Western Diocese

Exceeding all expectations, the reviews are in that the 39^th Annual Debutante Ball held on February 14, 2010 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel was a huge success. This traditional event is presented by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Diocese under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.  An audience of approximately 300 families and friends joined in celebrating the presentation of ten lovely young women of Armenian descent in a picturesque ceremony that will forever remain as a cherished and treasured memory. 

The presentation began with a warm welcome by Cynthia Dickranian Norian, Chair of the Ladies Auxiliary. In her remarks, she expressed how festive it was to be here on Valentine's Day this year. Mrs. Norian stated, "Over the years our event has grown into a very special evening celebrating the warmth and bonds of family and is a wonderful way for our young people to connect with their Armenian roots."  She expressed her gratitude to the families and friends for their presence and support. She generously praised the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for continuously taking special pride in presenting the Ball and for their very hard work and dedication to ensure its success. 

Mrs. Norian began the ceremony by introducing the four young cross bearers carrying the crosses that would be presented by the fathers to their daughters. The cross bearers, looking like little angels in their attractive dresses, were:  Gabriella Gale Goshtigian, daughter of Patrick and Mary Goshtigian; Liana Kalin Ikoyan, daughter of Dikran and Alinne Ikoyan;  Hourie Klijian, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Ara and Sosi Klijian and Melanie Kosker, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mark and Annette Kosker. They were followed by the entrance of the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, escorted by ten handsome young men; the Primate then blessed the crosses and exited with the escorts. 

The ceremony continued with Mrs. Norian introducing the Mistress of Ceremonies, Jill Simonian, to present the debutantes, stating that she is an accomplished journalist who will be hosting Travel Channel's new television show, "America's Worst Driver to be aired beginning in March.  Ms. Simonian appears on KTLA-TV as the Morning News entertainment reporter and been seen frequently on television appearing as a movie expert for news magazine "Extra" and reporting on entertainment news for HLN's "Showbiz Tonight.

With her engaging and vivacious personality, Ms. Simonian introduced each of the debutantes, reporting on their academic accomplishments, special achievements, and plans for the future.  Each debutante, in a beautiful white gown, was presented with a cross by her father as she descended the stage through a magnificent flowered gazebo.  The ceremony continued with the debs then dancing with their fathers; a beautiful choreographed  promenade as they curtsied before the Primate and the guests; and then a special Armenian dance with their escorts. 

His Eminence Archbishiop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, delivered the Invocation and, in his remarks, celebrated the young generation who are on the threshold of a new beginning in their lives.  He stated, "Just as Christianity dug its roots at the very beginning among our Armenian ancestors and marked the debut of a tradition that shaped the character of a nation and its faith in the church, tonight marks the "debut" of your lives. Tonight should become the start of a commitment to enrich your lives with the God-given legacy of our Christian Faith."  The Primate expressed his gratitude to the donors and supporters of this annual event and congratulated the parents and friends for gathering together to celebrate this significant evening.  He concluded by commending the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their continued energy and devotion in recognizing our youth and bringing them together to preserve and promote their Armenian identity and heritage.   

The song "I could have Danced All night," is an appropriate theme for the evening, as following a lavish dinner, debutantes, escorts, families and friends, danced to the music of Park Avenue West and D.J. Arshak.                             

The debutantes and their escorts are as follows:       

Nicole Marie Agnew, daughter of Robert and Debra Agnew of  Dinuba, CA,  escorted by Travis Matoesian, son of Matthew and Audrey Matoesian, of Chatsworth, CA.

Alicia Macer Dewell, daughter of Dr. James Dewell and  Dr. Jemela Sue Macer of LaCanada, CA, escorted by Griffin Estes, son of David Estes and Astrid Meghrigian of San Francisco, CA.

Mariana Lucine Estephanian, daughter of Mark and Laura Estephanian, escorted by Derek Ocampo, son of Frank and Denise Ocampo of Van Nuys, CA.        

Emily Sue Macer, daughter of Dr. George and Celeste Macer of Lakewood, CA, escorted byAndrew Robert Tuccinardi, son of Robert and Lili Ann Tuccinardi, of Temecula, CA.

Meray Mary Mankerian, daughter of Viken and Salpi Mankerian of Sierra Madre, CA, escorted by Jack Poochigian, son of Jeff and Maral Poochigian of El Cajon, CA.

Margo Faith Margosian, daughter of Aron and Carrie Margosian of Visalia, CA, escorted by Vahe' Michaelian, son of Hagop and Gail Michaelian of Chino Hills, CA.                                      

Alissa Marie Muradliyan Medina, daughter of Steve and Nadia Muradliyan Medina of Alta Loma, CA, escorted by Anthony Mampre Saroyan, son of Dr. and Mrs. John Suren and Gladys Saroyan of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Gabrielle Rose Mixon, daughter of Ms. Patricial Gabriel of Newport Beach, CA, escorted by Nathan Aaron Avedian, son of Aaron Mark and Norma Lee Avedian, of Kingsburg, CA.

Jennifer Patricia Tuccinardi, daughter of Robert and Lili Ann Tuccinardi of Temecula, CA, escorted by Shant Karalian, son of Lucy Karalian of Van Nuys, CA.

Mikelle Lena Yahnian, daughter of Brian and Renee Yahnian of Visalia, CA, escorted by Zachary Paul Asdourian, son of  Mark and Charlene Asdourian, of Newport Coast, CA.