Ukrainian teen who fled war-torn country awarded school Dux after straight A results

A Ukrainian teenager who fled his war-torn country two years ago has been awarded school Dux.

Despite having to learn English, 16-year-old fifth year pupil Matvii Mishyn secured straight A results for his higher exams at Monifieth High School.

He only arrived in Angus two years ago after fleeing Dnipro in July 2022.

Matvii told STV News: “It was very confusing at first, I was getting lost at school quite a lot of the time and I also didn’t understand the system of marking and the grades, so it was challenging at first.

“But then I got to know the system, then I got to know people, and it was much easier for me to study.”

The Dux award is presented to the top pupil in a school in recognition of their achievements.

Matvii secured straight A results across three sciences, English and mathematics, coming top of the class.

It’s something his mother Varvara is extremely proud of.

She said: “Of course, I’m absolutely happy, and I’m proud of him, and I hope that he has a fantastic future in Scotland.”

The host family who opened their doors to Varvara and her children when they first arrived in Scotland, joined them at the awards ceremony.

Matvii said: “They were so excited and so surprised by my achievements because it’s not a common thing to achieve as a person from a different country.”

Before his family were forced to leave Ukraine, Matvii already had a passion for science subjects.

It’s something he was able to continue here, and his teachers were keen to support him.

Matvii added: “They were definitely much more patient towards me and much more dedicated to teaching because it’s not easy to teach the person who doesn’t really speak English, at that time obviously, and they were very passionate about their job.”

Matvii’s former head teacher, Andy Dingwall, said: “At Monifieth High School, we’re all about trying to prepare young people for success, and it’s all about doing that through our values.

“Respect, careness, kindness.

“Matvii just demonstrates those daily. He’s just exceptionally hardworking, hugely motivated, a kind, respectful person, and it’s just fantastic to see the success he’s reaped from that.”

Next month, Matvii will start a biomedical science course at Dundee University and has his future set on becoming a medical doctor.

He wants to help other people and demonstrate the kindness he was shown.

Matvii said: “It’s all about hard work, so if you’ve put enough work into your studying process, you’ll definitely get good results.

“If you’re actually trying to achieve something, you will achieve something.”