"Schools are shaping the future of the country" – Alexander Subbotin at the festive line-up at Gymnasium No. 1 in Vitebsk
According to him, each of us has memories of our first teacher, the first bell, the classroom, the first victories and successes. That is why Knowledge Day is always exciting. First-graders understand that a new path is opening before them today. High school students worry about the future, realizing that this year will be decisive in their destiny. "It is within the walls of the gymnasium that students acquire fundamental knowledge and decide on their future life path. It is during their school years that the younger generations become true patriots and citizens of their country, define their life values, and form their personality," the head of the region is convinced:
– This is the merit not only of parents, but also of teachers. Dear teachers, we have great hope in you, as you are raising and shaping the future of our city, region, and the entire state. Therefore, I want to wish first-graders interesting discoveries and new friends, high school students – successful graduation from school, parents – patience and less worry, and teachers – interesting work and grateful students!
The faces of the gymnasium students were beaming with anticipation and joy before the ceremony. Festive uniforms with the mandatory distinguishing element of the gymnasium – a tie – and bright bouquets of flowers for their beloved teachers added solemnity to the moment of the long-awaited autumn meeting. Eleventh-grader Dmitry Volkov recalls his first day of knowledge with heartfelt emotion:
– That day my life changed forever. Over the years, there have been many good events, interesting meetings, and friends. I am grateful to my gymnasium and all the teachers for all of this. Now a decisive period awaits – the final year. It is symbolic that it coincided with the Year of Historical Memory. This means a lot to me, as my great-grandfather was a participant in the Great Patriotic War. I was fortunate to take part in the grand project "Train of Memory," which left a deep impression on my entire life. I am grateful for this opportunity and believe that there should be more such projects.
Elizaveta Kuzmina, an 11th-grade student specializing in chemistry and biology, does not hide her joy at meeting friends and teachers again:
– I missed school very much; for me, it's like a second home. Although the final year promises to be busy and challenging, the emotions are only positive. We are all looking forward to the lesson with the President of Belarus, which will be broadcast after the ceremony. I am sure it will be interesting and important for every student who is responsible for their own destiny and country.
Larisa Levkovich, the gymnasium director, addressed warm words to all students, parents, the teaching staff, and guests of the festive event. She emphasized that the holiday – Knowledge Day – united them all in the schoolyard today:
– Of course, on this day we are all a little sad that summer has ended. But it was productive. Our children attended a specialized camp, represented our republic at international competitions, participated in the unique patriotic project "Memory Train", worked on improving the gymnasium, and earned their first money. Our graduates successfully passed the centralized testing and became students of the leading universities of the country. We all managed to rest and fill up with new impressions and ideas for the new academic year. Dear children, I wish that in this academic year you all succeed, and all your dreams and plans come true! Dear parents, I wish you family happiness, health, and well-being! Dear colleagues, may this year bring us the joy of creativity and new achievements of our students!
