The Rotary Student of the Month awards has consistently honored seniors that exemplify what it means to be an upstanding citizen and contribute to the school community. In Marcr h, this honor fell into the hands of Lola Avetisian, 12. Avetisian earned this award for her consistent dedication to the VAPA programs at school, specifically through her work in Chamber Choir. She had been in choir since her time in the Cantate Choir at Huntington Middle School. To Avetisian, this honor was anything but expected. “I was very surprised when I found out I had won this,” Avetisian said. Though unexpected, it was certainly warranted.
Throughout her four years at San Marino High School, Avetisian was an active member of the choir department, joining Concert Choir at her first opportunity in freshman year. After two years in concert choir, Mr. Jamieson selected Avetisian for Chamber Choir leading into her junior year. “When I found out I got into chamber for the first time, I was so excited I got to sing with my friends,” said Avetisian. Through Chamber Choir, Avetisian was able to receive the most that San Marino Choir had to offer, such as the annual spring break trip across the Atlantic to Paris, France. However, that trip was not her favorite memory. With many to choose from, Avetisian said their overnight trip to Disneyland last year with her close friends in the Class of 2024 stood out the most.
For Avetisian, choir was not just something that she chose to do in middle school and decided to stick with it. Choir was rooted in her family, and Avestisian was inspired to join choir by none other than her older brother, who in his time at San Marino, was a proud member of chamber choir. As she joined choir with Mr. Jamieson in middle school, she knew that this was something she would want to do as long as she possibly could. “I would love to continue singing in college and apply what I have learned from Mr. Jamieson,” Avetisian said.
Outside of choir, Avetisian was involved in both leadership organizations and sports teams on campus. She participated in volleyball all four years, earning her a varsity letter this year. Since freshman year, Avetisian has also been an active member of cheer alongside her twin sister Gigi. This year, she joined Link Crew as a way to try and allow freshman to have an incredible experience in high school just as she did.
Through her work in choir, Avetisian was able to exemplify Rotary’s key values in what they look for in a student. Her consistent dedication to her craft since middle school has allowed her to express herself. Ultimately, Avetisian’s work through Chamber Choir has greatly benefited our school community, sealing herself as one of the few Rotary Students of the Month.
