ARS HONORS VETERAN MEMBERS
By Rita Dilanian
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October 10, 2009
DETROIT, Mich.-On Sun., Sept. 27, the ARS Mid-Council celebrated
the Society’s veteran Detroit-area ARS members with an after-church
luncheon at Lillian Arakelian Fellowship Hall. Over 70 friends and
family members and ARS supporters attended the event.
This year marks the ARS’s 99th anniversary. At least four generations
of women have made it possible for the organization to commemorate its
100th anniversary in 2010. Therefore, in the spirit of honoring the
organization, the ARS paid tribute to those members in the Detroit
area who have served the Society for 50 or more years. These ARS
members represent the best of our past when we remember those who
came before us and built our communities. They give our younger ARS
members a sense of pride and give us confidence that the ARS’s goals
and service to the Armenian people continues.
The blessing was offered by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, the pastor of
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church.
ARS members Sona Derovakimian and Sona Mishigian performed the ARS
anthem. Alice Pilibosian welcomed the gathering, noting the great work
of the ARS and emphasizing the achievements of the honored members.
Cellist Suren Petrosyan, a PhD. candidate from Michigan State
University, played a musical interlude of lovely Armenian
selections. Several students-including Arev Van de Velde, Cecile
Koceyan, and Alex Hrant Koceyan-from the ARS Zavarian Armenian One-Day
School delighted the audience by showcasing their talent in recitations
and song.
Ani Attar announced each of the 14 honorees and invited them to
the podium to accept their special recognition. The members were
escorted by the chairwoman of their ARS chapter and presented with an
engraved certificate, denoting their years of service. The following
outstanding women were recognized: Arpie Brajkovich, "Shakeh" Chapter;
Mary Davidian, "Shakeh" Chapter; Kegouhe Derhovakimian, "Zabel"
Chapter; Anna Koloian, "Sybille" Chapter; Rose Keghanoush Mooradian,
"Sybille" Chapter; Meline Morukian, "Maro" Chapter; Mary Nranian,
"Sybille" Chapter; Lusia Palanjian, "Shakeh" Chapter; Haigoohy Perkins,
"Sybille" Chapter; Zarry Sarkisian, "Sybille" Chapter; Mannig Minnie
Shoushanian, "Sybille" Chapter; Yn. Arpine Shrikian, "Maro" Chapter;
Azaduhe Vartanian, "Sybille" Chapter; and Marie Yessaian, "Zabel"
Chapter.
Congratulations are extended to this group of dedicated ARS
members. We, who have many more years to serve the ARS, admire them
and hope our years of service will be as fruitful and successful as
theirs. We look forward to the ARS’s centennial year and hope other
ARS members will join this illustrious honor roll.