Juniors Burbank Chapter. She has attended Հեքիաթն է կանչում թատրոն since she was three years old, where she danced, sang, and performed on stages. In July 2015, she went to Armenia where she performed at the famous Opera Theater in Yerevan, and in Artsakh. She has volunteered to help build the Armenian entry in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade for the past two years, and has also volunteered for the Children’s Hunger Fund. Currently, she dances at Gevorkian’s Dance Academy and at Matador Hip Hop dance studio. She plays basketball at Homenetmen Ararat and attends Armenian language classes on Saturdays. Suzanna also plays piano and tennis.
Susie Gasparyan is a 6th grade student at Madison Middle School in North Hollywood where she is in the Advanced Studies and Gifted Program. She is a member of the AYF Juniors Burbank Chapter. Susie has been attending Armenian dance lessons for 6 years, ballet lessons for 2 years, and ballroom dancing classes for 1 year. She has won first place in a regional ballroom dancing competition. One of her greatest talents is conducting scientific experiments and she hopes to one day use these skills help people all around the world. She loves being part of Armenian Youth Federation Juniors and is committed to making a difference and being part of change here, in Armenia, and around the world.
Winners of the AYF Junior Achievers program receive two prizes. A monetary scholarship award will be paired with a unique experience tailored to each winner. Experiences include opportunities to meet, talk with and learn from accomplished and successful individuals from various industries.
“We are proud of the winners of the first AYF Junior Achievers program cycle and look forward to seeing all the great nominations we receive in the next round,” said Saro Shirinian chairman of the AYF JCC. “In addition to investing in our members, we view the Junior Achievers program as a vehicle through which we can encourage and motivate our youth to not only pursue education and careers in fields of influence, but to also strive to be the very best in these fields.”
The AYF Juniors is a community organization for youth specifically for the ages of 8 to 16 years old. As an extension of the AYF and its core values, the AYF Juniors connect youth with their Armenian heritage, and politically and socially engages them with critical issues facing Armenians. For more information or to join follow AYF Juniors Western Region on Facebook, e-mail ayfjuniors@ayfwest.org or call (818) 500-8883.
Source: Asbarez
Link: AYF Juniors Announces ‘Achievers’ Program Winners