Glendale’s First Armenian High School to Be Established after $9.6 Million Donation by Alex and Lina Megerdechian

The long-awaited establishment of a high school in Glendale is becoming a reality through a historic donation of $9.6 million by Mr. & Mrs. Alex and Lina Megerdichian, who fully funded the acquisition of a property.

This is a significant milestone in the longstanding efforts of the Western Prelacy and Chamlian Armenian School to expand Armenian education through the high school years.

Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Khacherian welcomed Alex and Lina Megerdichian to the Prelacy on Friday to formally recognize their generous and historic contribution. The couple’s donation will fund the outright purchase of a prime property in Glendale, to be placed under the auspices of the Western Prelacy.

Also attending Friday’s gathering were Western Prelacy Executive Council chairman and secretary, Vahe Hovaguimian and Elizabeth Boyajian, who were joined by Prelacy Board of Regents chair and member Sarkis Ourfalian and Anita Yacoubian. Chamlian’s Head of School Dr. Talin Kargodorian and school board chair Artin Ghazarian were also present.

“For decades, the dream of establishing a Prelacy High School in Glendale has lived in the hearts and minds of past Prelates, Executive Councils, Board of Regents and Armenian families. Today, through the extraordinary generosity of the Megerdechian family, that dream is no longer a distant aspiration, but a promise taking shape,” said Archbishop Khacherian.

“Their historic donation marks the beginning of a new chapter in Armenian education, one in which the doors of learning will remain open to our children beyond their formative years at Chamlian Armenian School. This remarkable gift is more than an investment in land or the establishment of a school; it is an investment in our children, our language, our faith, and the preservation of our Armenian identity for generations to come,” the Prelate added.

The new institution, to be named Alex and Lina Megerdechian High School, will serve as a seamless continuation of Chamlian Armenian School, allowing students to further their academic pursuits while remaining deeply rooted in their Armenian heritage, language, and faith.

Archbishop Khacherian also recognized the instrumental roles of Dr. Kargodorian and Ghazarian, whose years of research, planning, and dedication helped bring this vision closer to reality. He praised their perseverance and unwavering belief in the importance of expanding Armenian education, acknowledging that their efforts had laid the groundwork for this historic achievement.

The gathering was marked by a heartfelt exchange of gratitude among all in attendance, united in their appreciation for a gift that extends far beyond one family and will benefit countless Armenian students and parents in the years ahead.

As a symbol of profound gratitude and distinction, the Prelate bestowed upon Alex Megerdechian the prestigious “Cilician Eagle” honorary pin of the Western Prelacy, in recognition of his exceptional act of philanthropy that will leave a lasting mark on Armenian education and open new doors of opportunity for students and families.