ASO Plans for a Great Year

Mari Koshkakaryan
Staff Writer

As the new school year began, the Armenian Students Organization (ASO) was ready to welcome new and returning members to the organization. With a new year ahead, new executives in charge, and an increase in member participation, it meant a change in the club agenda. With a wider range of participants there are a variety of ideas, which have led to the planning of many interesting activities for the year, stated ASO President Vartush Mesropyan.

The first event of the year took place Saturday afternoon, October 1. Members and friends joined together for a fun-filled “Game Day,” which was a way to get all members and students who are interested in the club to get acquainted with one another and meet the executives. “Game Day” included a variety of games such as “Water Balloon Toss,” “Marshmallow Whipping Cream Game,” and a “Toilet Paper Wrapping” contest.

“Game Day was our first event and since we had a lot of freshmen it was the perfect way to get everyone to mingle and get to know each other,” said Mesropyan. “We had a good turnout, everyone had a good time, and it was quite successful.” “This year there were more interesting games planned than there were in previous years, more participation, and it was really fun to feel like a child again,” said ASO member Lilit Grigoryan.

“The Marshmallow Whipping Cream game was a bit too messy,” said Mesropyan with humor. “What I really enjoyed about ‘Game Day’ was being able to socialize with the ASO outside of school. I am also glad I went because I met a lot of new people that day,” stated Armen Arikian.

With such a successful turnout for “Game Day,” ASO is excited to announce other activities they have planned for the months to come. Along with hosting fun events, ASO also takes pride in their involvement in volunteer work. On Saturday, October 15, ASO participated in the 2011 Walk of Life for the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. In addition, on Saturday, November 5, members are encouraged to take part in assisting at the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School Banquet. These volunteer opportunities give members and interested students the ability to interact with the Armenian community.

ASO is also proud to announce their upcoming Annual Car Wash to be held from 11:00AM-4:00PM on Saturday, October 22, at the Viktoria’s Place restaurant parking lot.

In addition, ASO will proudly participate in Fresno State’s International Culture Night to be held on Sunday, November 1, where the ASO will present a program of Armenian cultural dancing and music, wearing traditional costumes.

There are a lot of activities planned to make a successful year and students are encouraged to take part in ASO. Take the opportunity to meet new people, learn about the Armenian culture through Armenian cultural based events, and enjoy a good time.

“There are many new people and we just have a lot of fun together” shared Ani Grigoryan. So don’t miss the opportunity to join the fun at the next event.