Posted on November 5, 2025
Categories: News from SDP, Student of the Month

When Kateryna Sobolevska walks the halls of George Washington High School, she carries a story of courage, perseverance, and quiet strength. Fleeing Ukraine at the start of the war, she arrived in Philadelphia as a freshman with her mother and younger brother, while her father stayed behind to defend their homeland. What began in uncertainty has become a story of extraordinary resilience and triumph.

Starting in Sheltered classes, Kateryna faced the challenges of learning a new language and culture while worrying for her family. Through determination and grace, she rose to the top—now an International Baccalaureate Diploma student, National Honor Society member, and ranked among the top ten in her class.

Over the summer, Kateryna was one of only 14 students nationwide selected for Princeton University’s prestigious Summer Journalism Program, where she lived on campus, learned from professionals, and published two articles in Princeton’s Summer Journal.

She credits her teachers, Mr. Marchio, Mr. Connelly, Ms. Lozzi, and Mr. Decker, for pushing her to reach her full potential. “My teachers have been my main support,” she says. “They shaped me into the person I am today.”

Through the IB program and NHS, Kateryna has learned discipline, leadership, and time management, skills she’ll carry into college and beyond. She describes the Philadelphia high school experience as one filled with “diversity, opportunity, and resilience,” where students learn to adapt, connect, and thrive.

“I’d like to be remembered as someone kind, hardworking, and dedicated, someone who stayed true to her values and gave her best effort no matter how hard things got.”

From Sheltered classes to the top of her class, from a new country to Princeton University’s campus, Kateryna’s story reminds us that strength isn’t defined by circumstance, but by spirit. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of hope in motion.

We are proud to call Kateryna Sobolevska our Senior of the Month, and an extraordinary example of what it means to soar as a GW Eagle.

We asked Kateryna our favorite list of questions:

Why do you think you were nominated as Senior of the Month? I think I was nominated as Senior of the Month because I always try to give my best effort, stay positive and kind and help others. I work hard both in and out of the classroom and take my responsibilities seriously.

You were nominated by Teacher, William Marchio. Explain your relationship to him?  I was nominated by my Mr. Marchio, who had been my English teacher, advisor and IB coordinator for the past year. Mr. Marchio has played a big role in my high school experience by encouraging me to grow both as a student and a person. He has always been someone I could turn to for advice and guidance and a person who inspired me to keep pushing through challenges. Mr. Marchio changed my perspective on how I view my future and made me confident about my goals.

What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know about my deep interest in psychology. One thing that makes me excited about Psychology is exploring how the human brain works. When I read something new about psychology or discover new case studies, I feel like I am uncovering hidden truths about human nature.

What do you enjoy most when you are not at school? I love spending time in nature. Even a few hours in the park without my phone makes me feel fulfilled and ready to get back to work. I can sometimes achieve that sense of peace just by walking around my neighborhood in Philadelphia listening to music to clear my head.

How did you choose your high school?  Originally, I chose my school because it offers the most diverse community of students, and here I can connect with people with whom I share the same background. Something that excited me the most is the opportunity to encounter academic challenges while being a part of a community.

What is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to students? I think that the School District of Philadelphia should offer more college planning support to ensure a smooth transition from high school experience to the college campus. Throughout the process of college applications, students experience a lot of stress and pressure, so the availability of more mental health resources would be very beneficial.

Kateryna, we are so excited for you – best of luck in the college and career of your dreams!