MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Union High School Student Coalition On Human Rights (SCOHR) is inviting the public to join them in a vigil to support the people of Ukraine on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Middlebury Town Green gazebo.

“We condemn the tragic and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces,” write the students. “We join together to mourn those who have lost their lives to this senseless violence as well as to support and comfort all those in our community who are grieving during this painful time.”

MUHS exchange student Diana Herasim, a 15-year-old from Ukraine, will speak at the vigil. Read more about her here.

Diana addressed the MUHS community on March 10 during a student-led day of solidarity with Ukraine. Her words have offered a powerful connection for her fellow students to the events in Ukraine. Diana shared that she is grateful to have opportunities to support her home country from afar. David Rose, a representative for ASSE, the international student exchange program that placed Diana at MUHS, will introduce her at the vigil. He said that Diana is doing everything she can to bring attention to the war.

“She speaks to her brother and father in Ukraine almost every day and has tragic news and stories of what is happening,” he said, “ She wants the world to know of these events.”

Superintendent Peter Burrows shared his support for the students’ actions: “In the face of the disturbing humanitarian attacks on the people of Ukraine, we are grateful to our ACSD students and staff for standing up and  lighting the way in our local and global community.”

Becca Orten, an MUHS junior and SCOHR member, will emcee the vigil and Jessica Allen, chorial teacher and director of Music at the Congregational Church of Middlebury, will lead everyone in a song. The group has also invited Ukrainian students from Middlebury College.