Dmitry Kukso from PSU won the republican competition "Student of the Year 2016"

"Vitebsk region at the center of events! We believed in this victory!" – a short but emotionally immense inscription appeared in the "Youth of Vitebshchina" social media group immediately after the competition program ended. The final, held on December 8 at the capital's "Dozari" club, brought together nine students from each region and Minsk who distinguished themselves in studies, creativity, science, sports, and public activities. They had to demonstrate their abilities and talents, their love for their native university and their native country in the "Portfolio" and "Youth Project" contests, intellectual and creative contests, book presentations "Krynytsy Mudrasti" (Sources of Wisdom), and video clips "I am a student!".

The program, although slightly, differed from the one proposed at the regional stage, so the best student of Vitebshchina, Dmitry Kukso from PSU, and his team had to, as they say, work on the technique. As a result, a well-coordinated mechanism, and, of course, the young man's natural charm, charisma, good nature, musicality, public speaking skills, and acting abilities played their role: first place in the republic!

– When I realized I had become the winner, when I was going on stage to receive the award, everything inside was tearing apart, tears were welling up, it was an indescribable emotion, – Dmitry Kukso shared with a "VV" correspondent. – The impressions from participating in the project are the brightest and most unforgettable. The preparation for the contests was very serious, all the performances turned out to be such that I felt like I was on stage! Thanks to the guys – my creative team, the secretary of the university's primary BRSM organization Kristina Kislova, her great contribution to this result, and the university departments and services that helped bring the ideas to life. And generally, to all the teachers in my life – from school to university, for teaching me what I should be.

Dmitry is very glad that he managed to win this award for his native university. By the way, the university supported its representative at all stages, and a group of 40 fans led by PSU Vice-Rector Pavel Kovalenko went to the final in Minsk. The warmth of friends warmed him throughout the competition.

What lies ahead? Due to numerous rehearsals, he will have to catch up on his studies, but for Dmitry, this will not be a problem. The fourth-year student of the Faculty of Finance and Economics has an average grade of 9.45. He is a laureate of the Maxim Bogdanovich scholarship from the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus, a diploma winner of university and republican conferences and competitions, and has written two research papers and nine scientific publications.

In addition, Dmitry Kukso actively participates in creative projects of the BRSM, is passionate about music with his team of like-minded people, and cannot imagine his life without creativity. All doors are open to him.

Olga Maslovskaya. Photos by Anton STEPANISHCHEV. "Vitebskie Vesti".