Ukrainian studies school in Yonkers to celebrate its 50th anniversary (09/22/02)

Ukrainian studies school in Yonkers to celebrate its 50th anniversary

YONKERS, N.Y. - The School of Ukrainian Studies in Yonkers will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on October 19 under the motto "Let us remember the past - let us build the future." To mark this important milestone of our school and our community, morning church services will be followed by a banquet at the Ukrainian Youth Center at 5:30 p.m. The banquet is envisioned as a community affair and, at the same time, a reunion of present and former teachers and students.

Origins can be traced to 1899

The origins of the Ukrainian language studies in Yonkers date back to 1899. This was the year when St. Michael's Church was being built and evening classes in Ukrainian were set up. In 1904 the pastor, the Rev. Paul Tymkewych, established a boarding school, which was closed the following year because of insufficient funds and an insufficient number of students. Ukrainian language classes continued, however, especially with the arrival of Michael Fatiuk, who also organized both children's and church choirs.

The School of Ukrainian Studies in Yonkers was formed in October of 1952 by a group of newly arrived parents, most notably Yaroslawa Kinal, with the blessing and support of the Rev. Basil Klos, who at that time served as pastor of St. Michael's Church. The beginnings were difficult, but in a few years the school started to thrive and be accepted as part of the Ukrainian community.

Over the course of 50 years, nine directors were in charge of the school. Alexander Kulynych, the first director, who served for a full 20 years, had the longest tenure. Close to 800 students received instruction in the basic courses that comprise the school curriculum, namely, the Ukrainian language, literature, history, geography and culture, as well as a sense of accomplishment and pride in their Ukrainian heritage. Courses for adults who wished to learn Ukrainian were also organized and conducted as part of the School of Ukrainian Studies. Beginning in 1976 and continuing into the present, 11th grade students have been taking the New York State exams in the Ukrainian language for which they receive credits.

For 30 years, beginning in 1955 when St. Michael's parochial school was built, the School of Ukrainian Studies had the good fortune of being able to use the parochial school building on Saturdays. In 1985, however, the parochial school was closed due to insufficient enrollment and the School of Ukrainian Studies lost its facilities. The Rev. Taras Galonzka, the pastor of St. Michael's, built some classrooms in the church hall and invited the school to move in. The lower grades are now housed at St. Michael's Church and the upper grades at the Ukrainian Youth Center. Maria Kiciuk, who has worked both as teacher and director for a number of years, is presently the director of the upper grades, while her daughter, Oksana Kulynych, is the director of kindergarten through the seventh grade. Last year 125 students attended the school under the guidance of 14 teachers, most of whom are new arrivals from Ukraine. Many of the students are children of former students, who themselves are second-generation Ukrainians.

The School of Ukrainian Studies in Yonkers operates under the auspices of the Educational Council of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and students take comprehensive "matura" exams, both written and oral, in the Ukrainian language, literature, history, geography, and culture, after 11 years of study. The first such exam took place in 1969. Olga Kekish, director of the School of Ukrainian Studies in New York City, is the pedagogical advisor for the Yonkers school and represents the Educational Council at the oral exams. It should be noted that many of the school's graduates are active in the community and fulfill important functions in Ukrainian organizations.

Active involvement in local community

The Yonkers School of Ukrainian Studies is known for its active involvement in the local Ukrainian community. It has become a tradition for the school to stage the annual St. Nicholas program, as well as the Shevchenko concert for the entire community. In addition, the school has participated in many other activities and celebrations planned by the community, most notably the 1,000th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity to Ukraine, the 100th anniversary of St. Michael's Church, and other commemorative events of religious and national significance.

The Parents' Committee has always been a vital part of the school since it provides the financial basis without which the school cannot exist. This committee, consisting of Lisa Bybel, president; Lesia Shchur, secretary; and Iwanna Olijarczyk, treasurer; has also assumed many administrative duties, such as registration, tuition collection and distribution of books.

For more information about the 50th anniversary banquet, please contact Slavko Kiciuk, (914) 968-0851, or e-mail [email protected].

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