Luke Shkavritko is a junior at CCS who has been attending Carmel since the 6th grade. Originally from Rochester, New York, Shkavritko’s early years were spent surrounded by the diverse culture of his hometown. In 2018, his family made the decision to move to North Carolina, and Shkavritko transitioned from his familiar surroundings in Rochester to the welcoming environment here at Carmel. The decision was influenced by his parents, but Shkavritko quickly embraced the change, seeing it as an opportunity for new experiences and growth. Though the move meant leaving behind his childhood home, it did not take long for Shkavritko to settle into his new life at Carmel. He appreciates the community and sense of place that Carmel offers.

An area that Shkavritko appreciates about Carmel is the school’s arts program, which has been a significant part of his experience since his arrival. Whether painting, sketching or sewing clothes/sweaters, Shkavritko has always been interested in creativity. He has a passion for  artistic activities, and he uses his talents to create unique projects that reflect his distinctive style and imagination.

The support from teachers such as Donna Gooch and Ben Bash has had a huge impact on Shkavritko’s artistic development. Shkavritko states, “the people make the arts program.” He appreciates how these educators not only support his talents but also offer an environment where creativity is encouraged and celebrated. For him, having such supportive figures in his artistic and academic journey has left a huge impact on his creative abilities and his passion for learning.

In addition to his interest in art, Shkavritko also enjoys collecting records as a hobby.  His collection includes music from rock bands such as Her’s. This passion for vinyl records showcases Shkavritko’s love for discovering new music and creativity, alongside his appreciation of the past. He not only enjoys flipping through records, trying to find that perfect one, but also listening to music, in its “purest” form, gives him a deeper appreciation for both the sound and creativity involved in music production.

As Shkavritko continues his journey at Carmel, his passion for art, music and creativity continues to grow. With a strong foundation in the arts program and supportive figures, Shkavritko is well on his way to developing a wide range of skills that he can utilize in whatever path he chooses to follow after high school.