Leon S. Peters Foundation Pledges $100,000 to Fresno’s Charlie Keyan Armenian School
Gift to Support CKACS’s Legacy Campus
CLOVIS, Calif.—The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School announced a generous five-year pledge from the Leon S. Peters Foundation, totaling $100,000, in support of the school’s Legacy Campus project. The Foundation will be recognized as a Founding Member of the new Legacy Campus, a distinction reserved for organizations and individuals who demonstrate a lasting commitment to the school’s future. This meaningful contribution — $20,000 per year over the next five years — will help advance the school’s long-term vision of nurturing a strong generation of learners through enhanced educational opportunities, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.
Leon S. Peters was a highly respected businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist who lived and worked by the highest ethical standards. Deeply committed to the well-being of his community, he believed strongly in giving back. Together with his wife Alice, he established the Leon S. Peters Foundation to support causes close to his heart — particularly in the areas of education and human services. As the son of Armenian immigrants, his legacy continues to inspire efforts that strengthen and uplift the Central Valley.
“This is a pivotal moment for our school and the Legacy Campus Project,” said CKACS Board of Education Chairman Hoori Kalamkarian. “We are deeply grateful to the Leon S. Peters Foundation for their generous investment and for believing in our vision for the future of CKACS. Their support energizes us as we continue to build momentum and move forward with phase one of our fundraising efforts.” The administration, staff, students, and extended CKACS community offer their heartfelt thanks to the Leon S. Peters Foundation for their meaningful and impactful support.
With over 45 years of history, CKACS is a WASC and NAEYC accredited pre-kindergarten and elementary school dedicated to enriching the lives of Armenian children through high-quality education in core subjects while fostering a deep appreciation for Armenian language, history, and heritage. Located at 6755 North Maple Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710, the new property will serve as the cornerstone of CKACS’s Legacy Campus — a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the school’s mission of providing a comprehensive, forward-looking education that nurtures both academic excellence and cultural identity.
The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School looks forward to a bright future and expresses deep gratitude to those supporting its vision. Individuals and organizations are invited to become Founding Members by committing $20,000 per year for five years. This generous commitment will create a lasting legacy, with Founding Members honored on a pavilion at the heart of the new campus — featuring a large-scale sculpture of the letter “Ayp,” the first letter of the Armenian alphabet. The names of the Founding Members will be permanently displayed as a tribute to their leadership and commitment.
For more information about the Legacy Campus, please visit the website.
