Ralph G. Hashoian was the son of Armenian Genocide survivors, raised in Dearborn and graduated from Fordson High School. He taught at O. L. Smith, Edsel Ford High School and Dearborn High.
He was a cherished family man, gifted teacher, talented artist, a true humanitarian, an advocate for peace, and an extra ordinary human being.

Ralph was an accomplished artist, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Fine Arts, as well as the John Hay Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley. He was a painter (favorite was watercolors), sculptor, carpenter, potter, designer, cartoonist. Over the years, his work was exhibited in many art shows and was also published in textbooks and brochures.

Ralph was a 40+ year veteran teacher in the Dearborn public schools. He was the department Chair of the Art Program but he taught his students about so much more than art. He also taught them respect, responsibility, and critical thinking. This manifested into a unique Integrated Humanities Program which Ralph helped create and implement at Edsel Ford High School. Ralph saw the potential in each of his students and treated them with dignity and compassion. He was widely loved, both by students in his class and by those who just knew him in the hallway. More than anything Ralph believed that education was the key to a fuller, more meaningful life. It was his life’s work to help young people become their best selves.

Known for his incredible mind, Ralph enjoyed philosophical and political debates, always searching for the right answer to big questions. He was always in search of truth, justice, and a better understanding of others. He was an excellent listener, a masterful storyteller, a mischievous joker, and had an incredible sense of humor. He felt laughter was the best therapy and his smile would light up a room. Ralph brought so much joy to the ones who were lucky enough to call him family, friend, teacher. His memory will live on in those who he mentored, taught, and loved.

Please help us in supporting The Ralph G. Hashoian Humanitarian (Arts) Memorial Fund. This fund will benefit deserving seniors from Edsel Ford High School who are naturally empathetic, perceptive, concerned about the well-being of others, and wish to pursue a degree in the arts/humanities. Please consider keeping Ralph’s love of the arts and education, his spirit, and humanitarian values alive by donating to this fund.

Ralph’s favorite quote:

“Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” Horace Mann

$500 awarded to an Edsel Ford Senior

Application Criteria:

• Letter of Acceptance to a Trade School/College/University to pursue a degree in the arts/humanities.
• Scholastic Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher or Administrator
• Personal Letter of Recommendation from a friend/family member/employer
• Essay: Ralph’s favorite quote
  “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.”
  Horace Mann
  How have you shared your gifts with others to win a victory for humanity?