Houston's Ukrainian school celebrates "last bell" of the year (07/04/04)

Houston's Ukrainian school celebrates "last bell" of the year

by Olha Andriychuk

HOUSTON - On May 22 the holiday of the last bell was observed at the Ukrainian Ridna Shkola in Houston, Texas. The ceremonies included the presentation of report cards and achievement certificates to students who were promoted to the next grade, the awarding of certificates to graduates and a greeting from parents and members of the community.

The celebration began with a divine liturgy. Parents, students, teachers and members of the community received God's blessings in the Church of the Mother of God from the Rev. Mykola Dovzhuk, who addressed the students, calling on them not to waste time during summer time but to collect knowledge everywhere there is an opportunity and to come to school in autumn well-rested and with new energy to undertake study of the Ukrainian language, history, traditions and customs.

There were many people in church that day, especially youths. The embroidered shirts of children mixed with the more formal dress of senior students.

The official ceremony took part in the parish's Community Hall. The ceremony was opened by the principal, Tetyana Lytvynchuk, who greeted students with the end of the academic year and the lone graduate this year, Dmytro Skikun.

Greetings were delivered by Vasyl Diak of the Ukrainian Cultural Club and Marta Noukas of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America. Dmytro received a traditional ring with a tryzub, the emblem of Ukraine, as well as other gifts from the community. Because there was only one graduate, he had a chance to personally thank the teachers, the community and his Houston "parents" Olga and Zenon Dub for their help. Dmytro spent the past year in Houston and will return to Ukraine in the summer.

The culminating moment of the celebration was the handing out of annual reports. The students of all four classes approached the principal in order, receiving certificates for their diligent studies and active participation in the life of their school and community.

After the official program there was a concert, during which the students of the school demonstrated their talents in recitation, singing and dancing. It was very nice to see the youngest students and skilled dancers from the Zhuravli troupe directed by Ms. Noukas. The concert was followed by entertainment at the traditional bonfire, or vatra.

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