Bychykhinskaya Secondary School in Gorodok District was named after Hero of the Soviet Union, Captain Ivan Antonov
Every resident of Bychikha knows about Ivan Antonov's feat. In December 1943, the tank company under his command broke through the defense line near the settlements of Mekhovoye – Drozaki and destroyed the enemy's resistance stronghold in the village of Byki. Even when left with only one tank, Ivan Nikolaevich continued to hold back the enemy and did not allow him to retreat. For his courage, fearlessness, and heroism shown in the fight against the occupiers, he was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
The descendants of the victors continue to work to perpetuate the memory of heroes, engage in research activities, and implement patriotic projects and films. For example, today, together with teachers, they are working on the project "Thank You for the Victory to the Veterans." They are collecting archival materials about relatives who died during the Great Patriotic War.
— We often talk about the war and the patriotism of our people. I want you to realize the significance of this memorable day and the valiant feat of the soldiers, — addressed Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, who took part in the event, to the youth. — 78 years have passed, and we are still discovering unknown pages of history. It is important that you continue to restore the names and biographies of people, just like your predecessors who opened the school museum of military glory in Bychikha 60 years ago.
The memory of the fallen was honored with a minute of silence. After that, the school principal Svetlana Bronskaya read a letter of gratitude from the Hero's great-grandson Sergey Derevyankin and his family.
