Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
ancwr@anca.org

PRESS RELEASE

November 11, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian

New Generation of Activists are Born at Annual ANC-WR Banquet

LOS ANGELES – When 11 year old Zareh Kaloustian approached his parents
last month to ask if he could attend the Armenian National Committee –
Western Region’s (ANC-WR) annual banquet, they were not surprised.
Zareh had heard that the banquet would be held at the Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California and wanted to join his
parents at an event slated to honor, among others, U.S. Senator and
Vice-President Elect Joseph Biden.

Zareh Kaloustian is a fresh example of a new generation of Armenian
American youth who are interested in advancing the Armenian Cause and
joining the grassroots efforts of the ANC. Zareh was a student at
Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School up until the past year and is presently
a 6th grade student at Laurel Hall Junior High School. He is also an
active member of Homenetemen, where has taken a special interest in
basketball.

"The banquet was a great experience and I would love to attend again
next year," said Zareh. "Meeting the Mayor was very exciting and I
hope to have more experiences like that in the future," he added.

Similarly, 16 year old Haig Karapetian attended the annual banquet
after expressing his interest to support Hai Tahd. A junior at Holy
Martyrs Ferrahian High School, Haig was keen on meeting public
officials and as well as seeing first hand their support for the
Armenian American community. Having a keen interest in politics Haig
has participated in Model United Nations conferences at various
universities and high schools for the past three years. During the
2008 election campaign season, Haig paid close attention to
candidate’s speeches and debates, and also volunteered at the
Democratic Headquarters, encouraging families in the 43rd district to
re-elect Paul Krekorian as State Assemblyman.

"I will definitely remember the 2008 ANC banquet for years to come,
but one of the most significant moments throughout the event was Mayor
Villaragosa’s speech and getting to personally meet him," said Haig.
"Another highlight was the presentation of the Legacy Award to a great
humanitarian and activist in the Armenian community, Ashkhen
Pilavjian, whose continual contributions and support has strengthened
our schools and organizations," he added.

At the ANC banquet held on October 12, 2008 Zareh and Haig had a
chance to meet many of the public officials on hand, including Los
Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Congressmen Adam Schiff, Brad
Sherman, Ed Royce among others.

"The Armenian National Committee takes pride that our positive message
of activism and responsible civic engagement is resonating with
thousands of young Armenian Americans just like Zareh and Haig,"
commented ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. "Whether we are
reaching young people through YouTube, Facebook or other interactive
tools, the ANC is committed to passing the torch of the Armenian Cause
to a new generation," he added.

More than 1000 ANC-WR supporters gathered on Sunday October 12, 2008
at the organization’s annual banquet held at the Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California to celebrate the
achievements of the past year.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in
the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States
and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances
the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.