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AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian in So Cal Expands Solar En. Capabilities

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  • AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian in So Cal Expands Solar En. Capabilities

    AGBU Press Office
    55 East 59th Street
    New York, NY 10022-1112
    Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
    Fax: 212.319.6507
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.agbu.org

    PRESS RELEASE

    Thursday, October 1, 2009

    AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Southern California Expands Its
    Solar Energy Capabilities

    Canoga Park, CA - "This is indeed a historic day," said His Eminence
    Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
    Church of America (Western), in his remarks at the dedication ceremony
    of the Solar Energy Project held at AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School on
    Thursday, September 17, 2009.

    The day's program commenced with welcoming remarks by Levon Keshishian,
    the school's director of Business Operations, who spoke about the
    institution's commitment to innovation: "Our school has been a leader
    and forerunner in many aspects of school operations, and it is rewarding
    to see that many follow our lead. One such project is the solar
    project."

    Keshishian mentioned that while California adopted regulations only
    recently, increasing its Renewable Portfolio Standard to 33 percent by
    2020 and Advancing California's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas
    emissions and increasing the state's renewable energy, the
    Manoogian-Demirdjian School is producing almost 40% of its electricity
    needs with the Solar Energy Project.

    Keshishian invited California Assemblyman Paul Krekorian to address the
    audience of high school seniors, teachers, administrators, board
    members, members of the PTO, Booster Club members, and community
    representatives. Assemblyman Krekorian is the first Chairperson of the
    newly created Select Committee on Renewable Energy, which leads the
    State Assembly's goal of meeting at least 33% of California's
    electricity needs from renewable resources like the sun and the wind.
    Krekorian praised the school's decision to pursue the use of solar power
    and congratulated the leadership for the bold step.

    Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky took the podium and
    congratulated the school in becoming a beacon of hope and leader in such
    a useful project, benefiting the environment and becoming an example for
    other entities to follow.

    Los Angeles City Council Member Dennis Zine, who could not attend the
    ceremony due to unexpected and urgent city business, was represented by
    his deputy for special projects Jessica Forkish, who conveyed the
    council member's congratulations.

    Archbishop Derderian congratulated all those involved in this worthwhile
    project and offered his prayers for the continued success of the school.
    Addressing the senior class, he exhorted them to learn from their
    teachers and school leaders, especially in endeavors that impact the
    future of our community, country and the world.

    Sinan Sinanian, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees, thanked Mr.
    and Mrs. Sevan Varteressian for conceiving the solar project idea and
    implementing it as the general contractor. He commended them for their
    professional workmanship and financial contribution of $125,000 towards
    the completion of the project. He praised Sevan Varteressian for turning
    the idea into reality. A short video presentation of the project
    followed.

    Sevan Varteressian, President of California Green Designs, and John
    Hoffman, Account Executive, who are the main undertakers of this
    project, took to the stage and went over the various stages and aspects
    of the project. Varteressian expressed his joy, both as a parent of
    children attending the school and as a professional in the field of
    renewable energy, for AGBU to have made such a commitment. He then
    thanked everyone who was part of the execution of the project at the
    Manoogian-Demirdjian School, including the enthusiastic school staff.

    John Hoffman spoke about the entire project and gave details to the
    students about producing solar power. He said, "This system is a 180 kW
    system which came on line in early 2007 and has thus far produced
    352,000kWh of clean electricity which means...the school's solar power
    has already generated the electricity needs of a typical household for
    32 years." Comparing it to coal, he explained, "We have saved 4,500
    pounds of nitrous oxide or 1.5m pounds of carbon dioxide, saving 475
    acres of trees."

    Two students from the Class of 2010, Armen Haroutounian and Vatche
    Youssefian, were invited on stage to speak about the school's
    environmental awareness and their goal to initiate a vigorous recycling
    program at the school with the help of parent volunteers.

    During the program, commendations and congratulatory mementos were
    presented by the dignitaries. To conclude the program, a special wall
    plaque constructed of a solar panel was unveiled.

    Established in 1906, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the
    world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New
    York City, AGBU (www.agbu.org) preserves and promotes the Armenian
    identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
    programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians on six
    continents.
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