Students at DVSS shared a message of support and hope to students in Ukraine.
Grade 10 student Olivia Anderson, was inspired to compile a video to support students who are trying to piece together their education in the war-torn country, by Lynn Hemming who was substituting in math.
“She was telling us she had plans to teach classes of Ukrainian students over Zoom, and she wanted to make something for them, like a video or some message from a student at DVSS,” Anderson explained. “I was approached by Mr. Bjel (social studies teacher) if I was willing to get more involved with making a video and I said yes it would probably be an interesting project.”
Ms. Hemming found a volunteer opportunity to teach Ukrainian students who attend a private school in Kyiv twice a week.
“Most of them are out of the country for safety. I found out about this volunteer opportunity and have really enjoyed working with these kids who are between 10 and 14 years of age and am doing two lessons a week with them,” explained Hemming.
She said while she had an initial idea, when Anderson got involved it took things a step further.
Anderson set about gathering messages of support, words of encouragement, and poetry. She herself prepared a poem for the project. She compiled it using her video editing skills and packaged it.
“I really enjoy putting together short films and whatnot,” said Anderson, adding it was quite easy to have students participate.
“I think everyone is affected by the war in some way.”
Last week Hemming had the opportunity to share the video with students she is working with in Ukraine and it was very well received.
“I played that video to these kids in Ukraine who are living under some horrendous circumstances and they absolutely loved it,” said Hemming.
She also passed along a message from one of the teachers she is working with. It reads, “I’m impressed by the movie, and I am impressed that all these people spent their time, tried to describe the feeling we have, tried to find the words of support, made this movie.
“I am so thankful to you personally and to all people who feel so empathy for our nation. And yes - like it said in the movie - Stay strong. We are and we will.”
Anderson is grateful for the opportunity to use her skills in a positive way.
“Every message and every word we said was entirely genuine, and I’m glad I could create a video that really helps make that come across,” said Anderson.

    It has been a couple of years, but the volunteer players at Kaleidoscope Theatre are itching to get back on stage.
    COVID led to the cancellation of many things, including good ol’ live theatre. This week Kaleidoscope is hosting auditions for their summer production, Sweet Charity. Becky Neuman is directing the Neil Simon musical and is excited to be getting back at it.
    “I just received all the materials and as the closer we are getting to auditions, I just thought ‘this is going to be so much fun!’” said Neuman. “It’s always a lot of work but it is a lot of fun.”
    It has been a couple of years since the theatre group has been able to put on a production, and their tradition is to present a musical every other summer.
    “We miss the one we did last year, so we are going to try and pick it up this year,” said Neuman.”The last one we did was Sister Act in 2019.”
    Neuman is familiar with Sweet Charity.
    “It has some great music like ‘Hey Big Spender’ and ‘Riddle of Life’ and ‘If My Friends Could See me now,’” she said.
    Sweet Charity premiered on Broadway in 1966 and was brought to the Hollywood screen with Shirley McLaine starring as Charity Hope Valentine, desperately seeking love in New York City in the 1960s. Charity tries, again and again, to find her dream and make something of herself.
    They have had one round of auditions already and they are happening again on Wednesday, April 27, and Thursday, April 28. They are also looking for musicians to make up an ensemble. She says not only are audience members looking forward to the production but so are potential performers.
    “I have had people texting me saying it is so nice to be thinking about doing another show,” she said. “My biggest concern is about getting enough men, that’s always the concern. A lot are working, and a lot like to sing on their own but have never done something on stage.”
    Auditions begin at 7:30 p.m. on each day. They are looking for four males and for females as well as a chorus. Please come prepared with a short song and wear something easy to move in. Please enter Kaleidoscope through the public entrance.