RUDN University doctors have proven the power of teamwork.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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The RUDN University Medical Institute team won second place at the All-Russian Olympiad in Internal Medicine. The competition took place from November 19 to 21 in Moscow during the 20th National Congress of Internal Medicine, the main event of the year for internal medicine specialists.

This success was the result of the coordinated work of a team consisting of fifth- and sixth-year students and first- and second-year residents. The students' training was supervised by Professor Valentin Aleksandrovich Kokorin, Head of the Department of Hospital Therapy, Assistant Professor Shirinjemal Gulmyradovna Gulova, and Assistant Professor Malika Mansurovna Irkabaeva.

Team composition:

Atakhanov Vepa, 5th-year student, General Medicine; Gavrilova Polina Nikolaevna, 5th year, General Medicine; Frolova Anastasia Dmitrievna, 5th year, General Medicine; Alieva Antonina Dzhomartovna, 5th year, General Medicine; Al Lakis Julien, 6th year, General Medicine (team captain); Avad Saad Ahmed Saad, 6th year, General Medicine; Shaimardankulova Shirin, resident, 1 year (specializing in Cardiology); Fanu Semako Feliciano Samuel B., resident, 2 year (specializing in Cardiology); Blerina Bega, resident, 1 year (specializing in Endocrinology); Efremova Sofia Sergeevna, resident, 1 year (specialty "Therapy").

Synergy of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience

The key to victory was the synergy of a mixed team, combining the students' theoretical knowledge with the residents' clinical experience. All participants are active members of the Student Research Club (SRC) at the Department of Hospital Therapy.

"The club was a great help and enhanced our knowledge in all areas of therapy. The team members prepared seriously, each focusing on their own area of expertise," the RUDN team shared.

Team captain Julien Al Lakis noted that the main strategy was the ability to listen to each other and work together using the brainstorming method.

"RUDN University has students and residents from all over the world. We're diverse, but it wasn't a problem for us to find a common solution where needed. At the same time, our differences gave us an advantage, allowing us to find as many interesting solutions as possible. I believe that a joint event like participating in the Olympiad helps us become even more united," added Julien Al Lakis.

Olympic Trials

The Olympiad included several challenging stages. The most challenging, according to the participants, was the imaging diagnostics stage, which required interpreting a variety of data: from photographs of skin lesions to ECGs, CT scans, and blood smears.

"The most nerve-wracking stage for me personally was the final one, as it was crucial. We were neck and neck with the other teams until the very end. Furthermore, this stage was difficult because the problem statement was presented piecemeal. For example, I wanted to get back to the ECG, but by then the text was already on the screen," added Julien Al Lakis.

Despite the tension, the program also found room for relaxation. Resident Sofia Efremova fondly recalled the "Crocodile" segment.

"Because of the opportunity to fantasize and have fun, this stage helped relieve the nervous tension that was undoubtedly present at such a serious event. I think many associate the Crocodile with the most carefree period of our lives—childhood, which makes it my favorite time," noted Sofia Efremova.

Support from Teachers: Participants expressed immense gratitude to their mentors. They are confident that training with RUDN University faculty was the foundation for this outstanding achievement.

"While preparing for the Olympiad, we read a lot of literature, trying to deepen our knowledge not only in the areas that interested us most but also in other areas. A special thank you goes out to our mentors: Valentin Aleksandrovich Kokorin, Shirinjemal Gulmyradovna Gulova, and Malika Mansourovna Irkabaeva. They supported us throughout our preparation and during the Olympiad itself. Without their support and motivation, we would not have been able to achieve such a remarkable result," the RUDN University team emphasized.

Having won silver, the guys aren't resting on their laurels. As the students themselves said, new goals lie ahead: "We'll be stronger next year!"

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The first defense of student projects took place within the framework of the elective course "Project Activities"

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Victoria Vinogradova and Andrey Belyaev

On December 22, the Project-Based Learning Educational Center at SPbGASU hosted the first defense of projects created by student teams as part of the "Project-Based Activity" elective. Over the course of two days, students presented the results of their teamwork, which was based on real-world requests from the university's partner organizations.

