New York-New Jersey Ukrainian studies schools honor 14 graduates (07/01/01)

New York-New Jersey Ukrainian studies schools honor 14 graduates

EAST HANOVER, N.J. - Fourteen graduates of the Ukrainian studies schools in the Metropolitan New York-New Jersey area were honored here at a dinner-dance on Saturday, June 2, for successfully completing their "matura" - the comprehensive written and oral examinations that are the finale to their years of studies.

Five graduates of the Lesia Ukrainka School of Ukrainian Studies in Morris County, New Jersey, and nine from the New York Selfreliance School of Ukrainian Studies were formally presented their diplomas during the event, which took place here at the Ramada Hotel with the students' families, teachers, fellow students and guests in attendance.

The program was opened by Dr. Bohdan Vitvitsky, a leading member of the Parents Committee of the Morris County school, who pointed out the significance of this gathering being attended by a grandson of Ukrainian immigrants who had arrived in Canada 100 years ago, a reference to the Rev. Bohdan Lukie, pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Newark, N.J., who delivered the benediction, as well as by more recent émigrés, including a diplomat from Ukraine.

Remarks were delivered by Dr. Eugene Fedorenko, president of the Educational Council of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and director of the Morris County school, as well as by Olha Kekish, director of the New York school, who underlined how immeasurably richer are students of Ukrainian studies schools because they know two languages and can boast of two cultures.

A special highlight was the participation of an official from Ukraine's Consulate General in New York, Deputy Head of the Business and Economic Mission Yuriy Chyrkov, who briefly addressed the gathering and commented on this "special occasion in the life of the Ukrainian community." He told the graduates: "We are happy for you, the young generation that studies and respects its Ukrainian heritage."

An address on behalf of the graduates was delivered by Bohdan Yaremko of Livingston, N.J., who expressed thanks to all those who had helped the students achieve their goal.

The graduates also received gifts from the Ukrainian National Association, presented by Treasurer Stefan Kaczaraj; the Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union, presented by Genya Kuzmowycz Blahy; and the Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union, presented by Andrew Hrechak.

Dancing followed to the music of the Vidlunnia band.

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