Kassabian Lives His Late Father’s Dream

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.—Mgo Kassabian had two big reasons to celebrate at this year’s AYF Olympics in Providence, R.I.

Stole-bearer Mgo Kassabian leads a religious procession at St. Gregory Church a week after leading his North Andover AYF to Most Improved Chapter recognition. Mgo also received the coveted Ernest Nahigian Sportsmanship Award for exemplary service at the Games. (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)
Stole-bearer Mgo Kassabian leads a religious procession at St. Gregory Church a week after leading his North Andover AYF to Most Improved Chapter recognition. Mgo also received the coveted Ernest Nahigian Sportsmanship Award for exemplary service at the Games. (Photo: Tom Vartabedian)

Not only did he guide his small chapter to a Most Improved Award but added a second award to his merit by receiving the coveted Ernest Nahigian Sportsmanship Trophy with New Jersey counterpart Raffi Sarajian.

Not often has there been two Nahigian recipients but it occurred this year with a couple of very worthy candidates during the Sunday Night Olympic Ball.

“As they were making the announcements, I looked around to see who the lucky person might be and then my name was called,” Mgo smiled. “Next thing I know, I’m on stage getting a second trophy. My dad would have been proud. Had he not died six years ago, he would have applauded the hardest. Anyway, he was watching all this from above, I’m sure of it. And I dedicate it all to him—the Armenian I’ve grown to become.”

The award didn’t make it to Mgo’s home like most honorees. Instead, he took it for display at church (where it belongs) with the Most Improved Chapter token.

“We have a nice display of trophies in our hall for the people to see and appreciate,” he added. “It shows them what kind of chapter we have and might encourage some of the younger kids to get involved. There’s talent on the horizon and hopefully in a few years, these youngsters will come up and score some points. Maybe we’ll be a contender someday.”

The chapter scored 11 hard-fought points with newcomer Armen Almasian setting the tone with two bronze medals. Mgo was there every step of the way, guiding his team and keeping the decorum in check. The softball team they were able to muster was yet another achievement.

A couple weeks later, he guided his kids at the Junior Olympics. In between, he donned a “shabig” and joined the clergy from his church in a religious procession. Mgo is a stole-bearer and serves on the altar whenever possible. He earned a degree this year from UMass/Lowell.

On another note, Mgo has involved himself with the Lowell Gomideh, attending meetings and taking an active role. His dad was a Gomideh member and also served as commander of the North Andover Knights of Vartan prior to his death.

Mom Pauline is very much in the fold, closely following her son’s career and trying to be a dutiful parent as a widow. She’s been blessed with good results.

As to the future of this North Andover Chapter, it continues to remain in good hands.

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian

Tom Vartabedian is a retired journalist with the Haverhill Gazette, where he spent 40 years as an award-winning writer and photographer. He has volunteered his services for the past 46 years as a columnist and correspondent with the Armenian Weekly, where his pet project was the publication of a special issue of the AYF Olympics each September.
Tom Vartabedian

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