During the fall semester, students from various fields of study were involved in project activities. A total of 52 project proposals were submitted by partners, 19 of which are currently in the active implementation phase.

The submitted works were evaluated by an expert committee, which included representatives of relevant organizations and SPbGASU: Victoria Vinogradova, Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at SPbGASU, Andrey Belyaev (OOO NIP Aquaeffect), Elena Dubko (OOO European Center of Forensic Experts), Mikhail Kabanov (OOO Glavstroy SPb), Vyacheslav Pavlov (OOO LenOblAIZHK), Nikolay Popchenkov (SPb State Public Institution City Center for Advertising Placement and Holiday Decoration), and Tatyana Fedorova (OOO Stroykraft).

The experts noted the high level of project development, the practical focus of the solutions, and the students' well-coordinated teamwork, emphasizing the importance of integrating the educational process with real-world industry challenges.

Victoria Vinogradova, Vice Rector for Continuing Education at SPbGASU, welcomed the participants and guests of the event. In her address, she emphasized that the Project-Based Learning Educational Center opened only in May of this year, but by December, the university had already achieved its first significant results. The project-based learning format allows students not only to master theoretical knowledge but also to apply it in practice, interacting with real clients, working in teams, and developing professional responsibility.

The event also included a ceremony signing cooperation agreements. An agreement was signed between SPbGASU and the St. Petersburg State Center for R&D and Education, signed by Victoria Vinogradova and Nikolai Popchenkov, Deputy Director of the Center. A cooperation agreement was also signed with Aquaeffect Research and Design Institute LLC, signed by Andrei Belyaev, General Director.

The projects submitted for defense covered a wide range of current issues in the fields of construction, engineering, digital technologies, water treatment, design, and urban development.

Project areas include optimizing the construction timeline for a multi-apartment residential building (this topic was developed by two teams), organizing management accounting in a construction company, and creating a digital information model of the entrance area—the first-floor hallway—of SPbGASU.

A number of projects were devoted to issues of architectural design and urban decoration, including the development of festive design for the spaces of city canals (on and above the water), as well as a concept for the New Year's decoration of Nevsky Prospect.

The engineering and technical block included projects for the construction of foundations and reinforced concrete structures, research into water quality indicators depending on the volume of contaminants, forecasting the efficiency of clarification filters for swimming pools using the AE-1 oligodynamic solution synthesis unit, and the development of a method for introducing chemicals into pool water treatment systems.

Particular attention was paid to digital and expert solutions: the study of video footage as objects of forensic automotive examination, the development of an automated system for pre-trip inspection of the technical condition of buses using video analytics, and an assessment of the financial attractiveness of adapting the Apraksin Dvor site for modern use.

Following the defense, the scores awarded by the experts will be taken into account when evaluating students in the "Project Activity" course. The submitted projects will be further developed in the spring semester and will form the basis of team diploma projects, while some of the results are planned to be used in individual final theses.

The organizers noted that project activities at SPbGASU will continue to actively develop, expanding collaboration with partners and creating additional opportunities for students to grow professionally and realize their potential in practical applications.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Technopark, history of science and the city's underground world are among the professional interests of SPbGASU students

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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In December, students from the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Engineering (FEUE&UGH) attended career guidance excursions. The goal of these excursions was to broaden their professional horizons and introduce them to the practical aspects of their future careers.

The first trip was to the Skolkovo Innovation Center. Participants toured the technology park's laboratories, attended lectures by residents, and attended startup project presentations. The students were particularly interested in a lecture on technological entrepreneurship and startup development, which explored modern approaches to the commercialization of innovative solutions.

"I was very lucky to be invited to Skolkovo. We learned about the center's history, the university, and production in a wide range of fields—from video game development to satellite design. We were there for only one day, but even in that time we learned a lot," said fourth-year student Grigory Vorozhtsov.

Then, first-, second-, and fourth-year students went on trips to the St. Petersburg Planetarium and the Main (Pulkovo) Astronomical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

At the planetarium, students explored a collection of geological exhibits and learned how much the minerals on display would weigh on other planets in the solar system. They then embarked on a virtual journey through the night sky, where they learned about the formation of planets and stars and how the starry sky changes throughout the day.

