Lifelong impact of a faith-based education, rich in culture and tradition

I attended IHMS for grades 1 to 9 and graduated in 1988. Highlights include numerous Ukrainian productions, such as a memorable performance in Grade 2 when about a dozen of us squeezed into a giant mitten, monthly liturgies with Fr. Isadore, playing tetherball, football, and soccer on the concrete tarmac, and representing IHMS on sports teams.

Another standout moment was when St. Vladimir’s College (SVC) played our basketball team in a friendly scrimmage, and the entire student body packed into the gym to cheer on both teams. Later that fall, several of us IHMS Grade 9 graduates attended SVC in Roblin to continue our education at a Ukrainian Catholic high school.

Life at St. Vlad’s was a special time as it deepened my love and appreciation for our Ukrainian culture—a passion that my parents, Walter and Isabel Lukie, instilled in us (Andrea, Chris, Mia, and me) at an early age.

From childhood, we attended St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church weekly, and participated in many activities, such as the annual Praznyk, Christmas concerts, Ukrainian dancing, and altar boy duties, which Dad proudly led with other fathers.

Looking back, experiences of faith, culture, and family have stood the test of time. Many alumni, including myself, are now regular cantors at our respective churches and we still get up to Ukrainian dance for a joyous kolomeyka!

I attended University of Manitoba for one year, then transferred to University of Winnipeg where I completed both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education. My first teaching job was at St. Ignatius School in Winnipeg. During this time, I also joined Hoosli, and sang with them until I moved to Calgary.

Though it broke my parents’ hearts when I left Winnipeg, I needed to be closer to the mountains for mountain biking and skiing. In Calgary, I quickly became involved with St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Parish and joined the choir, only to discover that Dad’s cousin was the conductor. It was comforting to have family nearby, and I know it helped Mom and Dad feel better about my move.

I met my wife, Erin (Reeves), in Calgary, and we married in 2004. Our son, Wyatt (2005) is currently in his second year of Business at St. Francis Xavier University. In 2006, we moved to New Brunswick, as my wife’s parents were retiring to the East Coast, where her mother was born and raised.

I quickly embraced our new waterfront location on the St. John River, learning to sail, and eventually buying a sailboat. A highlight was sailing across the Bay of Fundy from Saint John, NB, to Digby, NS. I now have a deep respect for the ocean and water after a few close calls during races.

Our daughter, Amelia (2007) is completing grade 12 and will attend San Jose State University on a water polo scholarship this fall. We were blessed with twins, Scarlet and Josephine (2009), who are in grade 10 and play competitive soccer and water polo.

I completed my Master of Education in Curriculum and Administration in 2010. In 2016, we moved back to Calgary and settled into a routine of skiing, sports, travel, and work. Shortly after returning to Calgary, I became an Assistant Principal with the Calgary Catholic School District, then became a Vice-Principal at St. Mary’s High School. In response to the recent invasion of Ukraine, I started a Ukrainian Club at the school, where we welcomed several Ukrainian students.

I am currently the Principal at St. Mark Elementary School in Calgary and truly love every minute of it. I am grateful for the foundation of family values, faith, and the strength of belonging to such a beautiful culture as the Ukrainian community—values that my parents, IHMS, and St. Vlad’s provided.

I have always carried with me the respect of greeting, “Glory be to Jesus, Glory be forever,” not just as a flag-waving gesture of faith and culture for Ukraine, but as a greeting of hope and peace. I truly thank my parents and the IHMS staff for the unique experiences and education that I now share with my own family.

To catch up with more IHMS alumni, download your copy of From the Heart.