PASADENA, CA–Finishing up her senior year at Westside High School in Houston Texas, Tamar Abrilian is on her way to creating a bright future for herself, with the Armenian community deeply vested in it.

Tamar recently became the 1st place scholarship winner of the Armenian Youth Federation’s Nanor Krikorian Scholarship, taking home $1,000 to use toward her higher education goals.

Tamar, a charismatic and ambitious 18 year old, will be attending the University of Texas this coming fall as a biology major. She aims to continue her education until she becomes a pediatrician.

“Having the opportunity to better the lives of children will mean so much,” she says. “It has always been my ambition in life to help the children in Armenia. Not only do I want to donate financially, I want to visit the country and help out there myself and do as much as I can and offer medical assistance to the needy.”

Tamar comes from a background of community service, volunteering countless hours of her time with the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), her local St. Kevork Armenian School, as well as the National Honor Society (NHS), the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and the Ecology Club on her high school campus.

She has taken on numerous leadership roles while serving her community, including serving as the Fundraising Committee Chair of HOSA, and as the current secretary of the AYF’s Houston “Dro” Chapter.

“Tamar has always been enthusiastic, willing to lead, and always willing to lend a hand,” says Araz Sarkissian, the Chairwoman of the AYF “Dro” Chapter. “Her positive, selfless, and encouraging attitude has impacted the youth of our community leading them to look up to her as a role model.”

With the path to success within reach for Tamar, the future of our community has become that much brighter. Add to that the 5 other winners of this year’s Nanor Krikorian Scholarship, as well as the many applicants who applied, we must be confident of our capabilities as a community. “My future regarding myself and the Armenian community has been mapped out,” says Tamar. “I know I am devoted to these plans and I strongly believe my goals will one day become a reality.”

This year alone, the AYF’s Nanor Krikorian Scholarship has awarded 4 high school seniors and 2 college/university students with scholarships. The AYF is the largest and most influential Armenian American youth organization with chapters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world. Founded in 1933, it actively strives to advance the social, political, educational and cultural awareness of all Armenian-American youth. For more information, visit AYFwest.org.