EDITORIAL: An enriched education (06/30/96)

EDITORIAL

An enriched education

What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul.
- Joseph Addison, English essayist (1772-1719).

Recently we had an opportunity to attend the graduation banquet of schools of Ukrainian studies of the Metropolitan New York area. There were 20 graduates from four schools: Ridna Shkola of Newark, N.J.; Ridna Shkola of Jersey City, N.J.; the Self-Reliance School of Ukrainian Studies of New York and the Ukrainian American Youth Association (SUM-A) School of Ukrainian Studies, also of New York.

Why only 20? Because these are extraordinary students who completed 11 to 12 years of study, or the equivalent, in Ukrainian studies - language, history, literature, geography, culture. (That is an accomplishment in itself in this day and age when our youths are involved in more activities than there is time.) Next, these graduates also had to pass the "matura," an extensive oral and written examination that is usually given over the course of three school days. Among this group of 20 there were some truly exceptional students who had "aced" their matura.

These students devoted much time and effort to learn about our Ukrainian heritage and about the proud history of our nation. No small measure of credit is due also to their parents, who saw to it that their children would complete the required course of study and were properly prepared for their final exams. To be sure, congratulations also go to the teachers who shared their knowledge and gave of themselves to benefit the next generation of Ukrainians raised in this country with an awareness and appreciation of their Ukrainian roots. These graduates, it could be argued quite strongly, are the future of our community here. As well, they represent the future of our contacts with Ukraine.

[Concern about the future, is precisely the reason that the oldest and largest Ukrainian organization, the Ukrainian National Association annually recognizes our Ukrainian school graduates via financial awards. The UNA expresses its commitment to our future also by helping teachers of our schools of Ukrainian studies; it provides financial support for the annual teachers' seminars organized by the Educational Council of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America at its upstate New York resort, Soyuzivka.]

As we congratulate these graduates, whose number seems to decrease each year, we simultaneously underline that it is important for Ukrainian studies schools to maintain their standards by attracting qualified teachers and by expecting a certain level of performance on the part of their students. And, that expectation, indeed, that requirement, must be supported by today's parents, who often feel that their children deserve to pass the matura just because they've "survived" Ukrainian school. The reason is a very practical one. As Prof. Eugene Fedorenko recently told audiences in New Jersey, completing the matura at a school of Ukrainian studies that is part of the UCCA Educational Council system, is recognized by most colleges and universities as an academic achievement. Thus, we cannot afford to cheapen that achievement by demanding less of graduating students.

The matura is beneficial to students entering college or university as they may receive academic credits for these studies; alternately, the matura may be accepted as proof of fulfillment of a college's foreign language requirement. In addition, the Educational Council head emphasized, knowledge of the Ukrainian language and its history is something that, in today's world of expanding international trade, is seen as a definite career plus. After all, a huge market of 52 million people has been opened.

And so, as we watch this latest crop of graduates of our schools of Ukrainian studies go forth into the world with an education that has been enriched by their Ukrainian experience and with souls enriched by that education, it is fitting that we salute them and bid them continued success in life.

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