The municipal competition in Serbian language and linguistic culture was held, and students of Savremena Primary School demonstrated that their knowledge of their native language, grammar, and literature has quality measured at competitions. The results confirm what is built daily – careful work in class, love for the language, and understanding that Serbian language is not just a subject, but a tool with which we think, express ourselves, and connect with the world around us.

Vasilije Stevanović (V-3) and Arsen Šakić (V-2) won second place, Aleksandra Antić (V-3) and Mila Đinović (V-2) won third place. All four advanced to the city competition, where they will represent Savremena and compete with the best from Belgrade. Their success is not accidental – it’s the result of understanding language as a system, the ability to analyze text, and applying rules that are not learned by heart, but through understanding.

In addition to advancement to the city competition, the success of Ekaterina Maksimović (VIII-2) and Agljam Nurgalijev (VI-1), who won fourth place, stands out particularly. One point separated them from advancement to the city competition. But the context makes this result exceptional – these are students for whom Serbian is not their native language.

Competing in a language you didn’t learn from birth, understanding its structure, grammatical rules, stylistic devices, interpreting literary works – this requires a level of dedication, effort, and intelligence that exceeds standard requirements. Ekaterina and Agljam showed that when there is motivation and quality teacher support, language can be mastered at a level that enables competition with those for whom it is native. This is not just success at a competition – it’s proof that education at Savremena builds knowledge measured by international and national standards, regardless of the starting point.

These results are not only the students’ achievement – they are also the result of the work of teachers Marina Gava and Marija Šaponjić, who prepared students for the competition, built their understanding of language, and encouraged love for Serbian language and literature. When a teacher doesn’t just transfer material, but also curiosity, when they encourage thinking instead of memorization, when they build confidence instead of fear of mistakes – results come. And they’re visible at competitions.

We congratulate Vasilije, Arsen, Aleksandra, and Mila on their advancement to the city competition. We congratulate Ekaterina and Agljam on their exceptional success and the effort they invested. And we thank teachers Marina Gava and Marija Šaponjić for their dedication, professionalism, and care for each student.

The city competition is coming. And Savremena is ready.