"Respect tribute": 10 educators from the Kirov region received one million each

      The "Elite of Education of the Kirov Region" award has been held for the third time. This year, as in previous years, everything was done at the highest level — elegant and happy guests, tables loaded with exquisite dishes. This year, there was more space for the awardees, as the ceremony moved from the second floor of "GAUDI" to the first floor.

      In the luxurious hall, laureates from not only the current year, 2025, but also the past two years gathered. It is notable that the organization of the event reflected that people were assembled here not only to distribute money but also to give attention to all educators and those who came to congratulate them on their well-deserved victory.

      Joy and happiness filled the air during the award ceremony. Guests arrived stylishly and tastefully decorated the hall, while relaxing unobtrusive music played in the background, further creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.

      The ceremony began with a live performance of the song "Forward, Russia." Meanwhile, a real show unfolded on the dance floor: beautiful girls from the "Kirov Region Drummer Ensemble" came out, and the patriotic song about the greatness of our country was beautifully complemented by bright and loud drumbeats. After this spectacular opening, Alexander Churin, General Director of the "Selmash" plant, took the stage. He welcomed everyone to the third annual "Elite of Education of the Kirov Region" awards. This time, new laureates joined those from 2023 and 2024. Churin expressed hope that this introduction would develop into a long, fruitful, and creative friendship.

      "Our award is one of the social projects of the 'Selmash' group that we lead and promote. This project is the most important to us. First and foremost, it’s about people, about teachers, about the noblest profession. I myself graduated from a pedagogical university. Though I never worked professionally in the field — life didn’t allow it — I have always shown great respect for teachers… Our award is a tribute to those who devoted their lives to this noble profession," shared Alexander Anatolyevich.

      After his speech, a specially created film for the celebration was shown on the screen. It told the history of "Selmash," achievements in manufacturing, discoveries by key city organizations, and, of course, about the people.

      Next, the honored guest — State Duma Deputy Maria Butina — took the stage. Maria Valeryevna shared that she is not just a teacher by education but also worked professionally in the field! Therefore, everyone present is her colleague. Moreover, both her grandmothers were teachers. This holiday is especially meaningful for her. Maria Butina thanked the organizers for the opportunity to be here. During her speech, Maria Valeryevna awarded Alexander Anatolyevich with a departmental badge “For Assistance” from the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation “for active assistance in solving various challenges.”

      "Honestly, I haven’t received a departmental award from the Ministry of Education before… It’s precious to me because it’s a profile award, at least for me," Churin expressed his gratitude.

      Following this touching moment, the awards ceremony commenced: ten teachers from various districts of our region received well-deserved recognition and applause. Additionally, four schools were awarded a special prize of 500,000 rubles.

      The laureates (and true millionaires) this year included:

      - Oksana Viktorovna Averina, Deputy Director for Sports Training, coach, and instructor at the "Sever" Sports School in the Verkhnekamsky Municipal District;

      - Tanyzilya Rashitovna Kalimullina, Director of the main general education school in Chetae village, Kilmezsky District;

      - Nina Anatolyevna Kasatkina, retired teacher currently working at KO GOBU Lyceum No. 9 in Slobodskoy;

      - Olga Yurievna Katargina, teacher of Russian language and literature at the secondary school in Podrezicha settlement, Belokholunitsky District;

      - Tatyana Nikolaevna Utsova, history and social studies teacher at the secondary school in Polom settlement, Belokholunitsky District;

      - Lyudmila Alekseevna Kislytsina, Deputy Director for Educational and Upbringing Work at Secondary School No. 54 named after Roman Yerdyakov;

      - Viktor Anatolyevich Krivokorytov, additional education teacher at the children's creativity center in Yurya settlement;

      - Nadezhda Mikhailovna Kruglova, primary grades teacher at the "Soznanie NO" Private School project;

      - Zhanna Anatolyevna Ladygina, music teacher at a secondary school with specialized subjects named after Hero of the Soviet Union N.F. Zonov in Yurya settlement;

      - Dmitry Evgenyevich Pestrikov, physical education teacher at the general education school in Girsovo settlement, Yuryansky District.

      The award winners of 2025 also received "tokens of appreciation" — silver medals and certificates. The girls received special gifts from Maria Valeryevna — exclusive scarves made by Yekaterinburg artisans especially for the award.

      Between the awards, presentation videos made by the laureates themselves were shown on the screen. A series of touching videos in which teachers shared about themselves, their work, and their boundless love for their chosen profession. These included testimonials from parents and students, archival footage, and heartfelt stories. It was clear that these people truly value what they do and are ready to dedicate themselves fully to their profession.

      During musical breaks, Alexander Churin approached the teachers, paying attention to each and expressing care. It was felt that, looking at those who teach new generations of Kirov residents daily, opening the world to them, he felt not only pride but also gratitude for the enormous work they do every day.

      The Deputy of the Legislative Assembly, Sergey Churin, also addressed the teachers. He mentioned being overwhelmed with pride and a slight excitement that two laureates from his district had received well-deserved recognition. Later, Olga Katargina took the stage — a teacher from Podrezicha settlement — and requested to speak on behalf of all educators of the Kirov region. She thanked Alexander Churin for his work, saying, "Your involvement is a powerful boost for our professional development, for achieving our ambitious goals, and reaching new heights! Alexander Aнатольевич, may your work bring you joy and satisfaction. Our successes will confirm your wisdom and foresight. Thank you very much for supporting us — the teachers of the Kirov region," she concluded warmly.

      Additionally, Olga Yurievna presented a landscape painting created by a graduate of their school, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia, Viktor Kirpikov, to Alexander Churin’s parents. Addressing Anatoly Mikhailovich, the founder’s father, she said, "May this painting decorate your walls. Parents are the most important teachers. It is they who raise worthy children. You have worthy ones."

      Later, a close friend of the award — Andrey Mauri — was invited onto the stage. He said an important phrase: “When a school closes, a settlement dies.” He also noted that our region was the first to close its pedagogical university and urged Maria Butina to do everything possible to reopen a pedagogical university in the Kirov region.