The ceremony took place on Friday, 9 February. “Today marks seven years since Gimnazjum Samorządowe No. 2 was named after Poles Deported to Siberia. This name is not merely an honour; above all, it is a duty and a commitment to preserving the memory of those who experienced the bloody Golgotha of the East. Today also marks the 78th anniversary of the First Mass Deportation to Siberia,” said the head of SP No. 2 Irena Sikora-Kołodyńska. “I believe that in everyone’s life there are extraordinary moments and events that remain permanently etched in their memory. There are also moments that cannot be ignored—exceptional occasions that encourage reflection and thought. We now have an opportunity to reflect on what was and what is, and to envision what will be. Such opportunities do not arise every day. They are events people wait years for. Today’s anniversary is proof of that.”
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to honour Helenа Kowal with the gold honorary badge “Distinguished for Lower Silesian Voivodeship” and the title of Honorary Citizen of Lower Silesia, “Civi Honorario”. On behalf of the Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Cezary Przybylski, the ceremonial decoration was presented by Bolesławiec mayor Piotr Roman.
It is worth mentioning that in 2013 Helena Kowal was also honoured with the “Distinguished for Polish Culture” badge. Helena Kowal promotes not only culture but also ensures that younger generations do not forget Polish history. She is often invited to meet with school students, giving talks about Katyń and Siberia. This commitment has a personal basis, as her father, Franciszek Zadroga, was one of the victims of Katyń, while she herself and her mother were deported to Siberia.
The experiences there left a deep mark on her personality, teaching her kindness, social commitment and humility. Gimnazjum Samorządowe No. 2 in Bolesławiec, named after Poles Deported to Siberia, awarded Helena Kowal the “Honorary title of educator and teacher”.
It is worth adding that the main aim of the historical and civic education programme at Gimnazjum Samorządowe No. 2, named after Poles Deported to Siberia, is to present students with the most important historical issues in relation to the school’s patron, while simultaneously shaping appropriate attitudes. Considerable attention is also devoted to awakening memories of the Borderlands and making students aware of the important role played by the eastern frontiers of the former Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in shaping our culture and national existence. The programme assumes the integration of the school with Siberian exile and Borderlands communities.
The anniversary ceremony was attended by Siberian exiles, representatives of the Union of Siberians, local authorities, associations and organisations, as well as the school community—parents, students, teachers and friends.
More information is available on the website of the Bolesławiec municipal office.