AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: press@agbu.org
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, July 12, 2007

AGBU Montreal Scouts Shine at Annual Gala of Excellence

Montreal – At the annual Gala of Excellence of Scouts du Montréal
métropolitain (Scouts of Metropolitan Montreal), held this year in the
historical chapel of Montreal’s Breboeuf College, the AGBU Montreal
scout group won several awards, including the coveted Inukshuk. It is
the second time AGBU Montreal has been awarded the honor in the 8-year
history of the top scouting award.

The Inukshuk, an Inuit word that describes a directional signpost for
travelers, is given to a group of senior scouts, known as Venturers (16-
to 18-year-old), for a singular achievement that serves as a model of
excellence for the entire scouting movement.

The AGBU Venturers earned the Inukshuk award for their second
humanitarian mission to Armenia, where they worked with the SOS Armenia
orphanage village in the Kotayk region and helped purchase supplies and
equipment for the Yerevan Disabled Children’s Rehabilitation Center.

"Our movement is now setting the standard at the highest levels for all
scouts in Canada," said Aline Egoyan, chair of the Scouts’ Council at
AGBU Montreal, who was awarded a 10-year Volunteer Long Service Medal.

Fellow honorees included two-time Inukshuk badge winners, Vrouyr
Moughalian, Tamar Koolian, and project leader Lory Boudjikanian, who
received the Special Award of Outstanding Service for exceptional
leadership.

Assistant Group Leader Suzanne Tatarian-Atamian received the 20-year
Volunteer Long Service Medal for her contribution in Lebanon, Canada,
and the World Federation of Girl Guides.

The Gala concluded with special recognition for Viken L. Attarian,
member of the Honorary Society of the Scouting Federation of Quebec, and
former Chair of AGBU Montreal. Attarian received the 10-year Volunteer
Long Service Medal, as well as the Medal for Emeritus Service for his
contribution to scouting in Canada and around the world.

"I am truly humbled by this distinction," said Attarian, "but I would
like to say that this medal is the achievement of the AGBU and the
values it has instilled in me from a very early age."

For more information on AGBU Montreal and its activities, please phone
(514) 748-2428, e-mail agbumontreal@bellnet.ca or visit

For more information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters and programs,
please visit