At the Pulkovo Observatory, the students visited the Astronomical Museum, where they learned about the history of the scientific institution and saw unique instruments and devices from the 19th and 20th centuries, a collection of astronomical clocks, and telescope optics. Of particular interest were the Pulkovo Meridian, which previously served as the reference point for all geographic maps of Russia, and the initial zero point of the country's triangulation.

Tour participants examined a 62-kilogram fragment of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite and peered through the eyepiece of a real telescope. The guide's account of the work of astronomers, past and present, provided a fresh perspective on the role of fundamental science and its importance for modern research.

The final excursion for first- and second-year students majoring in Construction (Water Supply and Sanitation) was "The Underground World of St. Petersburg." An interactive installation in the Water Museum allowed participants to trace the entire journey of water—from the water intakes at the bottom of the Neva River, through filtration stations and city highways, to residential buildings. Participants took a virtual walk along the bottom of sewer collectors, visited Bely Island and the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, and watched a film about the current state of St. Petersburg's water supply and wastewater treatment systems.

"The tour allowed us to see life in the metropolis from the inside and get a feel for the workings of its infrastructure. This is very helpful for understanding the importance of training water supply and sanitation specialists. The tours have become an important part of SPbGASU's career guidance program, allowing students to gain practical experience with modern technologies, scientific research, and engineering infrastructure, as well as to see how the knowledge they acquire at the university can be applied in real-world applications," noted Yulia Romanova, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Water Management and Ecology.

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Chinese-Russian relations continue to develop at a high level, says Chinese Ambassador to Russia

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 24 (Xinhua) — The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era continues to develop at a high level. This was stated by Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui at the China Construction Bank Customer Day New Year's reception for business circles on Tuesday.

"Under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era continues to develop at a high level, providing a solid foundation and broad opportunities for cooperation in all areas," Zhang Hanhui noted.

According to him, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries has demonstrated stable, high-quality development this year. Despite common challenges, such as the sluggish global economic recovery, the resilience and potential of bilateral cooperation are clear to all. China has maintained its status as Russia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. The new version of the intergovernmental agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of capital investments has laid a solid institutional foundation for bilateral investment.

"China's development is an opportunity for the entire world. We will relentlessly advance Chinese-style modernization, maintain a high level of openness to the outside world, and continually create a first-class internationalized business environment based on market principles and the rule of law," the ambassador emphasized.

As Zhang Hanhui pointed out, China's economy is highly resilient, possesses enormous potential, and is dynamic, with long-term positive development trends unchanged and unwavering. "This will undoubtedly provide all countries, including Russia, with a larger market, richer opportunities, and more stable supply chains," he added.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The EU condemned the US decision to impose entry restrictions on five European figures.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Brussels, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — The European Commission on Wednesday strongly condemned the United States' decision to impose entry restrictions on five European figures, including former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, warning that it would act "swiftly and decisively" if necessary to protect the EU's regulatory autonomy.

"Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in Europe and a core value shared with the United States that applies throughout the democratic world," a European Commission spokesperson told Xinhua.

The official representative stressed that the European Union is an “open, rules-based single market” and retains the sovereign right to regulate economic activity in accordance with its democratic values and international obligations.

He said the EU's digital rules were designed to ensure a "safe, fair and equal competitive environment for all companies" and were applied fairly and without discrimination.

The European Commission has requested clarification from the US authorities and continues to address the issue, the official representative added.

The US State Department issued a statement on Tuesday announcing visa restrictions on five EU and UK citizens, saying they were involved in censoring content on US social media.

US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers later revealed the names of the five individuals on the social media platform X, including T. Breton, whom she called the "mastermind behind the Digital Services Act." –0–

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Russia reaffirmed its commitment to Syria's sovereignty and independence, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 24 (Xinhua) – Russia has unequivocally reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani met in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss bilateral issues, the situation in the region, and practical steps to ensure the key issue of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“I believe that the key significance of this visit is that Russia has unconditionally confirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of the Syrian Arab Republic,” Lavrov said.

