Connecting the Classroom to Current Events

On Friday, March 11, St. Luke’s Upper School history classes had the opportunity to talk with Col. Robert Peters, who served as the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation Chief in the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv from 2017 to 2019. Col. Peters gave the students a brief history of Ukraine, focusing on its struggle for independence. Using a historical lens and sharing his military insight, he talked about why this conflict is of strategic importance for Ukraine, Russia, and NATO, and why Russia has found it more challenging than expected.

After a short presentation, Col Peters opened up the floor for questions, and the students engaged enthusiastically. Students were curious about various topics, including how long Col. Peters thought Ukraine could hold out and whether NATO would get involved. They also asked how Russia’s engagement in Syria might have influenced its invasion of Ukraine and why Col. Peters chose to learn the Russian language.

Col. Peters shared with the students that the Ukrainians' determination in their fight for freedom can help us appreciate what it means to be free. It was an excellent reminder for all of us.

St. Luke's is a secular private school in New Canaan, CT, for grades 5-12. St. Luke's mission is an exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. St. Luke's Center for Leadership advances our mission by helping students develop exceptional leadership abilities. Visit today.