Virginia D. Bandazian Scholarship Fund Announces Recipients for 2014

After her passing in 1997, the heirs of Virginia D. Bandazian—Ardemis B. Jerikian, her daughter, Melanie B. Kerneklian, her daughter, and Bedros C. Bandazian, her son, and their respective spouses, John M. Jerikian, Dr. Murad Kerneklian, and Estelle G. Bandazian—established the Virginia D. Bandazian Scholarship Fund.

Three deserving young women received scholarships for 2014: Sosy Bouroujian of Richmond, Va., Galin Tanashian of Derwood, Md., and Ani E. Bournazian of Falls Church, Va. were the recipients of $1,000 each.

Bouroujian is attending the Virginia Commonwealth University studying business administration and management. Bournazian is attending the George Mason University, majoring in biology and psychology for a Bachelor of Science degree. Tanashian is attending the Howard University in Washington, D.C. in the School of Pharmacy.

The Virginia D. Bandazian Scholarship Board of Trustees wishes each of these recipients well in their academic pursuits. Their accomplishments to date have been extraordinary, and future personal rewards and contribution to the Armenian community will surely fulfill expectations.

The scholarship awards are restricted to Armenian women whose legal residence is in the Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., area and who are active in the various Armenian church and communities activities. Active participation in the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA), and the Homenetmen is desired, but activity in like Armenian organizations is acceptable for qualification along with academic standards and financial need.

Requests for application forms for scholarship grants for the academic year 2015 may be obtained from either the St. James Armenian Church of Richmond, the Soorp Khatch Armenian Church of Bethesda, or the St. Mary’s Armenian Church of Washington, D.C. Applications may also be obtained by contacting Ardemis B. Jerikian (703-242-1755; ardemis@aol.com), Melanie B. Kerneklian (804-784-4002; MRS IAN@aol.com), or Bedros C. Bandazian (804-741-8107; bandaz@aol.com). Applications must be submitted prior to March 31, 2015. Final determination by the Selection Committee for recipients of grant(s) will be made prior to June 1, 2015.

The examples of Virginia D. Bandazian in her life can be a model for all to follow, thus the Virginia D. Scholarship Fund was established to honor her commitments as a true Armenian mother.