“Quiet and respectful” That is Principal Penny Alcock’s description of the graduating class at Vita Shevchenko.

She adds that in a year that was marked by many achievements and community spirit, the 19 students in the class of 2024 made a significant impact on the school.

Alcock notes that, this year, there was a real emphasis and commitment to wellness and creativity.

"We had a 30-day Wellness challenge early in the year with a focus on kindness and gratitude, which was very successful. Our students also excelled in extracurriculars like drama and e-sports, where our Minecraft team secured third place provincially."

Principal Alcock says of the grads, “They embodied the school’s core values of safety, consideration, and respect. I am proud of their positive influence as mentors and role models.”

She notes that students that attend Shevchenko travel in from nearby communities including Sundown, Tolstoi, and Roseau River, besides those living in Vita.

Looking ahead, Principal Alcock encourages the graduates with the following. "No matter what path you choose, continue to be yourselves. We all make mistakes, so use that as an opportunity to learn and become stronger to reach your goals because of them."

Shevchenko valedictorians for 2024 are Nathan Storoschuk and Annika Thiessen. When asked what she would most remember from her time in high school, Annika says, “The friends I’ve made here. The "Kelly breaks" during our visits to the administrative office. Kelly, is the name of our administrative assistant, and she has been like a friend to many of us.”

Nathan, on the other hand, says he’s enjoyed his time on the golf team and credits his math teacher, Hal Lavery for making school fun.

When it comes to after-high-school-plans, Annika, says she plans to attend a music and worship discipleship training school with Y.W.A.M. in New Zealand before pursuing nursing at Brandon University. She says the following words of encouragement for her peers. "After thirteen years of schooling, keep moving forward and pursuing your dreams." 

While Nathan is looking forward to going to the U of M in hopes of becoming a structural engineer and shares his thoughts of well-wishes with his classmates. "Everyone’s journey is different, so follow your passions and live life to the fullest.”

Principal Alcock notes, many of the students will be going to university in the fall, while others have jobs in the Vita area working in barns and learning trades.

Shevchenko School's graduation ceremony and celebrations are taking place on Friday, June 21 in Vita.