The valedictorian from Vita's Shevchenko School is offering an apologetic message to his fellow graduates. The school's grad is happening today (June 19th).

“I’m really sorry for everyone,” says Matthew Boyechko, “that we kind of had to lose the last free year of our life, where we’re young and don’t have all these really big responsibilities.”

A sentiment shared with his school principal, Peter Osadchuk. “The biggest challenge was just not being able to have those face to face meetings,” he says.

“There are numerous times in a day when I’ll either be in the hallway or the foyer and see that look on a student’s face where you know they’re either really excited about something or you know that there is something on their mind.”

Boyechko solidifies Osadchuk's stance admitting it was hard on him not being at the school with teachers and classmates yet still having to complete assignments. 

Peter Osadchuk, Shevchenko School Principal

“The teachers were really good about the work and being there to help us,” says Boyechko, “but you’re kind of forced to do this in all the free time that you now have, so it’s really hard to put yourself to the task.”

Still, neither has a hard time finding some positives in the situation. “Every year when I see a group of students graduate, I always make time to reflect on what their time at Shevchenko was like, “says Osadchuk, “and with this class, I see really strong friendships that will probably last a lifetime.”

For Boyechko, helping people is what has him motivated to take the next step, which after a year of work, could very well be psychology or therapy.

“I would love to help people with their problems,” offers the valedictorian, “because I really do believe mental health is a difficult thing for a lot of people. And I just want to help out with that.”