Lowell veterans award $150,000 in scholarships

by Tom Vartabedian

Published: Monday November 14, 2011

Sam Manoian Post, Armenian-American Veterans of Lowell (MA), presented scholarships to seven high school graduates.

Lowell, Mass. - Since 1990, members of the Sam Manoian Post, Armenian-American Veterans, have done more than march in parades, conduct graveside services and donate Easter baskets to children.

They've contributed to the educational welfare of Merrimack Valley and beyond --- to the tune of $150,000.

This year's distribution of $7,000 was divided among seven students, including one in Armenia and another in Providence, RI.

More than 200 guests turned out Sept. 24 to applaud the recipients during a dinner-dance at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Chelmsford. As protocol had it, each student expressed words of gratitude upon their presentation.

Over these 21 years, a total of 136 Armenian high school graduates have been endowed with scholarships --- and the buck doesn't stop here.

"It's a tradition we hope to continue for a lifetime," said Commander Aram Jeknavorian. "The future of our younger generation is something we take seriously. Anything we can do to enhance that goal will be encouraged. Many of these recipients have graduated college, started careers, and showed their gratitude by contributing to the fund. The moral responsibilities they've exercised are exemplary."

Honored were: Aghavny Bebirian, Pelham, NH; Nicole Gaspari, Chelmsford; Katie Berberian, Merrimack, NH; Sam Boghigian, Nashua, NH; Jason Keshian, North Andover; John Kalajian, Providence, and Lilit Solomonyan, Armenia.

The student from Armenia has a dad who operates a car import and makes repeated trips to the Merrimack Valley for business. He signed on as an associate member of the Post and lends his support wherever possible. An older sibling Astghik was given a scholarship previously.

The group's history dates back to 1947 when Armenian-American Veterans of World War 2 gathered at the Pine Street Potato Chip Company on Gorham Street and elected Menas Boghosian as its first commander.

The numbers grew enough to be officially chartered and in 1961, they joined the Veterans' Council of Lowell.

Over the decades, they've served the Armenian-American community with diligence and pride, volunteering at Veterans' hospitals, assisting the indigent, sponsoring Christmas parties for children and donating Easter baskets to children. Roses are distributed after church services on Mother's Day.

Members conduct special graveside services for veterans and have never missed a Memorial Day Parade or Armenian Genocide commemoration.

In 1975, the organization purchased a building and named it the Sam Manoian Post, in honor of a devoted past commander. Ten years later, they erected a monument dedicated to Armenian settlers who became a vital part of the Greater Lowell fabric.

Members have served this country in World War 1, World War 2, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War and Iraq.

Pictured award recipients and post members: From left, George Manuelian, scholarship committee chairman; Aghavny Bebirian, Pelham, NH; Nicole Gaspari, Chelmsford; Katie Berberian, Merrimack, NH; Sam Boghigian, Nashua, NH; Jason Keshian, North Andover, and Aram Jeknavorian, commander. Also honored were John Kalajian, Providence, RI, and Lilit Solomonyan, Armenia.