St. John's School ends academic year by noting achievements of its students (07/11/99)

St. John's School ends academic year by noting achievements of its students

by Terenia Rakoczy

NEWARK, N.J. - Students at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic School completed their school year with many accomplishments, fond farewells and feelings of both joy and sadness as the year came to a close.

Once again St. John's students demonstrated exceptional achievements, maintaining the school's reputation for a high quality of education.

The school's top four winners in the National Geography Bee (sponsored by the National Geographic Society) were: Michael Puzyk (Grade 8), first place; Roman Lesko (Grade 5), second place; Peter Kasyanenko (Grade 7), third place; and Ivan Litosch (Grade 5) and Valerie Lysenko (Grade 8), fourth place.

The top three school winners of the 14th Annual American Junior High School Mathematics Examination were: Melania Doll (Grade 8), first place; Sophia Torielli (Grade 7) and Valerie Lysenko (Grade 8), second place; and Nicholas Komanecky and Olesia Rakoczy (both from Grade 8), third place.

Roman Kovbasniuk (Grade 3) won the Fire Safety Poser Contest sponsored by the Newark Fire Department and earned honorable mention in the "Let a Healthy You Come Shining Through" poster contest sponsored by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

The eighth grade students bid farewell to their school and their teachers at their graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 6. The school's principal, Sister Chrysostom, welcomed parents and friends and congratulated the students on their many achievements after nine years of hard work and dedication. It was a big day for the graduates as they walked on stage to receive their diplomas.

Following the opening prayer and the U.S. and Ukrainian national anthems, the salutatory address was given in English by Michael Puzyk, who spoke about his memorable experiences and impressions during his nine years at St. John's. He also expressed his appreciation for the school in giving him a strong foundation that will secure his success in high school and all future studies.

The valedictory address was given in Ukrainian and English by Melania Doll, who expressed gratitude to the teachers and administrators of the school for their dedication and support in providing an excellent academic education, as well as instilling love for the Ukrainian Catholic rite and Ukrainian heritage. She spoke about the many changes that the students had experienced as they matured at St. John's and developed a strong sense of ethics, values and self-discipline. She also thanked her parents and all the parents who, through their commitment to the school, help St. John's continue to be an excellent school.

The graduation program also included several songs and poetry recitations in both Ukrainian and English. The presentation of awards followed. Presidential Awards were given to Melania Doll, Michael Puzyk and Olesia Rakoczy, for maintaining a 90+ average from grades 4 through 8. High Honors Certificates were awarded to Melania Doll, Valerie Lysenko and Michael Puzyk. Honors Certificates were awarded to Nicholas Komanecky, Olesia Rakoczy and Katherine Stashchyshyn.

The Very Rev. Frank Szadiak, pastor, presented the diplomas and congratulated the graduates. He asked them to never forget St. John's and to always be ambassadors for the school, which is a great asset to the community - one that should always be cherished and supported.

Next, Olesia Rakoczy presented the graduates' gift to the school: a VCR. Students also presented teachers with farewell gifts of appreciation.

The students of the graduating class were accepted to Catholic high schools in the state, including such prestigious schools as Villa Walsh Academy, the Academy of St. Elizabeth, Mt. St. Mary, Mt. St. Dominic Academy, Marylawn of the Oranges, Mother Seton Regional High School, Oratory Preparatory School and Union Catholic High School.

Merit scholarships were awarded to: Ulyana Khomyne from Mother Seton Regional High School; George Padkowsky from Oratory Preparatory School; Olesia Rakoczy from the Academy of St. Elizabeth; Sophia Pawlyshyn from Mt. St. Dominic Academy and Mother Seton Regional High School; and Michael Puzyk from Union Catholic Regional High School.

Many students are enrolled in advanced placement in such subjects as language arts, mathematics, history, biology and Spanish.

On the last day of school, Friday, June 11, the students attended a divine liturgy, which was followed by an awards ceremony. Melania Doll presented the Rev. Szadiak with farewell letters from all the students. A farewell song, written by teacher Lydia Smyk, was performed by St. John's school faculty for the outgoing pastor. Sung to the melody of "Those Were the Days ..." the farewell song goes stated, in part: "We will remember you. We hope God blesses you with health and peace. Each one of us has fond memories of you. We wrote them down. We will always love you wherever you may go. Dear Father Frank, thank you for being you."

After nine years of dedicated service to St. John's Parish and School, the Rev. Szadiak will be returning to Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Saskatoon, his first assignment 26 years ago.

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