Foundation established in memory of 9/11 victim Oleh Wengerchuk helps Ukraine's orphans pursue education (04/06/03)

Foundation established in memory of 9/11 victim Oleh Wengerchuk helps Ukraine's orphans pursue education

by Lydia Matiaszek

KYIV - On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed in terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania. This tragedy affected millions - from the friends and family of those who were lost, to an entire country that realized its vulnerability despite its strength, as well as people around the world who reached out to support those affected.

Some people gave in to deep sorrow and despair; others pledged vengeance; but Dennis Cannelis, a computer software company CEO from Texas, chose a different way to deal with the loss of his friend, Oleh Wengerchuk. In July 2002 he founded the Oleh D. Wengerchuk Memorial Foundation (ODWMF) and invested $10,000 to create a living legacy to his friend: a scholarship program for orphaned, underprivileged or handicapped children in Ukraine.

The foundation is based on the belief that each of us, through our education, kindness and courage, can make a positive impact on those around us. Mr. Cannelis recalls how Oleh touched those around him through his hard work, his love for the fine arts and Ukrainian culture, his love for social interaction, and his kindness in helping others to feel special about themselves. Simply put, he spread good will to others.

The foundation created in Mr. Wengerchuk's memory is confident that, although the world and Ukraine in particular are facing many challenges, the scholarship recipients through their studies and continued hard work in helping other orphans, will make an important contribution towards changing this situation.

The scholarship program is implemented in cooperation with Help Us Help the Children (HUHTC), a non-governmental organization in Ukraine headed by Maryna Krysa that has been working with orphans since 1996, and U-CARE, the American sister-organization of HUHTC headed by Vera Petrusha. Fifty-six students are currently enrolled in the scholarship program - 10 of whom are being funded by the Oleh D. Wengerchuk Memorial Foundation.

This writer, who has been based in Kyiv for nine years, works closely with HUHTC in the selection and monitoring of scholarship recipients. The scholarship covers: books and school supplies; a monthly stipend; clothing; tutors, when necessary; medical and dental expenses; and travel to Kyiv for quarterly reviews with HUHTC staff, including a staff psychologist who is available for counseling and evaluation.

The students come from across Ukraine and have diverse interests and personalities. However all have overcome tremendous hardships in life in order to pursue their dreams. They could have given in to the despair of their particular situations, but instead they emerged stronger, more committed to success, more sympathetic to others and more grateful for the opportunities they have been given. In addition to pursing their education, they participate in the HUHTC's summer camp program for orphans which takes place every year in the Carpathian Mountains (there were over 500 participants from across Ukraine just this past year). The older students are counselors and mentors for younger orphans at the camp. They also participate in other programs such as the humanitarian assistance delivered to orphanages throughout the year.

This year's ODWMF scholarships were awarded to the following students.

