Our Inspiration
"Second Breath"
"Out of my ashes will rise a new phoenix. I live forever because the spirit never dies..."
Sarkis Ohanian arrived in the United States in 1970 with just two hundred dollars in one pocket, and the dream of making a better life for his wife and kids in the other.
In addition to overcoming many of the traditional obstacles that immigrants experience, Sarkis also overcame the amputation of his right leg after a car accident that occured just two weeks after arriving in the States.
His journey to America helped pave the way for not only his sons, but for future generations as well.
Despite his passing at the age of 49, the sacrifices he made for his family are still felt today. The Sarkis Ohanian Phoenix Scholarship exists to give underpriviged kids and families a "Second Breath," just like Sarkis gave to his family years ago.