Ukrainian-American students make up a core part of the Saint Ignatius community. This group has become even larger in recent years, with newer waves of immigration following the fall of the USSR and even more recently, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. 

This has led to many of these Ukrainian-American students, and even some Ukrainian-American teachers forming a Ukrainian heritage club to promote Ukrainian culture to bring Ukrainian-American students together. 

“My favorite part is the interactive activities we do, like when we watch Ukrainian cartoons or listen to Ukrainian music. For me, it really gives me a connection to my own culture,” said Paul Skomoroch. 

Skomoroch has been a member of the club for his entire time at Saint Ignatius and is currently on the executive board.

Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian students at Saint Ignatius have mobilized to advocate support of Ukraine not only on their own, but they have used this club as a vehicle to demonstrate their support and spread their message throughout Saint Ignatius. A fruit of these efforts is seen in the link, where students can see a Ukrainian flag hanging in the window as they walk up the stairs.

For many members of the club, it is not just about supporting Ukraine, but preserving the culture that their families brought to America. For others, mainly non-Ukrainian, or even non-Slavic people who come to the club, it’s mainly learning about the Ukrainian tradition and belief systems that brings people there. 

“We have a lot planned, and our goal with every activity is to promote Ukrainian culture and history to the wider school community. We want to make a few presentations throughout the year about Ukraine’s past, present, and future.,” said Skomoroch.

Club Ukraine promotes the rich history and traditions of the Ukrainian diaspora, and even if you’re not Ukrainian, it is a welcoming place to learn about a thriving culture.