Forty-seven students of the Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University’s Vocational High School received their diplomas on July 4. The ceremony was held in the Roman Catholic Church in Berehove.
The event began with an ecumenical worship service. Sermons were delivered by János Molnár, Episcopal Vicar of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mukachevo and parish priest of the Roman Catholic Parish of Berehove; János Margitics, pastor of the Reformed Congregation of Berehove; and Ferenc Demkó, Episcopal Vicar of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo.
Following the singing of our national prayer and the university’s anthem, István Csernicskó, Rector of the University of Rakoczi, welcomed the attendees.
“Today we celebrate in the house of God, where you began your studies four years ago. This suggests that knowledge in itself is not enough. A good professional requires honor, humanity, and responsibility. Because ultimately, what will be decisive is not what kind of certificate one received, but what kind of person they have become,”
the Rector impressed upon the graduates.
Following this, Katalin Soós, Director of the Vocational High School, summarized the past academic year. She highlighted that despite the trials of the year, numerous students achieved excellent results in various academic competitions, and among the graduating students, fourteen would receive diplomas with honors.
“The most important task of the school is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but rather to teach our students to learn, to think, to cooperate, and to take responsibility. These are the things that will accompany them throughout their lives,”
she emphasized.
In his welcome address, László Vida, Consul General of Hungary in Berehove, emphasized that Hungary provides every possible assistance to the Hungarians of Transcarpathia.
“The acquisition and passing on of knowledge represent a particularly great value in these times. The students graduating today have years behind them that were fraught with challenges. Yet, thanks to their persistent work, they stand here today and are able to take their diplomas in their hands,”
he said.
Following this, the Student of the Year award was presented, which this year was awarded to József Balogh, a second-year student majoring in applied mathematics.
Subsequently, certificates for the competitions organized by the Transcarpathian Hungarian Pedagogical Association were awarded, followed by the presentation of certificates of commendation to the instructors of the Vocational High. After this, Patrícia Gleba, a graduating student majoring in preschool education, recited Ervin Aranyosi’s poem titled Csak egy lépés.
On behalf of the graduates, words of gratitude were expressed by students Réka Fábián majoring in preschool education, Dávid Jenei majoring in applied mathematics, Jázmin Darcsi majoring in tourism, Lívia Székely majoring in social work, and Vivien Traski majoring in accounting and taxation. Afterward, the preschool education students performed the song Álomvilág, prepared by their teacher, Diána Antal.
Following this, the graduates were greeted by Alexandra Dávid, coordinator of the accounting and taxation program, after which the graduating students took their pledge, led by Márk-Benjámin Tegze, a student majoring in accounting and taxation.
After a general presentation of the degrees, the graduates received their well-deserved diplomas from Director Katalin Soós, Rector István Csernicskó, and Ildikó Orosz, President of the University of Rakoczi. Then the student anthem was performed, followed by a greeting from Antónia László, a third-year student in preschool education. Anna Gogola, a third-year student majoring in tourism and recreation, recited Ágnes Tünde Bíró’s poem titled Visszapillantótükör. The choir of the Vocational High School, prepared by choirmaster Szilvia Lőrincz, then bid farewell to the graduates with the song Indulj az úton!
“»Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate.« Ferenc Rakoczi II’s motto belongs not only on the pages of history books, but also in our lives. Today, the ultimate guarantee of freedom is knowledge. Over the past few years, you have not only acquired a profession, but you have also absorbed the kind of perseverance and spirit that characterizes the walls of the University of Rakoczi,”
concluded President Ildikó Orosz in her address.
Finally, representatives of the historic churches invoked God’s blessing upon the lives and work of all those present.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Szózat.
Anita Kurmay
