California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation announces 2026 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Scholarship winners
The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Armenian Genocide Remembrance Scholarships, awarded to California high school students (grades 9–12) for outstanding submissions in the Foundation’s annual essay and visual arts contests.
The scholarship program recognizes students who thoughtfully engaged with this year’s theme, Reimagining California through the lens of Armenian American experiences, highlighting the community’s cultural resilience, civic contributions and enduring impact on California’s history and future.
“Congratulations to the six scholarship recipients! I want to thank these students for highlighting the history of Armenian Americans in California and remembering the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide to ensure it is never forgotten and never repeated.” — Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), chair of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation
“I offer my congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Armenian Genocide remembrance scholarships. Each recipient has thoughtfully demonstrated through their essay or visual art submission the strong cultural and social fabric of California’s Armenian diaspora. As the State Senator representing the largest concentration of Armenian Americans in California, I am thrilled to support this vital community and promote access to higher education for our future leaders.” — Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena)
“Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients, including our visual arts student awardee from Glendale, for their thoughtful work and powerful reflections. Their contributions honor the resilience of the Armenian community while helping to educate and uplift communities across California. I am inspired by their voices and proud to celebrate their achievements.” — Assemblymember Jessica Caloza (D-Los Angeles)
“Congratulations to the talented winners of the 2026 California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarships. The work of these students demonstrates the profound ability of the arts to shine a light on one of the darkest chapters of human history, the resiliency of the Armenian community and the critical role of genocide education in our schools.” — Assemblymember Nick Schultz (D-Burbank)
“I congratulate this year’s scholarship winners for their thoughtful work honoring Armenian American history and contributions. As the representative of Fresno, a region with a vibrant and sizable Armenian community, I’m proud these students are preserving cultural memory and inspiring future leaders across our region and California.” — Assemblymember David Tangipa (R-Fresno)
The Foundation congratulates all scholarship recipients for their creativity, insight and commitment to preserving and elevating Armenian American stories. Awardees were formally announced on Friday, April 24, 2026.
A complete list of award recipients and contest details is available below:
For the essay contest, students were asked to respond to the prompt Reimagine California by exploring how Armenian American experiences, leaders and contributions have shaped the state’s culture, identity and future, and why these perspectives matter for California today and for generations to come.
- First Prize ($1,000): Anna Nazaryan attending Burbank High School in Burbank, California.
- Second Prize ($750): Sareen Guldjian attending Armenian Mesrobian School in Pico Rivera, California.
- Third Prize ($500): Francine Habacon attending Rancho Verde High School in Moreno Valley, California.
For the visual arts contest, students were asked to create original artwork that reimagines California through the eyes, stories, and future of its Armenian community. Submissions highlighted themes such as identity, migration, resilience, culture, and intergenerational connection, illustrating the Armenian diaspora’s lasting contributions to California’s cultural and social fabric.
- First Prize ($1,000): Anais Joseph Lynch attending Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, California.
- Second Prize ($750): Macie Gibson attending Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, California.
- Third Prize ($500): Alabama Koger attending Granada Hills Charter High School in Granada Hills, California.
