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.