GLENDALE–With the untimely passing of long-time member and chairperson of the Board of Regents of the Prelacy Armenian Schools Lisa Gaboudian on June 6, Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan, and the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy have appointed Sarkis Ourfalian as Chairperson of the Board of Regents. 

Ourfalian has practiced law for over 35 years and is a devoted and active member of the Prelacy Armenian Schools family. He has served as the Chairperson of the School Board at Levon and Hasmig Tavlian Armenian Preschool, a School Board member at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, and has been a member of the Board of Regents since 2015 and treasurer since 2019.

Consequently, the Board of Regents has elected Armen Abrahamian as its next treasurer.  Abrahamian has over 30 years of leadership and management experience. He has served on numerous Boards within our community including ANC Western USA Region, Homenetmen Western USA Region (Chairperson), School Board of Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool, and Chairperson of the School Board at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School.  

“Mrs. Lisa Gaboudian’s leadership and dedication will be missed by all of us. Her conviction towards the Mission of Prelacy Armenian Schools was unprecedented. Over the years, the Prelacy Armenian Schools have played a leadership role within our community, have educated the next generation of Armenian American youth and developed successful community members. We are obligated to continue on with the vision that Mrs. Gaboudian had for our Schools and Preschools, always placing importance on Armenian education,” said Sarkis Ourfalian. “With the continued support, dedication and collaboration of our Principals, Directors, School Board Members, Teachers, Parents and our community, we will continue with renewed commitment in advancing our Mission to ensure the educational growth of our students.”  

The Prelacy Armenian Schools in California are governed by the Board of Regents, which is appointed by the Prelate and Executive Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. In addition to ensuring academic excellence in accordance with Federal and State guidelines and standards, the schools strive to develop a strong sense of national and spiritual values in their students while preparing them to become well-rounded and outstanding Armenian-American citizens. The students are highly encouraged to participate and contribute to the well-being of the global and local communities. The Prelacy Armenian Schools promote Armenian principles and values and the preservation of the ethnic heritage, language, culture, tradition, history, and religion of the Armenian people. The students are motivated and inspired to be actively involved in the pursuit of the Armenian Cause and strengthen the independence of Armenia, based on principles of democracy, equality, justice, and prosperity.