BEST STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 31 May 2003 – Their Royal Highnesses held a reception at The White Palace today for five hundred best students of secondary schools in Serbia.

For the second year in row Their Royal Highnesses award the Commendation of the Royal House of Karadjordjevic to one best senior student from each secondary school in Serbia, wishing to express appreciation for the success that the most talented among them have shown in completion of their secondary education.

Beside the students, their parents and teachers, the reception was attended by the Minister of Culture and Media Mr. Branislav Lecic, University Rectors and the Members of Advisory Bodies of the Crown.

In the beautiful atmosphere of The White Palace the reception began with the song “This is Serbia” performed by the Academic Choir “Obilic”, conducted by Mrs. Darinka Matic – Marovic.

The guests were then welcomed by HRH Crown Prince Alexander II who emphasized that the Royal House of Karadjordjevic has always paid special attention to the young, and still does today, and that by the Commendation that he awards, he wishes to express his hope that the time has come when the young will be in the centre of attention of our society as its most valuable part, and that he believes they are the future leaders of our county.

“Be proud of the knowledge you have acquired so far, and continue to expand it. Be proud of your hard work and talent, and put them to the service of the Fatherland. Parents, be proud of your children and support them on their way to the better future for our people and our country” – said the Crown Prince.

“Stay in the country, and if you go to continue your education abroad, come back. Our country is on its way to join the European Union, and when that day comes, be prepared”, Crown Prince Alexander II appealed to the young.

After that a short speech was delivered by the Minister of Culture and Media Mr. Branislav Lecic, who congratulated to the awarded students and expressed his pleasure for the Royal Family brings out the best in us and directs attention to our greatest capital, which is our young people who are eager to acquire knowledge.

Beside the Commendation each awarded student received from Their Royal Highnesses a leather bag, a pen with the Royal initial and the book “King Petar II Karadjordjevic”