... this is the final time to get seriously down to studying, yet in the tradition of all secondary schools it is a moment of splendid fun, commonly known as the “studniówka.” Feverish preparations then begin for the Matura Ball, a once-in-a-lifetime event. It is this tradition and renown that inspire young people to apply to general secondary schools and technical schools.
That was the case at I LO in Bolesławiec. As early as September 1995, the fourth-year students talked about nothing but the studniówka. In the corridors, instead of seeing students clutching their books and memorizing rules, one could hear discussions about the outfits being prepared, the “killer prices,” and the super, as the interested parties themselves called them, partners for the ball. Excitement spread to everyone as time passed and the date approached – 6 January 1996.
The teachers tried to bring us “back down to earth,” saying and explaining that it was only a hundred days, that it was already the “last bell.” Everyone listened, but no one took it to heart. Only one thing mattered: what to wear in order to impress everyone else.
And the day arrived. The Matura students had been preparing since early morning: dresses were being finished, suits were being ironed, and spectacular hairstyles and makeup were being done. When “12:00 struck,” everyone, beautifully dressed, arrived at the Military Unit, which had been making its gymnasium available to I LO for several years. The long-awaited studniówka began in earnest. First, the Polonaise was ceremonially danced, honorably led by the school principal. Then the students and invited guests sat down at richly laden tables to “have fun and rejoice until dawn,” as the invitations said. Of course, one must not forget the artistic program specially prepared for the occasion by the fourth-year students. Before going onstage, one of the performers told me that he was so nervous he would not be able to utter a word. I cannot blame him at all. Performing before an audience of nearly 400 people is no small thing. Ultimately, the program prepared with great effort elicited a storm of applause and, most importantly, pleased the invited guests.
Everyone had a truly good time, which was due not only to the students themselves, but also to the teachers and parents who organized the event. Another very important detail should also be mentioned: during the ball, the teachers did not keep their distance from the students. On the contrary, they willingly treated us as adults. It is therefore no coincidence that another name for the Matura is the maturity examination.
As a participant in the Matura Ball, I can say that I had a really great time; it will remain in my memory forever as the one and only event of its kind in a lifetime.