Honorary Members

Abkar Kalantarian (2024)

A Passion for Service: Abkar Kalantarian’s Journey with Homenetmen Ararat

Abkar Kalantarian’s journey of volunteerism traces back to his youth, marked by his scouting days at Tehran’s Ararat in 1972. This early dedication blossomed as he moved to the United States, where he became a member of Homenetmen Ararat even before its official inception in 1978. Initially assuming multiple roles as a troop master and athlete, Abkar’s versatility and commitment soon led him to embrace responsibilities as a scout master and coach, refining his leadership acumen along the way. This steadfast dedication propelled him to the helm of the Youth (Yeredasardagan) division, culminating in his appointment as Vice Chair on the division’s executive board.

In 1989, Abkar’s devotion to Ararat expanded as he joined the Ararat Executive Board, eventually ascending to the role of Chairman in 1993. His tenure on the Board, extending until 1994, witnessed active participation across various committees and boards, a testament to his comprehensive engagement with the organization’s affairs until 2002 when he was elected to the Executive Board of the Programs Division.

From 2002 to 2009, Abkar played a key role in spearheading the development of programs pivotal to Ararat’s activities. Collaborating with the Programs Division’s leadership, he led the efforts to institutionalize these programs within a Strategic Plan, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Abkar’s commitment to advancing Ararat’s mission persisted as he returned to the Ararat Executive Board from 2009 to 2013. During this tenure, he remained steadfast in his focus on sustainability, strategic planning, and program development. His leadership saw these initiatives become integral to the Executive Board’s agenda, resulting in the creation of Ararat’s first Strategic Plan and the establishment of the Strategic Planning Committee in 2017.

Continuing his unwavering dedication, Abkar actively serves on the Strategic Planning Committee, now recognized as the strategic backbone of the organization. His primary objective is to catalyze the transformation of all Ararat activities into sustainable programs, thus ensuring the organization’s enduring growth and impact.

Anahid Mansourian (2024)

Anahid Mansourian became involved with Homenetmen Glendale Ararat in her mid-20s, joining as the youngest member of the fundraising (Yeretzakan) division. She spearheaded Ararat’s Car Rally program, which paved the way for her eventual position as a fundraising committee board member. Anahid’s forward-thinking approach introduced the first-ever Fashion Show event at Ararat, attracting numerous attendees and establishing an annual tradition that generated substantial revenue for the fundraising division.

Throughout her tenure, Anahid alternated between serving on the Ararat Executive Board and the Fundraising Board for a period of 10 years, adapting to the organization’s evolving needs. In her broader Homenetmen career, she served on the Regional Board for four years and made significant contributions to the Navasartian festival. Additionally, she played a pivotal role on the Victory Ball organizing committee for over 15 years, often dedicating nights to ensure its success.

Anahid demonstrated exceptional leadership in rallying members for successful fundraising events like the Car Rally and Poker Night. She was also part of the committee involved in the acquisition of the current Ararat buildings. Notably, then- committee chairperson Dr. Edick Maroutkhanian recognized her contributions by gifting her and Dikin Lilit pink hard hats during the acquisition process.

Anahid’s commitment to Ararat extended beyond her personal involvement; her husband, Arthur, served as a basketball coach, and her children actively participated in basketball activities, further solidifying their family’s dedication to the organization.

Armond Gorgorian (2018)

Mr. Armond Gorgorian has been an active member of our chapter since its founding in 1978. He was Chairman of the Athletic Division’s first executive committee and later was elected to Chapter’s Executive Board and served as its chairman for two terms. Mr. Gorgorian was elected to Homenetmen Western Region’s Board of Directors and in 1981, headed the Homenetmen Western Region’s All-star team to the first World Homenetmen Basketball Championship in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Gorgorian is currently our chapter’s Executive Director and has also served on number of civic and city committees and boards.

Mr. Arick Gevorkian (2016)

Mr. Arick Gevorkian has been an active member of our Chapter since 1984. He has served as Vice Chairman of Chapter Executive Board, member of Homenetmen Western Region Executive Committee and has held countless leadership roles from a scout master, Youth Division chair, choir director, mentor, Navasartian games liaison and as chapter’s director of communication. In addition to his activities at our chapter, Mr. Gevorkian is a musician, lecturer, activist and a community organizer.

Mr. Hoosik Ghookasian (2015)

Mr. Hoosik Ghookasian has been a member of Homenetmen Ararat Chapter since 2003 and has served as chairman of Athletic Executive Committee. From 1987 to 2015, he has been Chapter’s Athletic Director. Under his leadership, Homenetmen’s athletic programs have flourished. In addition, Mr. Ghookasian, has coached several Ararat girls basketball teams with great success. In Iran, Mr. Ghookasian was girls National Team coach.

Ms. Jasik Boniatian Jarahian (2013)

Ms. Jasik Boniatian Jarahian has been an active member of Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter since 1985 & has chaired & served on several committees. Ms. Boniatian, in addition to her activities at Ararat Chapter, is a very active member of the community. Because of her service to the community, she has been recognized by several Federal & State elected officials.

Mr. Serge Grakasian (2012)

Mr. Serge Grakasian has been a member of Homenetmen since 2003 and has served as vice- chairman of Chapter Executive Board. He has also Chaired the Athletic Division Executive Committee. Under his leadership, Homenetmen’s Soccer program and Glendale Friendship games have flourished. In addition to Homenetmen, Mr. Grakasian is also serving on AYSO Region 88 Board.