"An agreement in principle has been reached on how to develop our trade and economic ties to mutual benefit, building on the foundation laid in previous decades," he emphasized.

"Today, Syrian-Russian relations are entering a new phase," said A. H. al-Shibani. He noted that the new Syria "seeks to establish balanced relations with all states." –0–

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A radioactive water leak has been detected at a decommissioned nuclear reactor in central Japan.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Tokyo, December 24 (Xinhua) — A water leak containing radioactive tritium occurred Tuesday at the shut-down Fugen Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan. The incident raises the possibility that several workers may have been exposed to radiation, local media reported.

According to Hokuriku Broadcasting, tritium levels in one of the rooms increased during dismantling work. Decommissioning work is currently ongoing at the decommissioned nuclear facility.

The report said no environmental impacts were recorded. –0–

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The UN Security Council extended the mandate of the African Union mission in Somalia.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

UNITED NATIONS, December 24 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Tuesday adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for another year, until December 31, 2026.

Resolution 2809, adopted unanimously by the 15 members of the Security Council, also reaffirms the tasks of AUSSOM as set out in Resolution 2767 of December 2024, which authorized AUSSOM for an initial period of 12 months.

In accordance with Resolution 2809, AU Member States will continue to deploy up to 11,826 uniformed personnel, including 680 police officers, to AUSSOM for the authorized period.

The document emphasizes the need for additional support for AUSSOM and the Somali security forces so that Somalia can strengthen the fight against al-Shabaab and strengthen peace and security in the country and the region. The resolution also urges traditional and emerging donors to support the mission by providing the necessary funding to fully implement its mandate.

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A cooperation agreement was signed between SPbGASU and the Educational and Methodological Center of the Housing Committee of St. Petersburg.

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Victoria Vinogradova and Sergey Petrov

On December 23, the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the Educational and Methodological Center of the Housing Committee of the Government of Saint Petersburg signed a cooperation agreement.

The signing ceremony was attended by Victoria Vinogradova, Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at SPbGASU, and Sergei Petrov, Acting Director of the Educational and Methodological Center of the Housing Committee.

The Educational and Methodological Center of the Housing Committee of St. Petersburg provides additional professional education in the field of housing and communal services and logistical support for advanced training for those managing apartment buildings.

The agreement provides for cooperation in the fields of education and science, the implementation of joint educational projects, and the training of specialists in demand in the housing and utilities sector.

The parties plan to jointly conduct additional educational programs in the field of housing and communal services, organize educational and industrial training, as well as internships for SPbGASU students at the Educational and Methodological Center, and exchange professional expertise.

The agreement marks another step in developing cooperation, the goal of which is to establish a well-functioning system for training and professional development of personnel for the housing and utilities sector.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The White Hall has reopened its doors to St. Petersburg's best students.

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Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University hosted one of the year's main events, the Governor's New Year's Student Ball, in its ceremonial White Hall.

This ball brought together the most talented, driven, and active students of St. Petersburg. For the 700 participants, the ball became a symbol of recognition of their achievements in studies, science, creativity, sports, and community service.

The university's ceremonial White Hall, as if created for such an atmospheric event, was filled with students in suits and evening gowns, demonstrating impeccable taste and social graces.

St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov greeted the students in a video message: St. Petersburg is a city of science, a city of knowledge, a city of students. Nearly half a million students study at our colleges and universities. Today, the White Hall of the Polytechnic University is home to the shining lights of St. Petersburg's student body. We are continuing a long-standing tradition—at the beginning of the 20th century, balls were held here for your peers. You are the future of St. Petersburg. You are united by talent, the ability to work hard, and the ability to achieve goals. You have demonstrated outstanding results in academics, creativity, sports, community service, and volunteerism. You study, research, and create projects that help St. Petersburg change and grow. You win Olympiads and competitions, receive grants and awards. All of this is the result of your hard work. Over three centuries, St. Petersburg has given Russia many great scientists, statesmen, artists, and industrialists. I am confident that you, the next generation of students, will contribute to the future glory of St. Petersburg.

