Sofiya Karpovich
Blendon Middle School hosted the final Westerville City Schools ESL (English as a Second Language) parent meeting on Monday, May 4. Holocaust survivor Sofiya Karpovich shared her story of overcoming some of the darkest days in world history. Although her childhood was marked by life in a Nazi-ruled Ukrainian ghetto, Karpovich always maintains a positive outlook and has created a happy, successful life for herself and her family. She recalled her brushes with death, and remains grateful to be alive to spread her message of hope, guiding new generations of people to achieve their dreams. Through education, Karpovich enjoyed a great career as a mechanical engineer in the Ukraine. Karpovich, like many audience members, learned English after her family came to the United States. She became a teacher at a Montessori school. She continues to tell her inspirational story today, as she feels a sense of responsibility to speak for those who did not survive.
At the conclusion of the meeting, ESL parents who needed assistance in enrolling their children in summer education programs received help with completing forms.