Bi-Cultural, Bi-Lingual Leaders of the Future

All across the United States, children whose first language is not English make up a significant portion of the student population. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, there are approximately 47,567 English Language Learners (ELLs) speaking 229 different languages in Pennsylvania alone.

In an article for Scholastic, Kenneth Shore, Psy.D., wrote: “it is estimated that this population (ELL) is growing two-and-half times faster than that of native English-speaking students.” These are students with a wide variety of life experiences, interests and attributes that can significantly enrich our schools and enhance learning for all of our students.

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are a vital part of the education system because they provide opportunities for success for non-native English speakers, they foster an appreciation of cultural and linguistic diversity, and they enrich the learning environment by encouraging all students to connect with their own cultural heritage as well as show an interest in others.

With this in mind, Luminari launched a new opportunity to engage these bi-cultural, bilingual leaders of the future by inviting ESL teachers and programs across Allegheny County to participate in its annual Luminari Award by nominating an ESL student to participate.  

Working within local school districts, the innovative leaders and educators at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) who help to develop programs and curriculum that celebrate and value diversity in the classroom, enthusiastically embraced our program.

It is our honor to introduce you to the very first ESL Luminari Award winner: Vladyslav Makarenko, a student at Mellon Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District who was nominated by Charlene Byrd, M.Ed., K-12 ESL teacher.

By Sarah McCluan, Supervisor, Communication Services, Allegheny Intermediate Unit

When 13-year old Vladyslav Makarenko grows up, he would like to be an engineer, just like his dad. With soft brown eyes and an infectious smile, Vlad is like many students his age. He likes sports and grilled chicken. His favorite class is tech education. He is a member of the swim club. And he loves cherry pie.

           

But as a recent immigrant from the Ukraine, Vlad’s life experiences have already given him wisdom beyond his tender years. In December 2012, Vlad and his family emigrated from Kiev to the United States, and settled in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. “It was in the winter, and it was very cold,” he recalled.

He enrolled in Mt. Lebanon’s Mellon Middle School and soon was scheduled in an ESL class led by AIU teacher Mrs. Charlene Byrd.  A passionate educator, Mrs. Byrd is inspired by her students, and loves helping them adapt to their new culture and language. “I try to stay one step ahead of them.  They have already faced so many challenges in their young lives, yet they are invariably pleasant, motivated and hard-working,” she said.

           

Although somewhat hesitant at first, Vlad has quickly made friends in his new community and sees differences between his new school, and his old one in the Ukraine. “Here we have lockers, more computers and Google Drive. There is a looser dress code here too,” he said smiling.

           

While Vlad has quickly adjusted to his new routine, the conflict that continues in the Ukraine is still very much part of the fabric of his life. As he Skypes and texts with his friends in Kiev, Vlad is keenly aware of the effects of world events, and seeks to gain a greater understanding about them.

This is one of the reasons why Vlad is excited to be part of the Luminari’s I Want to be an Ambassador! Camp. Luminari is a nonprofit organization founded to broaden minds, inspire innovations and promote community engagement. At its annual I Want to be an Ambassador! Camp experience, which will be held in June, middle and high school students will be introduced to the art of diplomacy while increasing their cultural awareness and sensitivity. Vlad was awarded a scholarship to the camp, and he will study at the Heinz History Center and at various locations in Washington DC. 

           

Vlad earned the scholarship after completing an essay which explained why he would benefit from the experience. “I want to learn how to be an ambassador to solve some family conflicts. Right now my dad and his father have a conflict about the Ukrainian situation with Russia. They have two different main ideas about that situation…If I learned how to be an ambassador, I would use negotiation and make them tolerate each other faster.”

Congratulations to Vladyslav Makarenko for his enthusiasm, determination and resilience.

Vlad's award was featured on the Mt. Lebanon School District's web site.