As she looks forward to the assembly, Harutyunyan doesn't stray far from memories of her native land.
"I visited some villages and I've seen the conditions," said Harutyunyan, 18, who was born and lived in Armenia until she was 14. "They don't have enough funds to pay for repairing classrooms or to buy equipment and books."
Such awareness was admired by school board member Greg Krikorian, who serves as an unofficial liaison to the student assembly planners.
"The main focus is the vision and passion of our youth and how they see the genocide and commemorating it ? ," Krikorian said. "It's not just about education and seeking truth and justice but reflecting and growing from what happened and moving forward in the proper way."
Students have plans for the assembly that are already in the works.
Each school will make a presentation at the assembly, ranging from poetry readings to video clips and folk songs. The clubs invited special guest participants to perform, Krikorian said.
Ateena Pirverdian, an 18-year-old senior and Armenian Club president at Crescenta Valley, said each school has 10 minutes to make a presentation about Armenian heritage or the genocide in which 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks beginning in 1915. Crescenta Valley will show a 10-minute video at the assembly.
"I think it's important to participate in the Armenian community," Pirverdian said. "Being the leader of this club, I can give as much as I can so I can help [club members] actively participate. I have grown up in this community and I want to give back."
The students' focus on remembering Armenian heritage is an ongoing concern.
Each of the campuses has about 100 members in their respective Armenian Clubs who are active in philanthropic activities, Krikorian said.
One of the ongoing programs is to aid Glendale's sister city, Ghapan, by raising money for furniture and remodeling three schools there, Harutyunyan said.
"We're helping this sister city and I'm really glad to be helping them, so that makes me even more motivated," said Harutyunyan, whose grandfather was killed in the genocide. "It's a great opportunity for them and for us."
FYI
WHAT: Fifth Annual Armenian Genocide Remembrance Assembly
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. April 21
WHERE: Glendale High School Auditorium, 1440 Broadway.
ADMISSION: Free
CONTACT: (818) 240-7088