Mr. Garnik Abrahamian (2010)

Mr. Garnik Abrahamian has been a member of Homenetmen since 1997 and has served as chairman of Chapter Executive Board. He has also Chaired the Athletic Division Executive Committee. Under his leadership, Homenetmen’s North Campus was purchased. Mr. Abrahamian, as of November of 2010, has been elected the Chairman of Homenetmen Western Region Executive Board.

Mrs. Melineh Ebrahimian (2009)

Mrs. Ebrahimian, a member since 1982, has been a very active member of “Ararat” Chapter and has successfully chaired various committees.

Mr. Armen Abrahamian (2008)

Mr. Armen Abrahamian has been a member of Homenetmen since 1979 and has served as chairman of Chapter Executive Board as well as Chairman of Homenetmen Western Region Board. Under his leadership, the Chapter introduced the Glendale Friendship Games, reorganized its structure and set the groundwork to purchase a second center.

Mr. Paruir Akopian (2007)

Mr. Paruir Akopian has been a member of Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter since its inception in 1978. He has been the Chairman of Fundraising Division’s Executive Committee and a member of Chapter’s Executive Board. Mr. Akopian, throughout the years, has been one of the active volunteers of this organization and has served in numerous committees.

Mrs. Moneh (Monique) Der Grigorian (2006)

Founding member of the Cultural Committee, Mrs. Der Grigorian has been an active member of our Chapter since 1987. She has been a board member of Glendale “Ararat” Chapter’s Executive Committee as well as Homenetmen Western USA Regional Executive Committee. She travels to her beloved Armenia regularly and intends, upon retirement, to devote more time and get more closely involved in supporting Armenia.

Mr. Edward Marootkhanian (2005)

Mr. Marootkhanian became a member of “Ararat” Chapter in 1995 and was the founder of 5k/10k walk/run which was very successful. Later on, as Executive Board member, he undertook the difficult task of managing the construction of the last phase of “Ararat” Center including the multipurpose hall.

Mr. Victor Martin (2005)

Mr. Martin, a member since 1983, has been a member of Chapter Executive Board as well as Fundraising Division Executive committee. He also served on New Center Committee and was instrumental in managing the development of the first two phases of “Ararat” Center.

Mrs. Beatrice Savadian (2005)

Mrs. Savadian, a member since 1982, has been and chaired the Fundraising Division Executive Committee several times, in addition has successfully chaired numerous fundraising events.

Mr. Krikor Megerian (2004)

Mr. Megerian became a member of “Ararat” Chapter in 1979 and has played an important role in developing the scouting programs of Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter. Mr. Megerian has been a member of Chapter Executive Board and Scouts Executive Committee.

Mrs. Lilit Baghdasarians (2002)

Mrs. Baghdasarians has been a member of Homenetmen since 1982. She has been chaired Fundraising Division Executive Committee as well as Chapter Executive Board.

Mr. Edward Martikian (2002)

Mr. Martikian became a member of “Ararat” Chapter in 1980 and since then has been one of the more active volunteers in our organization. Mr. Martikian has served in Chapter Executive Board and has chaired the Fundraising Division Executive Committee.

Mr. Viggen Davidian (2001)

Mr. Davidian became a member of Homenetmen in 1984 and since then has served our Chapter in different capacities. He has been the Chairman of “Ararat” Chapter’s Executive Board as well as Homenetmen Western Region Board. It was during his Chairmanship that the recent “Ararat” Center was purchased.

Mr. Armik Ebrahimian (2000)

An active member of Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter, Mr. Ebrahimian has chaired the Chapter Executive Board for several years. He has been instrumental in the development of our Basketball Division. He is still active in the organization and participates in several committees.

Mr. Varooj Mirzaian (2000)

Mr. Mirzaian has been one of the founders of Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter and has been a Board member for several years. He is the Chapter’s first Scoutmaster and has dedicated his time to develop the Scouting Division. Mr. Mirzaian has also served on Homenetmen Western Region Board.

Mr. Garnik Nalbandian (1999)

He is known as Mr. Gymnastics. It is because of his hard work and dedication that we have a Gymnastics section that everyone is proud of. Mr. Nalbandian has also served the Chapter Executive Board as well as Athletic Division’s Executive committee for several years.

Mrs. Rozik Hemelians (1999)

For several years, Mrs. Hemelians volunteered to manage the Chapter store. Through her dedication and professionalism, the store became self sufficient and became a center for scouts, and later for athletes, to purchase their uniforms.

Mr. Hrayr Mesropian (1998)

Mr. Mesropian was one of the members of the Chapter’s first Executive Board. Since then he has served the Board on two more occasions.

Mr. Hamlet Chraghchian (1997)

Mr. Chraghchian has been a member of Homenetmen since 1981 and he has served as Chairman of the Executive Board of “Ararat” Chapter as well as Homenetmen Western Region. He has also been elected to the Homenetmen Central Committee. Mr. Chraghchian was instrumental in the purchase and development of the first “Ararat” Center.

Mr. Sevak Saginian (1997)

Since the early days of its founding, Mr. Saginian has been the face of Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter and has represented our Chapter at different political functions. Mr. Saginian, a past congressman in Iran, was also honored by Homenetmen Western Region as Exemplary Homenetmen Member.

Mr. Rouben Gourjian (1997)

Mr. Gurjian was instrumental in the inception of “Ararat” Chapter and in December of 1978 he was elected as our Chapter’s first Chairman. He has served our Board for six different years. He has also been a member of Homenetmen Western Region Executive Committee.