School Board Announcement

It is with great pride and excitement that the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian, Cabayan, Pilavjian School Board announces the expansion of the Ferrahian High School Encino campus through the purchase of the adjacent three-acre property. The acquisition of the parcel, owned previously by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was the product of unyielding determination, generous financial assistance, and fortuitous timing.

Immediately upon learning of the possible listing of the adjacent property, members of the School Board, with the prayers and blessings of His Grace Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Western America, established relations with representatives of the Mormon Church.

Through countless meetings and crafty negotiations, our representatives were able to fend off aggressive offers by other religious groups and developers. Realizing that this was a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity, one which would benefit the school and its community far beyond any monetary measure, our team ultimately secured the purchase.

With the new property, Ferrahian's potential for growth is limitless. The school can immediately utilize 11 new classrooms, a second indoor basketball court, several multi-purpose rooms, a large banquet hall, and ample parking. Naturally, this enables the school to offer new and state- of-the-art programs to its ever-increasing student body, including computer coding, drama, music, graphic arts, and engineering. The new facilities will also expand the proud Armens athletic program, allowing for simultaneous events and the introduction of additional team and individual offerings for our student athletes.

Of course, all this would not have been possible without the unflinching generosity of members of our community. In addition to receiving a very sizeable donation from an anonymous philanthropist, the School Board has welcomed donations and other financial assistance from a wide array of individuals. Even with this support, however, the $14 million price tag creates significant financial needs. We therefore ask that all members of our community join in this momentous undertaking by participating in upcoming fundraising efforts.

The last two years have been tremendously difficult for Armenian communities worldwide. The effects of the pandemic and somber realities of Artsakh and Armenia have tested our faith and foundation. Land was lost, young soldiers and volunteers became martyrs, and a general sense of disillusionment took hold. During this time, all Armenian schools, along with their students, parents, and staff, struggled. But with spring comes rebirth, and our community is once again on the rise.

Enrollment at the Ferrahian, Cabayan, Pilavjian schools has reached record levels, students are smiling again, and the purchase of the adjacent property will no doubt usher in a new chapter of pride and purpose.

Ferrahian, the first Armenian day school in the country, is poised and prepared to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity and will continue to provide the resources and guidance to have our students flourish and thrive. We hope you share in our excitement.

Ferrahian, Cabayan, Pilavjian School Board