BEVERLY HILLS – Holy Martyrs Armenian Schools, comprised of Ferrahian High School, Cabayan Elementary, and Pilavjian Preschool, celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gala event on Saturday, March 22nd, at the Beverly Hilton. 

Under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, more than 600 alumni, parents, faculty, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the anniversary.

Haig Boyajian, an alumnus from the Class of 1994, served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Gala co-chairs Sareen Sorfazian and Alex Beylerian welcomed the guests. They were treated to video presentations showcasing the daily life of Holy Martyrs students, as well as an overview of the ongoing construction at the North Hills campus.

The gala featured entertainment, with Tigran Asatryan and DJ Sami Flash.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the school’s generous benefactors. The Keosian family was honored with the naming rights to the recently acquired Latter Day Saints building on the Encino campus.

With a significant donation from Koko Topalian, the auditorium within the Keosian Complex will be named the Nerces and Aghavni Topalian Auditorium.

The Benlian Brothers were also recognized for their continued support and leadership with the naming rights to Building A, the classrooms building at the North Hills campus that is currently under construction.

The Ghevondian family made a significant contribution towards the renovation of the gymnasium on the main Encino campus. In recognition of their generosity, the facility will be named in memory of their father, Masis, as the Masis and Manoosh Ghevondian Gymnasium.

Sona Touloumdjian and her children were also honored for their continued support. The gymnasium within the Keosian Complex will be named Touloumdjian Gym.

The Vahe and Lucie Foundation pledged a significant annual gift dedicated to enriching the arts program and supporting scholarships for young artists.

Dr. Vatche and Mrs. Shoushig Cabayan continued their decades-long support of the school with their yearly contribution to the school’s endowment fund for the teachers.

The gala raised three million dollars for the school.

A highlight of the program was an address by Ferrahian Principal, Sossi Shanlian. Shanlian then offered a special recognition for elementary school Principal John Kossakian and preschool Director Vehik Gabrielian for their lengthy service to the school.