This week's Superhero of the Week is Andriy Ovod, a senior at Cedarburg High School. Ovod will graduate in June with a 4.5 GPA and an impressive high school record that includes being named a Wisconsin Global Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Honor Society.
Ovod's accomplishments are even more remarkable considering he did not speak English when he started preschool in the Cedarburg school system. Ovod was born in Ukraine in 2004, and immigrated to the United States in 2005 when his dad was awarded a green card. During the family's first few years in the country, Ovod's parents worked so often that he spend much of his time with his grandparents back in Ukraine.
Throughout preschool, Ovod recalled being "awkwardly dragged out of class" to work on his English language skills; however, as he grew up, he said he "began to understand" that he needed to repay his parents for the sacrifices they made for him. In middle school, Ovod broke school track records and became a student ambassador, but he said it wasn't until high school that his real journey began.
Ovod joined various clubs and played soccer, working hard to succeed in everything he did. He has served as Student Council President since 2021 and as FBLA and DECA chapter president since 2019.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Ovod joined rallies, organized fundraisers and performed Ukranian dances to help spread his culture. He was selected as one of two to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in a simulated Senate program. While in D.C., Ovod had the opportunity to speak with senators and representatives on behalf of Ukraine.
In addition to his academics and activism, Ovod also works as a manager of Out and Out eatery in Cedarburg.
Join us in congratulating Ovod as our Superhero of the Week!