(November 21, 2006) — Most of us know the typical image of a Glendale teenager: the “hardcore” racing on Glenoaks Blvd, the pumping loud music in a new sports car, or the loitering about in places such as the Marketplace or the mall. However, many of us neglect the productive hobbies that teenagers participate in during their free time, such as the ones offered at Ararat. Ararat was opened in 1978, and is the Glendale chapter of Homenetmen, located on San Fernando Road in South Glendale. Homenetmen is an organization that encourages physical and psychological education outside the school environment, as well as teaching young Armenian Americans about the Armenian culture. Sophomore Ani Khachatoorians has been playing basketball at Ararat for eight years, in addition to playing for Hoover’s basketball team. Practice lasts 1½ hours, twice a week. The practice has helped her better her skills ¾ skills she used last week to help win her team second place in a competition. “It was so nerve wrecking, but it was nice to play with my team and get that far,” Khachatoorians said. Also having played on one of Ararat’s basketball teams for four years, senior Aileen Vartanian decided to take up being an assistant coach two years ago. She still plays the sport, but now has a better understanding of the game through coaching. The two teams that she coaches are younger ¾ one is a 12-13 year old boys’ team and the other is a 13-14 year old girls’ team. Recently, both teams that she coaches won championships. Another widely known program in Ararat is the Scouts program. Sophomore Andre Marcarian enjoys Sundays taking care of kids, seeing Scouts as an opportunity to be a leader. “It’s nice to be an influence on younger kids, and being with friends at the same time,” he said. Other than scouting and basketball, Ararat offers many other athletic programs. Sophomore Yna Mokhtarians has been doing gymnastics at Ararat for the last nine years. “The competitions are intense, but all worth the while,” she said. Last week, she won first place in a competition. “I was really proud of having won something that I’m good at.” Organizations such as Ararat build opportunities for teenagers, not only to better their skills in sports, but also to build values and friendships along the way. “I have met some of the greatest people at Ararat,” Khachatoorians said.