PRESS RELEASE
Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School
1615 North Alexandria Avenus
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Contact: Nazaret Apanian
Tel: 323-668-2661
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
LOS ANGELES CITY MAYOR JAMES HAHN VISITS ROSE AND ALEX PILIBOS SCHOOL
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles City Mayor James Hahn visited Rose & Alex
Pilibos Armenian School on March 3, 2005. Accompanying Mayor Hahn were
members of his staff as well as campaign managers. Mayor Hahn is running
for reelection as Los Angeles Mayor in the upcoming March 8 citywide
primary elections. Upon arriving at Pilibos Armenian School, Mayor Hahn
was greeted by Dr. Viken Yacoubian, Principal of the school and members
of the Administration. City Commissioners, Community activists, church
board members, as well as ANCA Regional Board representatives were also
at hand at greeting the Mayor. Paying a surprise visit, after Mayor
Hahn’s arrival, was Councilman Eric Garcetti. It is noteworthy that
Councilman Garcetti represents the Little Armenia District at the Los
Angeles City Hall. Meeting with the Mayor and Councilman Garcetti, Dr.
Yacoubian briefly introduced the Pilibos School and the growing
community. Touching upon the growth of the school since 1969, Dr.
Yacoubian highlighted major developments, including the recent addition
of the library and gymnasium, as well as the surge in the student body
population. Dr. Yacoubian further mentioned that graduates of Pilibos
Armenian School leave the school with a strong sense of their Armenian
identity, simultaneously having constructively integrated their American
identity into their sense of self.
After the brief meeting, Dr. Yacoubian led the Mayor and all guests to
the gymnasium. Students and faculty members enthusiastically welcomed
the Mayor. Mayor Hahn went out of his way to greet students at the
gymnasium. After the welcoming, Dr. Yacoubian introduced Mayor Hahn to
the students. Mayor Hahn thanked the students for their warm welcome. He
said, “Thank you Eagles, for the warm welcome. I am honored to be at
this fine school of yours”. He also congratulated the Boys Varsity
basketball team for advancing to the playoffs. Prior to answering
questions from students, the Mayor emphasized the importance of positive
community involvement. He mentioned that activism opens the doors of
opportunity and keeps individuals away from trouble.
After the town hall meeting with students and squeezing time in their
tight schedules, Mayor Hahn and Councilman Garcetti visited the 1st
grade class. The Mayor spoke about the city and his visit. He took the
time to answer questions from young Pilibos students, as well as
answered their “reading and spelling” questions.
Mayor Hahn and Councilman Garcetti also participated in the Student
Council’s “Cheese Beoreg” sale. President Ara Thomassian and Junior
Alice Sislian presented the guests with hot and delicious cheese
beoregs, compliments of the Student Council. The Mayor and his staff
enjoyed this Armenian treat.
The Pilibos School Administration would like to extend its sincere
gratitude to Mayor Hahn and Councilman Garcetti for taking their time in
visiting the school.
For pictures from the visit, please visit