"You are here today at one of the world's finest higher education institutions—Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, which hospitably opened its doors to us 10 years ago. Since that day, we have always held the Governor's Ball within these very walls. Therefore, allow me to congratulate you on the upcoming New Year and wish you happiness, love, and prosperity. I will truly be delighted if you meet here, and if this ball becomes a defining moment in your lives," said Andrei Maksimov, Chairman of the St. Petersburg Committee on Science and Higher Education.

As per tradition, SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy opened the ball and addressed the participants: "It is a great joy to see the young, beautiful faces who have gathered here in the White Hall for the tenth time and honored our university with their presence, spirit, thoughts, and hopes for the future. Now, each of you feels a sense of pride for the past year, and your souls are filled with hope for the best in the coming year, 2026."

After the opening of the ball, the participants performed a ceremonial processional dance—the polonaise—to welcome the honored guests. The program also included an introduction to the dances of 19th- and 20th-century St. Petersburg balls.

It's worth noting that the SPbPU Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity was responsible for organizing this large-scale celebration, commissioned by the St. Petersburg Committee for Science and Higher Education. Leading Polytechnic University performing groups provided support for the Governor's Ball: members of the "Glagol" theater, dressed in 19th-century costumes, greeted the participants, creating a refined and festive atmosphere; soloists from the "Polivoks" vocal studio and the "Ne spit!" project delighted guests with vibrant performances; and the SPbPU Ingenium Pop and Symphony Orchestra emphasized the event's status and significance.

"It's a great honor and a tremendous joy that the student orchestra has once again received this sign of high trust and recognition—to accompany the Governor's New Year's Ball. "We executed this important mission—to be the heart of the ball, creating a unique festive atmosphere—with flying colors," noted the conductor of the Ingenium pop and symphony orchestra, a graduate of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Pavel Zhukov.

Unique and memorable moments at the ball were also created by interactive entertainment: a video spinner—a spectacular video clip—and a light tunnel—a technological installation with the ball's logos and music.

In addition, a buffet and commemorative gifts from St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov were prepared for the ball's participants: a wireless charging station, a power bank, a cardholder, and a certificate to the Bukvoed bookstore.

Students shared their impressions of the Governor's Ball.

Roman and Nadezhda, Technical School of Power Engineering and Metalworking: We were thrilled to receive an invitation to the ball. It was a complete surprise. The ball felt fantastical and beautiful. The atmosphere was magnificent, as if we were attending a real old-fashioned ball.

Maxim Artemyev, second-year Master's student, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications, SPbPU: This is my second time at this ball as a recipient of the Russian Presidential Scholarship. The atmosphere at our ball is wonderful. I've been to quite a few events at other universities recently, and nothing compares to the Polytechnic University's White Hall and the live music. The organization and decoration are top-notch.

Alina and Mikhail, Industrial Automation College: We were surprised when we were invited to the ball, but we were also proud, because being among the top students is a great honor. We are very good students and aim to graduate with honors. We are also active and volunteer. Alina is a correspondent for the city press center. We participate in all the events held at the college. This year, we took part in the "Big Change" competition and made it to the finals. Mikhail also competed in the "Professionals" championship and brought home first place for the city in internet marketing.

Anastasia Mikulenko, second-year master's student, Institute of Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, and Transport, SPbPU: Since my third year of undergraduate studies, I've been working at the Polytechnic University alongside my studies, in the Laboratory of Lightweight Materials and Structures. That's when my research career began. My work gave me the opportunity to attend scientific conferences and write important papers. Thanks to this, I've now achieved such success as a Presidential Scholarship. Besides studying and working at the Polytechnic University, I sang in the Polyhymnia choir, was on the cheerleading team, and was a member of the BEST student engineering society. This gave me the opportunity to develop and receive various scholarships.

The Governor's Ball is more than just a celebration; it's an important tradition that motivates students to further their development. It demonstrates that their hard work and talent are recognized, and that the city's future largely rests in the hands of educated, proactive, and ambitious young people.

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.