Cathedral School Graduates Fourteen

Sunday, June 7, 2009, was a memorable day in the life of the St. Nicholas Cathedral School family, particularly for the fourteen young people who were graduated. The day's event began with a procession from the school to St. Nicholas Cathedral.

The graduates were welcomed into the Cathedral by the St. Nicholas School Choir, directed by Mrs. Irene Dychiy.  The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Richard (Seminack), Very Reverend Bohdan Nalys-nyk, and Reverend Volodymyr Hudzan.  The altar servers included three seventh graders from the school and two alumni. 

The graduates listened as Bishop Richard mentioned that there is much more to life than what they have learned so far.  He also asked them to make good use of the talents given to them by God, and to surround themselves with people who are good Christians.

Commencement began after the Divine Liturgy.  All in attendance were greeted by Ms. Daria Hankewych, eighth grade teacher.  The graduates rose and recited a special prayer in which they consecrated their bodies, souls and hearts to Jesus Christ.  Ms. Hankewych called upon the Salutatorian of the Class to say a few words.  Oleh Dankovych thanked the teachers for their dedication and love.  He spoke for all of his classmates when he said that in their hearts they would always love their first teachers.  He wished his fellow graduates much luck in the future.

The ceremony continued with the introduction of Mrs. Maria Klysh-Finiak, principal of St. Nicholas School.  She presented special awards to some of the graduates.  Yuliana Nalysnyk, Valedictorian, received the Bishop Innocent Lotocky Scholarship Award, established in September, 1993, to honor one student each year for excellence in scholarship, Christian moral values and service.  Yuliana was also awarded the Mykluz Family Memorial Award, established in memory of deceased members of the Mykluz family and is given to one student each year with the highest scholastic achievement.  The Salutatorian of the Class of 2009, Oleh Dankovych, received an award from Selfreliance Ukrainian American Federal Credit Union for outstanding scholastic achievement. 

Mrs. Finiak also awarded the Principal's Award to four students for their outstanding academic excellence.  Honored were Yuliana Nalysnyk, Oleh Danko-vych, Anna-Maria Bagan and Maryann Krasko.  Six students received the Principal's Award for outstanding academic achievement: Neil Browne, Solomiya Chuy-ko, Emilia Saber, Tania Jarmola, Anthony Markese and Khrystyna Vatseba.

The ceremony continued with a short address by Ms. Hankewych.  She mentioned  a field trip to Springfield, Illinois, and quoted Abraham Lincoln: "Whatever you are, be a good one," "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition," and "Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm."  She also spoke on behalf of all of the teachers at St. Nicholas School who were proud of the graduates. 

Ms. Hankewych invited Bishop Richard, Father Nalysnyk and Mrs. Finiak to present the diplomas.  The graduates received their diplomas and a special blessing from Bishop Richard and were acknowledged by the entire congregation.

The ceremony came to a close as Ms. Hankewych called upon Valedictorian, Yuliana Nalysnyk, who thanked all the parents for their support; the principal and teachers for their hard work; and her fellow classmates for all the wonderful memories from her years at St. Nicholas.

Ms. Hankewych concluded by asking all present to rise and wish the graduates many happy years--Mnohaya Lita.  As they leave St. Nicholas School, they enter some the best high schools in the City of Chicago and beyond.  Six local schools will be attended by thirteen graduates. One student, Khrystyna Vatseba, was named a Daniel Murphy Foundation Scholar and will be attending Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts on a four-year scholarship.