The Goguikian Foundation organizes its 4th annual Al BAYAN Awards Night on Friday, November 24, 2015 on Haigazian University campus in Beirut.
Among the guests were the President of Haiagzian University Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, General Director of SODETEL Mr. Patrick Farajian, Board members of The Goguikian Foundation, principals and faculty members of Lebanese Armenian highschools, as well as students and their parents.
The ceremony started with the Lebanese national anthem after which the Executive Director of the Goguikian Foundation, Mrs. Soheila Hayek, addressed the audience and welcomed all the guests and thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event, and stresses on the importance of the annual Al BAYAN events in encouraging students to master the Arabic Language.
Mr. Shant Vartanian, one of the Foundation graduates, spoke next after which secondary cycle students from all 13 Lebanese-Armenian high schools who have excelled in the Arabic classes in the previous academic year received their awards, as well as gifts courtesy of SODETEL.
The guest of honor of the event was the well-known journalist and TV presenter Mr. Zaven Kouyoumjian, who delivered a speech in which he thanked The Goguikian Foundation for this initiative, and assured the students that the mastery of the Arabic language is the only way for them to preserve their rights as Lebanese citizens, especially in governmental and public administrations. Mr. Kouyoumjian also shared his experience as a Lebanese TV presenter from Armenian origins and concluded his speech by encouraging all students to excel in Arabic.
After Mr. Kouyoumjian’s speech, the results of the AL BAYAN ESSAY COMPETITION were declared, which came as follows:
First Place: Lucy Tabakian – AGBU Tarouhi Hovaguimian High School
Second Place: Maria Ounjian – Armenian Catholic Hripsimiantz College
Third Place: Sharbel Abetian – Armenian Catholic Mesorbian High School
The principal of the AGBU Tarouhi Hovaguimian High School, Mr. Ara Vassilian was invited to receive the AL BAYAN school award, which will remain on his school campus till next year’s awards night.