B-UHS and Friends, Songs for Ukraine

Want to join us in making a difference? The Buckhannon-Upshur High School Music department and its friends (West Virginia Wesleyan College Choir directed by Dan Hughes, Lewis County High School Choir directed by Martinia Norman, and community musicians) are raising money to benefit the Ukrainian Children's Aid and Relief Effort, Inc., and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our department.

Our department has a personal connection to Ukraine. A few years ago the B-UHS choir director Mr. Smallridge hosted a foreign exchange student from Ukraine named Veronika who was a proud member of both the B-UHS choir and band programs. While here Veronika made many friends and continues to stay in touch with them and her host family. We are heartbroken for what is happening in her home country and want to help. Music is our tool for doing so. To that end, we will be creating two music videos, the first is of the B-UHS Orchestra playing the Ukrainian National Anthem with special guests Katie Loudin (Upshur County Schools Board Member), Brandon Williams (B-UHS Assistant Principal), and Felicia Burger-Westfall-Johnston (retired teacher), and community members Sofia Heath and Allison Dravis. The second video will feature the combined B-UHS, LCHS, and WVWC choirs performing "A Ukrainian Prayer" by John Rutter.

More information about Ukrainian Children's Aid and Relief Effort, Inc.: Our Mission is to improve the quality of life and health of children residing in the Ukrainian orphanage system and create opportunities for these children to reach their maximum potential. Our focus is on the medical and educational needs of orphaned children in Ukraine. We cover costs of medicines, surgeries, and hospital stays for children with disabilities. We enable young adults who age out of the orphanage system to further their education at universities, colleges, and trade schools.