Melanie Sarkissian

I am a highly motivated student with a passion for architecture, law, finance, and foreign languages. As the founder of my school’s Architecture Club, I have organized guest speaker events, coordinated fundraisers, and created opportunities for students to explore the world of design. Beyond architecture, I have a strong interest in the legal field and finance, where I enjoy analyzing complex systems and understanding their impact on society. As a dedicated player on the Girls Water Polo Team for three years, I have developed strong teamwork, discipline, and leadership through competitive play. I also managed the Boys Water Polo Team, honing my organizational and communication skills as I coordinated events, scheduled practices, and facilitated communication between players and coaches. Additionally, I am passionate about education and have tutored students in physics, math, history, beginner biology, and essay writing, helping them strengthen their understanding and build confidence in their studies. I also love learning and speaking multiple languages, including Farsi, Armenian, English, and Spanish, as they allow me to connect with different cultures and perspectives. Whether leading a club, competing on a sports team, tutoring students, or immersing myself in new languages, I am constantly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and make a meaningful impact.

• Tassel Club – A student organization focused on supporting Cambodian children, where I contribute to raising awareness and organizing events to provide educational and financial resources to improve their lives.
• Link Club (raising money for North Korean refugees) – A club dedicated to supporting humanitarian causes, where I helped organize fundraisers to provide aid and resources for North Korean refugees.
• Architecture Club (with the Paros Foundation) – A club I founded where we explore architectural concepts and design, host guest speakers, and raise funds to support the Paros Foundation’s charitable efforts.
• Girls Water Polo Team – A competitive sports team where I developed teamwork, discipline, and physical endurance as a player for three years.
• Managed the Boys Water Polo Team – Coordinated logistics, scheduled practices, tracked game statistics, and facilitated communication between coaches and players for the Boys Water Polo Team.
• Played on a basketball club team for 9 years – Competed in basketball for nearly a decade, honing skills in teamwork, strategy, and leadership through club-level play.

• Most Dedicated for Varsity Water Polo
• Most Valuable Player for Varsity Water Polo

• As the founder and leader of the Architecture Club at Crescenta Valley High School, I have worked to create an environment where students can explore their passion for architecture while making a meaningful impact. A key focus of our club is our partnership with the Paros Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting Armenian communities, particularly through educational and healthcare initiatives. The Paros Foundation plays a crucial role in improving the lives of Armenians, both in Armenia and in the diaspora, by providing resources that empower individuals and communities. Our club is proud to organize fundraisers and events to support the foundation's mission, which aligns with our goal of combining architecture and philanthropy. By supporting the Paros Foundation, we not only gain a deeper understanding of architectural concepts but also contribute to the preservation and advancement of Armenian culture, which has endured for millennia. Through this collaboration, the Architecture Club has become a platform for students to actively engage with meaningful causes while developing skills that will help shape the future.