Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies graduates seven

WASHINGTON - Seven students graduated on May 19 from the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies in Washington.

The 6:30 p.m. ceremony was held at the Embassy of Ukraine in Georgetown. Natalia Holub, cultural attaché of the Embassy of Ukraine, coordinated the event with the Ukrainian School. Ms. Holub welcomed the 65 guests in attendance and introduced the Rev. Taras Lonchyna, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, who led the prayer.

The director of the Ukrainian School, Theodore Caryk, introduced the assistant ambassador, Victor Nikitin, who greeted the seven graduates and their families.

The other guest speaker was Osyp Rozhka, editor-in-chief of America, who also expressed congratulations to the students. Each received a one-year free subscription coupon to America.

Director Caryk read "kudos" from various Ukrainian organizations and then distributed the diplomas and gifts to the graduates.

Afterwards, each student had an opportunity to thank the persons involved in making this day a reality, which included: the Embassy of Ukraine, for hosting the ceremony; the director of the School, Mr. Caryk; their priests: the Rev. Lonchyna and the Rev. Volodymyr Steliac; their teachers; especially Marika Jurach, Maia Saj Schmidt, Svitozar Nenuch and Natalia Tailikh.

Special thanks went to the parents of the graduates, who always provided encouragement in helping them realize the importance of their education at the Taras Shevchenko School of Ukrainian Studies.

After 11 years of attending Ukrainian school on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., it was a joyful occasion to give recognition to these seven young graduates. It also gave closure to their years of hard work in learning about their "roots" and language as they began another journey into young adulthood and on to college.

In closing, Ms. Holub wished the graduates continued success and presented them with gifts from the Embassy and invited everyone to a reception honoring the graduates: Marusia Chopivsky, Danylo Demidenko, Yevdokiya Koroza, Anna Koval, Andrew Oryshkevych, Katrusia Romaniuk and Anastasia Whalen.

The Voice of America, Ukrainian Branch, filmed the ceremony.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 25, 2006, No. 26, Vol. LXXIV

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