Vladimir Pertsov congratulated schoolchildren of Secondary School No. 28 in Vitebsk on Knowledge Day
- Even as I approached the school, I felt a great deal of excitement, - said Vladimir Pertsov. - It was as if I had returned to childhood, emotions overwhelmed me. The educational institution, of course, has changed beyond recognition. Apart from the geographical address, I recognize practically nothing. The stadium is probably one of the most wonderful modern sports facilities I have ever seen. Walking through the classrooms and corridors, I saw how much is being done to ensure that students have all the conditions for comfortable learning and mastering the skills of future professions, to grow as patriots and become professionals.
Vladimir Borisovich walked through his alma mater with undisguised pleasure, noting the level of equipment and the aesthetics of the classrooms, visited the museum exhibitions "Dedicated to the Siege of Leningrad," "The Casket of Folk Crafts," and learned from young peacekeepers that Secondary School No. 28 now bears the high title of "School of Peace" and is one of the few educational institutions in the region participating in a joint project of the Belarusian Peace Fund and the Ministry of Education. The former student said that he would never forget his first teacher, Lidiya Vladimirovna Sovkova. It was she who taught him to learn, to treat textbooks and notebooks with care, and to make friends. The future minister was graduated into adult life by chemistry teacher, class teacher of the 11th "B" grade, Galina Ivanovna Sorokina.
Olga Zhukova, deputy director for educational work, has been working at the school for 34 years and remembers Vladimir Borisovich well.
- He was a bright, memorable activist, - recalls Olga Arkadyevna. - He played the drums in the school ensemble, participated in KVN, theatrical productions, was Ded Moroz (Father Frost), worked in the radio newspaper and the agitation brigade. Vladimir never spared his free time for public work.
Vladimir Borisovich himself most fondly remembers the class where students studied the basics of theatrical art, world art culture lessons, and the labor training and initial military training rooms, where he spent days on end. He also has vivid memories of his school VIA (Vocal-Instrumental Ensemble) performing at various city venues and discos.
– School No. 28 was one of the most advanced in the city, – recalls the Minister of Information. – On Pravdy Street, where there wasn't even a single traffic light, it was the sole center of culture and attraction, at least in our neighborhood. The same applies to the level of education. In the 11th grade, I remember going to Germany on a Komsomol exchange program. And I turned out to be almost a genius there, amazing my peers with my knowledge of chemistry and algebra. They were writing what, in my opinion, were some childish problems, and no one could solve them. I would go out and solve them, and everyone there was delighted.
By the way, Vladimir Borisovich, who graduated from school with a silver medal, had someone to look up to – his mother, Tatyana Iosifovna Pertsova, taught physics at Secondary School No. 28 for almost 40 years.
The head of the educational institution, Elena Matveeva, said that this year the school opened its doors for the 56th time to over 700 students, 100 of whom are first-graders.
– Our school is proud of its students, who annually become participants and winners of various creative competitions, research conferences, and olympiads of different levels, as well as our graduates. 92% of those who graduated from school in 2021 became university students, – noted Elena Antonovna.
Addressing the first-graders, Vladimir Pertsov wished that every day at school would be fulfilling, interesting, and memorable for the students.
– And to you, dear graduates, I wish you to set goals and concentrate on your studies. The goals can be different – studies, family, business, scientific achievements, but most importantly – I wish everyone to remain patriots, to love our small homeland – the school, and our great Motherland – the Republic of Belarus, because we have the most wonderful country, believe me, – said Vladimir Borisovich.
As a gift for Knowledge Day, the Minister of Information brought books to the school library, and also presented the first-graders with a gift from the President of our country – the book "Belarus – Our Motherland".