Over 400 Attend Annual AYF-YOARF Eastern Region Junior Seminar

AYF-YOARF Eastern Region
80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA 02472
617-923-1933
ayf@ayf.org
Contact: Tamar Kanarian; pr@ayf.org

Watertown,MA- Over Memorial Day Weekend, over 400 AYF junior and
senior members, representing over 15 chapters of the Eastern Region,
gathered at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, Penn., for the annual
AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar. Attendees, as well as lecturers and guests,
gathered for a weekend of educationals, discussions, and AYF
camaraderie.

This year’s theme was "Identity. Spirit. Tradition: Experience AYF."

The weekend’s educational content revolved around this
central message where members learned about the various realms that
the organization encompasses. The educational aspect of the weekend
commenced early Saturday morning where members attended various
lectures geared to their specific age group.

Various topics such as Armenian Kingdoms; the AYF-ers college
experience; AYF evolution; and the AYF-ers role in the Armenian
community, sparked discussion on all levels amongst juniors, seniors,
and lecturers. "This year’s content was exceptional. Given that we
are two years away from celebrating the 75 th anniversary of the AYF,
it is important for our members to know about the AYF as it relates
to itself, the community, and other organizations with which it works
with," said Nora Keomurjian, 2006 Junior Seminar committee
chairperson.

In addition to taking part in eight lectures, attendees rekindled
friendship and met fellow ungers and ungerouhis from various
chapters. "One of my favorite parts about Junior Seminar when I
attended as a junior was meeting new people from so many different
places. I continue to do so today as a senior," said 2006 Junior
Seminar committee member Simone Dinkjian-Soultanian.

Evening activities also added excitement to the weekend, including
the traditional Saturday night talent show. Entertainment throughout
the weekend was provided by DJ Chris Krikorian, Aram Hovagimian, and
Sevag Khatchadourian. A special addition to this year’s program was a
showcase of young talented members from the New Jersey Arsen chapter.

Brothers Shant and Raffi Massoyan, and Raffi Kouyoumjian played
Armenian melodies on traditional Armenian instruments such as the
zurna, oud, and dhol.

In its 36th year, Junior Seminar continues to be the driving force
that brings together membership, not only providing them with social
outlets, but the tools and knowledge needed to continue their
membership in the AYF.