President Karis and Minister Kallas Honor Outstanding School Graduates at Rose Garden Reception
Estonian President Alar Karis and Minister of Education Kristina Kallas welcomed nearly 1,000 exceptional graduates to the Rose Garden in Kadriorg on Saturday, celebrating their achievements and future plans.
Ceremony for Top Graduates
President Alar Karis and Minister of Education and Research Kristina Kallas honored this year's outstanding school graduates at a ceremony in the Rose Garden of Kadriorg on Saturday. Nearly 1,000 young people were invited to the event, which celebrates those who are finishing school and preparing for the next stage – either continuing studies or entering the workforce.
Influences from Teachers and Family
Graduates shared how teachers and family members shaped their paths. Ruudi Türkson, a graduating senior from Tallinn English College, credited his physics teacher and his brother, who sparked his love for science with baking soda and vinegar experiments. His classmate Morten Musthallik highlighted a physics teacher passionate about astronomy, who gave him a moon photo as a graduation gift and even took him moon-gazing outside school hours.
Plans to Return Home
Graduates from Ida-Viru County said they intend to return after their studies because their families and communities are there. They also noted that better Estonian language skills would improve job prospects. Elmira Rafiyeva from Narva High School pointed out that mathematics is now taught in Estonian, so students need to learn the language to understand the subject.
Some graduates plan to stay in rural areas. Reimo Seppor from Olustvere School of Service and Rural Economics intends to study veterinary medicine at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, having grown up on a farm and mastered all farm tasks.
President's Call for Independent Thinking
President Karis encouraged graduates to think for themselves and not rely solely on the state. He emphasized the importance of independent action.
The reception invited students with excellent academic records, significant personal growth, or active contributions to their school or community. In total, the Office of the President invited nearly 1,000 young people to the Rose Garden.
