SPORTS
Saying
Farewell Sarafian to be honored later this summer By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Chris Mortenson/Staff photographer
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fter 40 years with Pilgrim School in Los Angeles, coach Mike Sarafian recently said farewell to his students and staff. To celebrate his retirement, the school gave him a folder filled with personal notes from the students about their time with Sarafian. The staff will honor his career and retirement from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. “There were some tears,” he says with a laugh about his last day. “There were kids just randomly coming up and hugging me. It was just very humbling and very special.” In a statement, the head of school, Patricia Kong, calls Sarafian “one of the most beloved faculty members.” “His warmth, passion for all things sports, and dedication to Pilgrim has enriched each and every community member’s experience for decades, whether it be in our hallways, on the field or traveling to away games with his teams,” she writes. Kong adds that Sarafian’s mark on Pilgrim goes past the sports programs he nurtured throughout the years, but reaches into every corner of the school. “Whether it’s at morning drop-off or at an after school practice, Coach’s booming voice and positive energy puts a smile on everyone’s face and inspires excitement in our students. “He is one of the first people our visiting alumni seek out, and someone they mention time and time again while reflecting on their time here. It always amazes me how, despite teaching hundreds of students since 1982, coach Sarafian never fails to remember a former student, their accomplishments, and even the accomplishments of their family members. While it is hard to imagine not seeing Coach on campus every day, the memories he has helped create here have ensured that he is an integral part of our Pilgrim history.” Sarafian hails from Pasadena and moved to Monrovia when he was 5. He is a graduate of Monrovia High School and Citrus College in Glendora. Sports are in Sarafian’s blood, as he played sports in college. Upon graduation, he accepted a job as a student teacher working as a reading specialist at Azusa Unified School District. He helped with the freshman football team, among other squads, and volunteer coached at Monrovia High School. “It was nice to start getting paid to do something you love,” says Sarafian, who started at Pilgrim School in August 1982. Staying passionate wasn’t difficult. continued on page 32
Longtime teacher and coach Mike Sarafian recently retired from Pilgrim School in Los Angeles. 07.22 | ARROYO | 31
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