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Ukrainian Youth Find Hope in Their Heritage

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Two young students in a classroom setting, one seated and the other standing, raising their hands enthusiastically while their classmates are also visible in the background.
Four young women are seated in a room, engaged in conversation. The background appears to be a plain, light-colored wall.

Ukrainian Youth Find Hope in Their Heritage

Empowerment and heritage took center stage as student leaders from Adrienne C. Nelson High School hosted the fourth annual Leleka Ukrainian Youth Conference. Named after the white stork that symbolizes home and hope in Ukrainian folklore, the event was established four years ago when a small cohort of Nelson’s Ukrainian students asked ELD Paraeducator Nataliia Zybachynska to help them form a club dedicated to navigating their cultural and educational journeys together. Today, the conference serves a vital and growing community; while Ukrainians make up roughly 0.56% of Clackamas County’s population, they represent 1.07% of the North Clackamas School District student body—a figure that likely undercounts the population due to increased bilingualism at home or occasional misidentification at registration.

This year’s summit was distinguished by a keynote address from Judge Adrienne C. Nelson herself, who drew powerful parallels between her own journey as a young Black woman striving for recognition and the lived experiences of Ukrainian students who navigate the socio-economic and cultural challenges often faced by immigrant and minority populations. Judge Nelson’s presence emphasized the importance of civic leadership and set an encouraging tone for the day. Following her address, a panel of local Ukrainian professionals shared candid reflections on the unique hurdles of navigating American systems not originally designed for their success. They highlighted how a blend of fierce personal determination and the strategic use of community supports allowed them to not only thrive but also become pillars for the next generation, proving that cultural identity can be a source of strength rather than a barrier.

The remainder of the day focused on practical, future-oriented development through specialized workshops designed to equip students with the tools for economic and academic mobility. Participants engaged in "deep dives" into college applications and scholarship acquisition, while others explored high-growth careers in the tech industry and the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.

By combining the wisdom of established mentors with actionable career advice, the Leleka Conference ensures that as the Ukrainian population grows, its youth are equipped to transform their cultural resilience into long-term success.

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Two young students in a classroom setting, one seated and the other standing, raising their hands enthusiastically while their classmates are also visible in the background.
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A group of people, likely students, are seated around tables in a classroom-like setting, engaged in various activities and discussions.
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A map of Ukraine is displayed on a whiteboard, with various photos attached to it, against a backdrop of clothing and other items.
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The image shows a group of young women gathered together, engaged in what appears to be a collaborative activity or discussion. They are seated around a table, with various items and materials visible in the background, suggesting an educational or creative setting.
A group of young people gathered around a table, engaged in what appears to be a collaborative activity or discussion, with colorful balloons decorating the background.
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