One of the island’s newest residents, teenager Sophia Hlushchenko, escaped her Russian-occupied homeland in Ukraine and arrived in Vero just in time to attend orientation at Indian River Charter High School and start fall classes with her new classmates.

The affinity Sophia and her friend Alexandra “Sasha” Anikina, the most enthusiastic supporter of Hlushchenko’s American dream, developed half a world apart via Zoom made her arrival here even more exciting.

“The first time we met,” Hlushchenko recalls, “we hugged and were extremely happy!”

“Meeting Sophia was easily the most exciting, heartwarming experience I have ever had in my life,” Anikina said. “Seeing her here, safe and smiling, made me feel that all the work done by the school, teachers, and kids was worth it.”

Over the past nine months, Charter students and teachers raised funds to cover travel expenses. A 32963 family is graciously hosting the long-awaited 16-year-old since she landed from her nerve-racking journey – Hlushchenko’s arrival a testament to the whole Vero Beach community coming together to help.

Maddie Ritter first “met” Hlushchenko on the other end of a wide-screen Zoom call to Ukraine during an all-student assembly last school year. Deeply moved by the words of the teenager, Ritter became one of many students who immediately donated to help bring her to Charter. 

“I’ve seen so many international students enroll in our school, and they love it as much as I do,” Ritter said. “I didn’t want Sophia to not have that opportunity.  I gave what I could.  Having her safe, here on campus, gives me a wonderful sense of pride.”

Student Jacqueline Anding said she learned a great deal from the whole experience. “It was so cool to communicate with Sophia in the Ukraine. Seeing her on the screen brought her to life, and made me realize she’s a real human being going through a hard situation and all she wanted to do was come to our school,” she said. “Seeing Sophia here, knowing I supported that, makes me feel very good, but it makes me feel even better for Sophia.”

“I donated so Sophie could experience Charter in her own way,” added student Noah Strater.

Families who host international students are typically compensated, but for the beachside couple, who wish to remain anonymous, welcoming Hlushchenko into their home is a way to repay the kindness and shelter shown their own family members displaced during World War II. 

Sadly, several of the adult relatives did not survive the war, but the children were evacuated to England “when bombing was at its worst,” the wife said. “My parents and godmother had happy childhoods despite the war. They were safe, loved and encouraged when their own parents couldn’t be with them. I hope, Sophia, that we will be able to do the same for you during your time here in Vero Beach.”

Eight decades later, Hlushchenko embarked on her own journey to a better life. After confirming with Charter that everything was arranged in Vero, Hlushchenko set out through Russian-held territory with the goal of reaching Warsaw.

“Early morning, with two suitcases, we left our occupied hometown. Our driver gets money to help you get out of the occupied territory. We spent all the money our family was saving for my university education,” she said.

The driver prepared her mother to be interviewed by Russian security officers at a check point, as incorrect answers to the probing questions could have had grave consequences. They drove to a border mostly used for prisoner exchanges, had their luggage checked and answered more questions. Then they walked 2.5 kilometers on a bomb-ravaged road to reach free Ukrainian territory.

“We were totally exhausted,” she said. “When I finally saw a Ukrainian flag, I started crying and couldn’t believe that I see it. Volunteers took us to the railway station and we went to stay with relatives in a free territory of Ukraine.”

Hlushchenko received assistance organizing required documents and flight tickets from International Cultural Exchange Services, a nonprofit student academic and exchange organization. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is closed, so Hlushchenko and her mother traveled nine hours by train to Warsaw, Poland, to obtain her student Visa.

“In the U.S. Embassy I had an interview with a consul who said my dream phrase: ‘Your visa was approved,’” Hlushchenko said.

She kissed her mother good-bye, then flew from Warsaw to Frankfurt, Germany, then to Orlando the next day. On July 30 the two returned to Warsaw, this time to the airport.

“We arrived late, and there were huge lines at Customs and baggage claim. Then, as I left Customs, I saw my host family holding a huge poster which said, ‘Welcome Sophia! We are so happy you are here!’ with lots of notes of welcome,” she said.

She woke the next morning in Vero Beach, finally.

“Within the first few days in the USA I got a feeling that I’m living my dream. I still can’t believe I’m here now! My host family is so nice; I love them so much. They really care for me,” Hlushchenko said.

The Charter students lavished attention on their new classmate, showing her around to her classes, offering help and answering questions.

“I really love Charter and Florida. The nature and climate are wonderful. I love the ocean!”

Through an athletic partnership with Master’s Academy, Hlushchenko will be playing on the junior varsity volleyball team and making friends in that school community, too.

“I love all my classes and teachers. It’s really fun and interesting to study at an American high school, and Charter has lots of art opportunities. All my electives are from Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Graphic design is going to be my major at the university,” Hlushchenko said.

To help raise $20,000 for Sophia’s ongoing expenses, a Fashion For Freedom Fundraiser will take place at 7 p.m. in Charter Hall.  Tickets are available through the On The Stage event ticketing app under Indian River Charter High School. For more information, call 772-567-6600.

(Third in an occasional series.)