With Tribute to Levski and a Spectacular Show, NTG – Plovdiv Celebrated Its Patron Saint Day

The National Trade High School – Plovdiv celebrated its patron saint day with a tribute at the monument of Vasil Levski and a spectacular show at "Sila" Hall, bringing together students, teachers, staff, guests, friends and partners of the school. The celebration began at the monument of the school's patron – the Apostle of Freedom – on the Bunardzhik alley. Everyone bowed their heads in tribute. A wreath and flowers were laid by students, NTG – Plovdiv principal Nikolay Mitev, and school teachers. A one-minute silence followed in memory of Levski's tragic death. "Apostle, today we are here – the students of NTG, children of a free Bulgaria, who have come to stand before you not as judges, but as worthy heirs," said Elif Shakir from 12th grade, class "E", in her speech. Her words held no formality, but rather questions – why we often talk about ideals but find them hard to follow; why we hide behind comfort; why we don't always recognize freedom as responsibility. "Bulgaria needs not just memory, but people who have come to see themselves as a nation. It needs us," the talented student declared before the moved crowd. The patronal celebration continued at "Sila" Hall, opening with the school's flag bearers and the national anthem of the Republic of Bulgaria. Monika Bambalova and Momchil Dukov from 11th grade, class "B", took on the role of hosts, handling their challenging task with artistry and confidence. In his speech, Principal Mr. Nikolay Mitev emphasized the great responsibility of successfully continuing the tradition of a school with over 100 years of history. "Today my emotions run even deeper, because more than 12 years ago I crossed the threshold of the distinguished National Trade High School and became part of its great family. And now I welcome you as the host of this home, which has preserved the enduring unity of past, present and future. I am aware of the enormous responsibility and I count on your support to justify the trust placed in me. On the day when the Apostle forever reached the peak of immortality, I call on everyone to together descend from our earthly peaks and pay tribute to his memory, never forgetting to follow his eternal teachings. Happy holiday!" the principal concluded, and his words drew thunderous applause from the audience. Against the backdrop of Levski's portrait displayed on the screens in the hushed hall, students from various grades presented a solemn recital dedicated to the Apostle, prepared by Mrs. Stanimira Dimitrova and Mrs. Tanka Taranska. The artistic program began with a performance by the girls from the "Bulgarian Folk Dances" club at NTG, led by Mrs. Silvia Stoyanova. The synchronization, confident movements and impressive costumes provided a strong opening for the festive show. A special greeting to the students and teachers of NTG was offered by talented students from the National School of Music and Dance Art "Dobrin Petkov" – Plovdiv – Teodora Todorova, Stoyan Mindov and Nikol Petkovska, united in the vocal trio "Elysion Trois" with artistic director Mrs. Lusia Veleva. Their performances of "Rodna Zemya" and "Grande Amore" were met with well-deserved applause from the packed hall. Then the stage came alive with its own rhythm. One after another, the NTG – Plovdiv students proved that talent has many dimensions – from the gentle power of a cappella singing, through the dynamics of dance and breakdance, to the musical maturity of vocal and instrumental performances. The first round of the traditional "Miss and Mister Economist" competition began with an original sketch in which students impersonated their teachers. The stage imitations of familiar school situations brought wide smiles and thunderous applause from the audience, who gave the participants a standing ovation. The festive program continued with "Legend of Love" performed by Dilyana Ivanova from 9th grade, class "G", the NTG majorette squad led by Mrs. Bilyana Tyutyukova, Emil Mollov from 10th grade, class "Z", and "Wanderer" by Vasilena Karamandzhukovа from 11th grade, class "B". The a cappella performance of "Pustuno Ludo i Mlado" by Bozhidara Ivanova and Ema Krasteva from 8th grade, class "G", was followed by the dynamic breakdance of Vladislav Vaklinov from 10th grade, class "Z". FTA "Iglika" with the participation of Darina Dzhurova from 11th grade, class "G", brought back the folk accent, after which the second round of the competition put dance in the spotlight with choreographer Mrs. Sofia Dimitrova. The program continued with "Goodbye My Love" performed by Ivan Nazlamov from 9th grade, class "D", the dance performance of Ema Zareva from 9th grade, class "Zh", with formation "ELIKA", as well as the guitar duet "Iris" by Anelia Grozdanova from 8th grade, class "E", and Danaya Karachomakova from 8th grade, class "D". The final touch was once again provided by the "Bulgarian Folk Dances" club at NTG. The school's traditional "Miss and Mister Economist" competition generated the expected interest and excitement among those present. After real-time online voting, the winners were: Miss "Economist" – Nikol Ovagenova from 10th grade, class "A". Second place went to Diana Penova from 11th grade, class "Zh", and third – Teodora Arabadzhieva from 11th grade, class "B". Mister "Economist" was Ivaylo Boychev from 10th grade, class "Zh". Second place was won by Vasil Zgurov from 10th grade, class "Z", and third – Mihail Lakerdov from 11th grade, class "Zh". The competition prizes were provided by DSK Bank – a long-standing partner of the school. The audience chose Nikol Ovagenova and Ivaylo Boychev as the most attractive couple. The patronal holiday of NTG – Plovdiv once again showed that the memory of the Apostle and the energy of young people can go hand in hand – with respect for tradition and confidence in the future.