04/20/2026
A look back at our annual Hats Off to Our Stars ✨
With Helen Kalognomos as Mistress of Ceremonies and CASPS Executive Director Arsineh H. Hovannisian leading the evening, we came together to celebrate the achievements of outstanding GUSD students.
The program opened with the U.S. and Armenian national anthems, beautifully performed by the Hoover High School Choir, followed by an invocation and blessings from His Eminence Archbishop Kegham Khacherian of the Western Prelacy.
We were honored to welcome sibling duo Ramela Ohanian, Esq., and Sev Ohanian—both GUSD graduates and past CASPS honorees. Ramela delivered a powerful keynote, while Sev, producer and filmmaker, joined via video from set in Atlanta to share his message with students.
The evening featured special performances, including a dance by Clark Magnet High School students and a moving poem recitation by a Toll Middle School DLI student. We also celebrated a meaningful milestone with a 30th anniversary tribute by Dr. Evelyn Baghdasraian Barkhoudarian—one of the very first honorees of this event.
Awards and certificates were presented by Talin Arakelian and Talin Partikian, recognizing exceptional students across GUSD, including:
• Melanie Ookhtens Memorial Award – awarded to one student who has shown a deep passion for the field of education
• Rouben Gourjian Community Service Award – awarded to one student from each school who has demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to public service
• Medea Kalognomos Leadership Award – awarded to two students who lead by example and inspire their peers
• Academic Excellence Award (Armenian Educational Foundation) – awarded to one student from each school with the highest weighted GPA
We are so proud of all the students honored from Herbert Hoover High School, Crescenta Valley High School, Clark Magnet High School, and Glendale High School. We can’t wait to see all that they accomplish—and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event. ❤️
