On September 15th, the emotions of the first school day came alive again at NTG - Plovdiv - the joy of meeting classmates and teachers, the excitement of new students, and the festive atmosphere turned the courtyard into a colorful stage of hopes and dreams. The new eighth-graders approached the school with trepidation, and the entire community - from the youngest to the seniors - welcomed them with pride and a sense of continuity.
In her speech, Director Dr. Petya Gerasimova reminded that September 15th is always a celebration of knowledge and spirit, but also a day when the school shows that it is more than an institution - it is a community that builds personalities and nurtures values.
"Dear eighth-graders, today you begin a great journey. You face a time of new friendships, challenges, and victories. From this day on, you become part of a large and united community where everyone has their place and significance. I wish all students courage to dream, willpower to achieve, and persistence to move forward. To my colleagues - health and inspiration, because your mission is infinitely responsible. And to parents - faith and trust, because together with us you are creators of the future. Good luck, National Trade High School - Plovdiv!"
A special mission marked this September 15th - the charity initiative "Give Hope Instead of Flowers" in support of 10-year-old Mitko's treatment through the "Night of the Angels" foundation. Instead of bouquets for teachers - students, parents, the Board of Trustees and the Public Council, friends and partners donated funds, proving that the Trade High School community is strong because it knows how to unite in doing good.
The host emphasized that the school is not only a place for knowledge but also a community with a big heart:
"Today our courtyard is a sea of smiles, expectations, and new dreams. The National Trade High School - Plovdiv is not only a school of knowledge, spirit, and success - it is also a community where kindness has the power to change lives. This year together we did something that united us beyond the classrooms - we gave hope for Mitko. Let everyone who wishes to give hope, because this is the most beautiful flower that can bloom in someone's life."
The symbol of continuity was also expressed through the co-hosts - Ivaylo from 12th grade and Sofia from 8th grade.
"On September 15, 1910, the first school bell rang here for 58 brave young people. Today we are over a thousand - heirs of a school that turns knowledge into strength and dreams into achievements," said Ivaylo.
Sofia added: "Our journey begins here - in a school that teaches us not only how to be good professionals but also how to be good people."
A moment of particular excitement occurred when students raised 39 leaves with their personal messages, and dozens of balloons flew into the sky - a symbol of the hopes and dreams that always find their way upward. "Today, together with our dreams, we raise a special hope to the sky - the hope that Mitko will play again, laugh, and live his childhood," was the message that touched all present.
A special guest at the celebration was Bozhidara Simeonova - a Bulgarian singer, composer, and musical artist, winner of numerous national and international awards. Born in Troyan in 1998, she showed exceptional talent from an early age - she started singing and playing piano at just four years old, and later added guitar, violin, and organ. She graduated with honors from her secondary education and is now a student of pop and jazz singing at the National Music Academy "Prof. Pancho Vladigerov". Bozhidara has dozens of awards from prestigious forums, competition participations, and ten released singles.
On the stage at NTG, she sang four songs that inspired and moved the audience. Her strong and clear voice united all present, and at times students, teachers, and parents sang along with her. Her participation was supported by the music company "Golden Eight Music". Her artistry and charisma turned the celebration into a true experience, leaving an emotion that will be remembered for a long time.
The stage came alive with energy through the performances of the school dance ensemble led by Mrs. Silvia Stoyanova, who brought beauty and mood to the day with Bulgarian rhythms and dances.
The Chairman of the Public Council, Rangel Matanski, also delivered his message, addressing the students with words about faith, aspiration, and responsibility - to be brave in their dreams and to carry the name of the Trade School with pride.
Among those who honored the celebration were representatives of educational institutions, the courts in Plovdiv, the "Central" district, guests from the Portuguese Embassy - symbolically for the new profile of the high school where Portuguese is now studied, as well as long-term partners and friends of the high school - UBB, UniCredit, ProCredit, DSK, Allianz, "Grave" and architectural studio "ASD". The Mayor of Plovdiv Kostadin Dimitrov sent a greeting address to the school community.
During the ceremony, a water blessing was performed by Father Ilian for health and well-being.
Thus, NTG - Plovdiv opened the 2025/2026 school year with a strong message: that knowledge is power, but its true value lies in its combination with kindness, humanity, and dreams that fly high.