July 12, 2007
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AGBU Montreal Scouts Shine at Annual Gala of Excellence

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    AGBU Montreal Scouts receiving the prestigious Inukshuk awar
    AGBU Montreal Scouts receiving the prestigious Inukshuk award at the annual Gala of Excellence of the Scouts of Metropolitan Montreal in May 2007.

Montreal - At the annual Gala of Excellence of Scouts du Montréal métropolitain (Scouts of Metropolitan Montreal), held this year in the historical chapel of Montreal's Breboeuf College, the AGBU Montreal scout group won several awards, including the coveted Inukshuk. It is the second time AGBU Montreal has been awarded the honor in the 8-year history of the top scouting award.

The Inukshuk, an Inuit word that describes a directional signpost for travelers, is given to a group of senior scouts, known as Venturers (16- to 18-year-old), for a singular achievement that serves as a model of excellence for the entire scouting movement.

The AGBU Venturers earned the Inukshuk award for their second humanitarian mission to Armenia, where they worked with the SOS Armenia orphanage village in the Kotayk region and helped purchase supplies and equipment for the Yerevan Disabled Children's Rehabilitation Center.

"Our movement is now setting the standard at the highest levels for all scouts in Canada," said Aline Egoyan, chair of the Scouts' Council at AGBU Montreal, who was awarded a 10-year Volunteer Long Service Medal.

Fellow honorees included two-time Inukshuk badge winners, Vrouyr Moughalian, Tamar Koolian, and project leader Lory Boudjikanian, who received the Special Award of Outstanding Service for exceptional leadership.

Assistant Group Leader Suzanne Tatarian-Atamian received the 20-year Volunteer Long Service Medal for her contribution in Lebanon, Canada, and the World Federation of Girl Guides.

The Gala concluded with special recognition for Viken L. Attarian, member of the Honorary Society of the Scouting Federation of Quebec, and former Chair of AGBU Montreal. Attarian received the 10-year Volunteer Long Service Medal, as well as the Medal for Emeritus Service for his contribution to scouting in Canada and around the world.

"I am truly humbled by this distinction," said Attarian, "but I would like to say that this medal is the achievement of the AGBU and the values it has instilled in me from a very early age."

For more information on AGBU Montreal and its activities, please phone (514) 748-2428, e-mail agbumontreal@bellnet.ca or visit www.agbumontreal.org.

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