Fleeing the Russian invasion, Ukrainian student Artem Samus is now a junior at Eastmark High and a first-time visitor to Arizona.

"The state is all new, but the hotness sometimes freaks me out," Samus said in press release. "I was born in Ukraine; it's snowing so it has four different seasons. Here is like tropical climate."

Samus and his mother, Nataliia, came to the United States in March to escape the Russian attack on their homeland. They have relatives in the area including his sister, Alona Bergner, who said the school district was helpful in relocating.

"I feel like everyone has been so friendly and supportive, it was such an easy process for us," she said.

Their family saw kindness from the students and staff at EHS as they welcomed Samus to their school.

"[Artem] really likes the school and has already made friends there," his mother said. "Everyone is so open and kind. A lot of great teachers and curriculum. He really enjoys it, overall."

Samus’ favorite classes have been history and guitar, which he has been playing for five years.

"I look forward to take part in concert," Samus said. "I think this event will be great."

Samus and his family expressed gratitude for the help and support provided by Queen Creek Unified School District and the surrounding community.

"I just really would like to say thank you to the school district, and to the teachers, anyone who helped Artem with his school," said Bergner. "The school helped him go back to normal life and we highly appreciate that."

Samus’ orchestra concert will be held on Tuesday, May 10 at Eastmark High School, 9560 E. Ray Road in Mesa.