The President of Latvia thanked the teachers of Latvia for their work in educating pupils. He outlined that in the modern changing world; teachers must be able to interest in and fascinate their students. Preparing children and young people for the unknown and unforeseen circumstances of the future is also a major challenge at the same time.
In his address to the young people present, Raimonds Vējonis noted, “The young people of Latvia will be those, who will form Latvia in the next centenary. It is a great responsibility on your shoulders, so I would like to wish you using your knowledge to strengthen our country.”
This year, the Atis Kronvalds Awards was presented to Ms Irina Halatina, Chemistry Teacher at the Daugavpils Russian Secondary School- Lyceum, Ms Dace Eglīte, Teacher of Latvian Language and Literature at the Cēsis Regional Grammar School of Friendly Appeal, Mr Dzintars Dvinskis, Economics and Social Science Teacher at the Riga Classic Grammar School, Ms Sandra Taranda, History Teacher at the Rezekne State Polish Grammar School, Ms Ingrīda Andersone, Teacher of Visual Art, Housekeeping, and technology at the Pope Primary School, Ms Jolanta Ļubka-Tarasova, Biology and Chemistry Teacher at the Rudzati Secondary School, and Ms Vaira Siliņa, Biology Teacher at the Sigulda State Grammar School.
The challenge prize “Great Owl” was awarded to the schools that have the best score in the rating for working with talented students. In the group of large schools, Riga State Grammar School No 1, Daugavpils Russian Secondary School-Lyceum, Agenskalns State Grammar School, Cesis State Grammar School, and Daugavpils State Gymnasium ranked among the best. In the group of small schools, the Secondary School of Engineering of the Riga Technical University, Preili Primary School No 1, Riga Secondary School No 89, Auce Secondary School, and Majori Secondary School are ranked as the best ones.
The President also awarded the schools of the Star Rating: Riga State Grammar School No 1, Sigulda State Grammar School, Riga Secondary School No 89, Aizkraukle Regional Secondary School, Riga Secondary School No 25, and Riga Secondary School No 10.