Ukrainian refugee graduates from Philly high school with big dreams

My name is Maria Stavlina and I am from Ukraine. That was my dream. Everybody wants to come to the United States. So when the war has started and USA government opened program United for Ukraine, my parents decided to apply for it. America gives very, very big opportunities and I would never imagine and expect that I would go to Center City, Philadelphia, Center City, like one of the most beautiful cities. I graduated from Strict Theory School of Design and I took two years of college course and I earned associate degree. So I very loudly and proudly present the IB Top Student Award of Excellence to Maria Stavlina. It's very hurt when your classmates, when your friends in Ukraine study in basements so I just wanted to help with because I have a lot of opportunities here. I got involved with organizations like Bridges 2030 and the team. We organized United Hearts United Nations event, charity event, where we collected more than five thousand dollars. Yeah, I just said thank you everyone for coming. Bridges 2030 is a non-profit organization based in Philadelphia supporting forcibly displaced families and educating our next generation of change makers. Ukraine is at the focus of our efforts right now. The project led by Maria and her group started with a bake sale and I like the colors of the Ukrainian flag on the pastries. Oh yes. Then we went to the concert led and managed and directed and prepared by the students and then we connected with the business community that got very involved as well. Everybody wanted to contribute, you know. And we're grateful to be involved with an organization called Team based out of New Jersey that will match the funds and allow us to continue our efforts. There are not enough words to describe Maria. She is unique. She's the future of Ukraine. She's the pride of Ukraine and she has done incredible work in amplifying the voices of her people, her country and their fight for democracy. My dream job? To be a creative director. Like to create big events, fundraising events, just fashion events because I'm really into fashion and designs and I love all of that. I was targeting on the new school, Parsons School of Design in New York. I'm thinking of going there and I'm really in the process and my hope for Ukraine is the war to get finished as soon as possible and there will be a long and very successful peace.