Graduation ceremony at the Rákóczi College’s Vocational High School

Fifty-one students of the Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian College of Higher Education’s Vocational High School received their diplomas on July 4. The ceremony was held in the Roman Catholic Church in Beregszász.

The event began with an ecumenical worship service. The Word of God was proclaimed by János Molnár, the episcopal vicar of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Munkács, the parish priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Beregszász, János Margitics, pastor of the Reformed Congregation in Beregszász and Szabolcs Virág, Greek Catholic priest.

After the singing of the national anthem and the college’s anthem, István Csernicskó, Rector of the Rákóczi College, welcomed the attendees.

“I sincerely congratulate you on earning your diploma and wish you the best of success in the future, whether your next major goal is further studies or entering the workforce. Whatever your next step may be in the journey of life, never let the inevitable obstacles and challenges embitter your hearts,”

the rector advised the graduates.

Following this, Katalin Soós, Director of the Vocational High School, gave a summary of the past academic year. She emphasized that despite the year’s trials, many students achieved excellent results in various academic competitions, and five graduates received diplomas with honours.

“Today we are holding our fourteenth diploma-awarding ceremony, and for the sixth time in the Lord’s house, yet every year it feels as if it were happening for the first time. Dear graduates, wherever life takes you, never forget that you can always look back to this place where everything began. A school does not merely convey dates, data, or definitions; it teaches you to think, to ask questions, and to see connections. I hope you will carry all of this with you,”

she emphasized.

In her greeting, Katalin Szili, Principal Advisor to the Prime Minister on Autonomy Aspirations in the Carpathian Basin, pointed out that in recent years the world has changed significantly, as the shadow of war has fallen over everyone in Transcarpathia, including today’s graduates.

“Today is a special day for all of us, as I can witness you receiving the fruits of four years of study. People often say that the future belongs to the youth. I see it differently. I believe that you are the future—those who will either continue their studies or enrich the nation with your knowledge. You will enrich it because you have acquired knowledge that will benefit not only yourselves but also your community,”

she highlighted.

Following this, the Student of the Year award was presented to József Béres, a second-year student majoring in Applied Mathematics.

Next, certificates from competitions organized by the Transcarpathian Hungarian Pedagogical Association were awarded, followed by a recitation of the poem Csak egy lépés by Ervin Aranyosi, performed by graduating student Anasztázia Taraczközi, majoring in Preschool Education.

On behalf of the graduates, Noémi File, majoring in Tourism, Laura Páter, and Bianka Flóra Molnár, both majoring in Accounting and Taxation, expressed their gratitude. Afterwards, Boglárka Flóra Ferku, a student of Social Work, performed the song Sose búcsúzz el by Sándor Homonyik.

Following this, the graduates took their oath, which was read by Hajnalka Főző, a fourth-year student majoring in Applied Mathematics.

After the general presentation of the diplomas, the graduates received their well-deserved certificates from Director Katalin Soós, Rector István Csernicskó, and President Ildikó Orosz. The student anthem Gaudeamus igitur was then sung, followed by a musical performance by third-year students, offered as a farewell gift to the graduates.

President Ildikó Orosz sent the graduates on their way with a verse from the Gospel of Matthew: “With God, all things are possible.”

“Today also speaks of this truth—‘With God, all things are possible’—for we have often heard it said that we Hungarians are no longer here, that we have disappeared. And yet, here we are today: 51 students receiving diplomas, carrying forward Hungarian culture, Hungarian life, and the knowledge that they will pass on to others, ensuring continuity for future generations,”

she concluded.

Finally, representatives of the historical churches asked for God’s blessing upon the lives and work of those present.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the Szózat.

Anita Kurmay

  The Editorial Board of Acta Academiae Beregsasiensis, Philologica has joined the European Association of Science Editors (EASE)