Valley Christian graduate broke from religious persecution, now leads student body

When Violetta Tsyukalo emigrated from Ukraine with her family as a toddler, her parents hoped for a better future for their children. The Valley Christian valedictorian is living out those dreams.

“Moving to America was the best opportunity my parents could give their children to live without religious persecution and let us grow up in a better, safer environment,” she said. This hit home when she visited Ukraine with her family in 2008.

“It was really impactful to learn this is where I came from and this is the life I would have lived,” she said. “It was humbling to know how blessed I am and how much sacrifice my family made for us … giving up family ties to bring us here.”

Tsyukalo has worked hard to honor that sacrifice. As the school’s spiritual life representative for more than two years, she’s coordinated the weekly student chapel, finding speakers, setting themes and addressing the students.

“I had to step out of my comfort zone and speak in front of the whole high school,” she said. “That was scary, but it helped me grow as a person and develop my character.”

History teacher and ASB adviser Chad Kimberley said Tsyukalo excelled in the role, developing from a quiet underclassman into a confident leader.

“She’s more willing to speak publicly and to challenge folks. She’s still quiet by nature but picks places to speak out more publicly, more boldly … You see her shine. She shares her own heart at times and leads student body through the spiritual aspect of our school. She does a great job,” said Kimberley, adding that Tsyukalo is well-liked and respected with staff and speakers as well as her peers.

“That’s a tough double to pull off at times. They’ll seek her out for advice and they’ll listen to her,” he said. “Everyone who interacts with her walks away impressed and challenged. She leaves people challenged and encouraged to live their life best.”

Tsyukalo has also excelled academically, earning a 4.0 and a scholarship to study at Gonzaga University in the fall. She said she wants to be known as a hard worker who is reliable and trustworthy.

“Those are the values I strive for because I realize they’re important in the bigger scope of things,” she said.

Kimberley said that’s the reputation she’s already developed.

“She has a great work ethic. She works extremely hard to get things done. She’s learned to balance well in life between leadership, school responsibilities and extracurriculars,” he said.

During her schooling, Tsyukalo tried a variety of activities, from volleyball and Knowledge Bowl to choir and drama, which she said have helped her become well-rounded. She also enjoys cooking and baking and has considered owning a bakery someday.

“I love being able to bake for other people. I’ll drop off cookies at a friend’s house. It’s something so simple but it can bring people joy. It’s encouraging for me to encourage those people,” she said. “I’d like to find a job where I can really help people and do something in ministry.”