LA school students receive scholarship honors

Published: Thursday January 19, 2012

Students awarded at the ASA-Montrose ceremony.

Montrose, Calif. - In the City of Montrose, the fourth annual Greg and Sylva Martayan Scholarship for Education and "Leader of Tomorrow" honors took place with great success.

The Armenian Sisters Academy (Montrose, CA) was chosen as the school where the honors would take place on December 16. Four students were recognized for their determination and commitment to their education, school and community and one student was the recipient of the scholarship award. In celebration of these honors, this year marked a historic partnership of the awards with California State Assembly Member Mike Gatto and the Glendale Police Department.

"It is a privilege to partner with Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Sylva Martayan for their recognition of deserving students through their scholarship and 'Leader of Tomorrow' awards they established many years ago. It is a priority of mine to foster and promote students who display initiative and leadership qualities. A strong education was the foundation for my personal and professional growth, and I support all efforts that lay the groundwork for future generations of leaders" stated Assemblyman Mike Gatto.

Under the auspices of Sister Lucia Haik, Principal of the Armenian Sisters Academy, the ceremony commenced with an opening of songs performed by the sixth through eighth grade students. After which formal remarks on behalf of the School Advisory Council were delivered by Chairwoman Naris Khalatian-Bethel. The ASA Advisory Council extended their warmest wishes and welcomed to the school Mr. and Mrs. Martayan and Assembly Member Gatto. Mrs. Khalatian-Bethel was joined by countless members of the ASA Advisory Council and community, who also joined in the morning ceremony.

Mr. Martayan, in conjunction with Assembly Member Gatto and Glendale Police Department Representative Joe Allen, addressed the students and spoke on topics of service, community and education. Assembly Member Gatto provided the students with words of inspiration and encouragement to achieve their dreams.

Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Sylva Martayan are strong supporters of American and Armenian cultural, educational and service organizations. Both attended Armenian educational institutions as children. Mr. Martayan, attended C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks, CA. Mrs. Martayan, attended Armenian Sisters Academy in Montrose (previous Glendale campus), CA.

Mr. Martayan has served on numerous critical boards, councils and commissions throughout the years. He has been the recipient of the "Tomorrow's Leader" award by Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel. Through his past work as a Commissioner in the City of Los Angeles and as an Ambassador with the National Crime Prevention Council, Mr. Martayan has led successful efforts to create safer schools and communities across the country. Mrs. Martayan served as a Sunday School teacher and during her time as an Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she helped break gender barriers for young women in her field.

"The students chosen display a passion for education and service. They are future leaders of the Diaspora. It is a privilege to acknowledge these young people. It is a privilege that is also an important duty as an Armenian American" stated Mr. Martayan.

The event concluded with a reception, hosted by the Armenian Sisters Academy Ladies Auxiliary. Assembly Member Gatto, Glendale Police Department Representative Joe Allen and Mr. Martayan met with community leaders of the Armenian Catholic community and the Armenian Sisters Academy Advisory Council after the ceremony and reception.