Valerii Bezverkhyi was born August 30, 1982, Kyiv, with Pierre-Marie Disease, and moved to the Tsuripinsk internat for physically challenged children. His teachers said he was a very good student, responsible, hard-working and well-behaved, always striving to better himself and earn an education. He was very active in school activities, such as concerts. He has participated in the summer camp program for a several years, and has exhibited strength of character and resolve, as exemplified when he managed the difficult hike to the peaks of the Carpathian mountains. Mr. Bezverkhyi is studying accounting at the economics technical school in Kamianets-Podilskyi, Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Ivan Bodnarchuk was born April 20, 1982, in the village of Koropets, Monastyrsky region, Ternopil Oblast. He was a very good student who finished school with high marks and distinction. His teachers describe him as a persistent and strong-willed individual who is very affable and has many friends. He chose the Pre-University Preparatory program at the prestigious National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy, and has now been admitted to the sciences program where he is a chemistry major. Mr. Bodnarchuk participated in a number of HUHTC summer camps, and eventually worked his way up from participant to camp counselor.
Maryna Dzhulai was born May 15, 1984, in the city of Poltava. She was a keen student, very attentive and well-organized. Her teacher commented that she has strong skills in reading comprehension and mathematical skills, an excellent memory, an ability to apply herself and work hard and persistence in achieving her goals. During her free time she enjoys horseback-riding and soccer. In 2002 Ms. Dzhulai enrolled in the economics and management department of the Poltava State Agrarian Academy, and is specializing in organizational management.
Vitalii Kalchenko was born July 3, 1982, in Zaporizhia. He studied at the Molochansk school for orphans, where he also learned to paint and plaster. In 2000-2002 he studied choreography at the Molochansk Music School. He actively participates in various artistic endeavors, enjoys comedy and singing Ukrainian songs. Mr. Kalchenko is currently studying at the Melitopol School of Culture.
Anna Kuzina was born March 13, 1985, in the village of Stari Petrivtsi, Kyiv Oblast. In 2000-2002, she participated in the Debate Center program as a member of the school debate team, often competing in events with other schools. She is a very gifted artist; her work titled "We Are Your Children, Ukraine!" received an honorary award in the third phase of the national student competition "Let Us Unite" in the figurative arts category. In 2002 she enrolled in the department of laboratory diagnostics at the Kyiv Institute of Ecology and Medicine. "I chose this department, because I want to help people in the earliest instance possible, and the diagnosis of an illness is the first step in the healing process," Ms. Kuzina explained.
Viktor Sannikov was born May 5, 1984, in the city of Kharkiv. As Victor likes to point out, he started school the same year Ukraine declared its independence. Although he was a poor student at first, by the 11th grade he became a very dilligent student, and worked hard to improve himself so that he could be admitted to the prestigious National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy. He was admitted to the university, scoring the highest grade among those entering the economics department.
Valentyn Skrypnichenko was born with physical birth defects on November 16, 1982 in the village of Petrivka, Mykolaiv Oblast. During his studies at boarding school, Valentyn proved to be particularly talented in technical sciences. As the director of the school noted, he was the school craftsman with "golden hands," who was handy in repairing clocks, the school's electronic equipment, and whatever else was necessary. Therefore, Valentyn enrolled in the Zhytomyr Technical Lyceum-Boarding School, where he is studying to be a specialist in mechanical and electrical repair of appliances. He wrote to the HUHTC: "An orphan's fate and the physical health challenges I face could easily have turned my life into a long, difficult thread of problem after problem, but the attentiveness and selfless, caring assistance you provide have helped me believe in a positive future for myself."
Andrii Stupak was born June 11, 1984, in the village of Mariano, in Crimea. After graduating from a boarding school in Kerch, he was admitted to the National Internal Affairs University in Kharkiv, where he has made a very positive impression on his teachers. He conscientiously performs all his duties as a cadet, and seeks to raise both his professional and cultural awareness. He also scrupulously applies himself to his studies and is an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys competition. Mr. Stupak feels that a military career is an ideal profession for him.
Oleksandra Sydorenko was born June 3, 1984. In the boarding school in Butan, she was a motivated and tenacious student. She dedicated much time and effort to performing with the choreographic ensemble Dyvotsvit, and participated in many festivals and competitions, often winning awards for her performances. Ms. Sydorenko's dream is to realize her creative potential professionally, therefore, this year she enrolled in the Kyiv Oblast School for Culture and the Arts.
Daria Trushkina was born January 18, 1982, in the city of Kharkiv. In 1999 she graduated from school with distinction and was admitted to the National Kharkiv Humanitarian Academy University. She is very active in university life, successfully competing in various academic events and participating in conferences in Kharkiv and other cities. In 2002 she received her diploma in journalism and accounting ahead of schedule; now she is working toward a degree in economics with a concentration in law, and studying to become a web designer. Ms. Trushkina volunteers as bookkeeper for the Kharkiv Oblast Charitable Fund Academy and volunteers with HUHTC. She is the local coordinator for the Scholarship Program, and visits orphans who are being treated in the city hospital.

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The Oleh D. Wengerchuk Memorial Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. For more information or to send a donation in support of the scholarship program, please write to: 915A Emerald Blvd., South Lake, TX 76092. Information is available also on the website www.wengerchukfoundation.com.

Student information in this article was provided by Alla Kravchenko-Halych, HUHTC scholarship program coordinator.

Ludia Matiaszek, who lives in Kyiv, is a board member of the foundation established in memory of her brother, Oleh Wengerchuk.

About Oleh Wengerchuk

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