BEST STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT THE WHITE PALACE

Belgrade, 10 June 2004 – TRH Crown Prince Alexander II and Crown Princess Katherine hosted a formal reception for 500 best students of secondary schools from all over Serbia at The White Palace today.

Their Royal Highnesses, for the third year now, deliver the Commendations of The Royal House of Karadjordjevic to the best senior student from each secondary school in Serbia, wishing to pay tribute to the most hardworking and most talented for the excellence in completion of their secondary education.

Beside the students and their parents, the reception was also attended by the Minister of Education Mrs. Ljiljana Colic, University Chancellors, Chairman of SANU Mr. Nikola Hajdin and the members of the advisory bodies of the Crown.

The ceremony at the beautiful garden of The White Palace began with the song “There, Far Away”, performed by the Academic Choir “Collegium Musicum” conducted by Miss Dragana Jovanovic.

Then the guests were addressed by HRH Crown Prince Alexander II who emphasized The Royal House of Karadjordjevic has always paid special attention to the young, and that by handing over the Commendation he wishes to express his belief that these students are “the pillar and the backbone of the future, more beautiful and happier Serbia”.

“Keep on expanding your knowledge that will be for the good of our country and all of its citizens. Parents, be proud of your children and support them on their way to a better future” – said the Crown Prince.

After that came a short speech by the Minister of Education Mrs. Ljiljana Colic who pointed out: “You are the Crown of Serbia and that is why you belong in the home of our Crown Prince today. I wish you that your today’s success be the first in line in your life, and I wish you to build in your success in our Serbian house, so that Serbia becomes happy and successful, and to have a great future”.

Beside the Commendation each student was awarded by Their Royal Highnesses with a leather bag, a pen with The Royal Monogram and the book “The Supreme Leader Karadjordje” by Mr. Rados Ljusic.