Graduates of the first intake of the Young Journalists School on dreams, new friends and choosing a profession
The solemn graduation ceremony for the first intake of the Young Journalists School, which took place on Youth Day, June 27, at the National Centre RUSSIA, will remain in the memory of everyone who attended the evening — teachers, mentors, parents, representatives of partner organisations and, of course, the graduates themselves. The main heroes of the celebration shared their bright emotions and plans for the future.
"It was simply an incredible atmosphere. I don’t think there are enough words to describe what was happening inside me throughout the whole event. The Young Journalists School taught me, I think, everything, and this knowledge will definitely be useful to me in the future because I plan to connect my life with journalism. I really want to become a TV presenter of different shows, projects and news programmes in the future, and I see myself as a successful journalist who creates new media projects and serves as an example for a new generation," Lucy Margaryan said.
For Semyon Nikitin, the Young Journalists School became not just a place to gain knowledge, but also an opportunity to test himself and make sure he had chosen the right path. He described the solemn graduation ceremony as one of the brightest events of the entire four months of study.
"The most important thing for me at the Young Journalists School was practical knowledge. I was finally able to understand whether this really is my calling. I also learned to work with meanings and understood the value and importance of the journalism profession. I plan to continue my path in this field. In about ten years, I see myself as a successful and happy person and a professional who covers events in our country and knows for sure that his profession is valued and truly contributes to our world," Semyon Nikitin said.
Twelve-year-old Alexander Uvarov admitted that the emotions at the graduation ceremony overwhelmed him so much that he literally lost his voice from singing and dancing. But he considers the main outcome of the evening to be the confidence that his happy future is already beginning.
"I don’t remember the last time I lost my voice like that, because I sang and danced so much at the graduation ceremony. It is very sad that we are parting with such great guys. I found many new friends here, who I am sure have a bright future ahead of them, who will become successful journalists, and I would like to keep in touch with them for many years to come. In the future, I see myself as a successful blogger and singer who will perform patriotic songs about Russia, among other things," Alexander Uvarov shared.
Thirteen-year-old Darya Dubovets admitted that she had not expected such a warm and energising atmosphere at the graduation evening, and also noted that it was the Young Journalists School that became the place where she finally understood her calling.
"Emotions are running high. I did not think it would be so lively and heartfelt here. It was the Young Journalists School that made me realise that I will definitely work in this field. It gave me a lot of new knowledge, new values and, of course, new people. I believe that each of them has their own wonderful future ahead, and we will meet more than once. In the future, I see myself as a happy journalist. I will talk about what is happening in our beautiful country," Darya Dubovets promised.
The Young Journalists School is a multi-format project of the National Centre RUSSIA. It helps teenagers gain basic professional skills, get to know leading Russian media outlets and practising journalists, learn to work with information and take their first steps in their future profession. The project is implemented jointly with the Movement of the First with the support of the Ministry of Education of Russia. Its programme partners are ANO Dialogue and the New Media Workshop.
From March to June 2026, almost 100 participants in the first intake of the project completed five modules, attended 30 classes, 10 master meetings and 20 tours of leading Russian media outlets. They studied the basics of journalism, the Russian language, professional ethics and law.
Event photobank
The expert was Vadim Ampelonsky, Development Director at Synergy Corporation, journalist, PR specialist and strategic communications expert.
The Young Journalists School is a multi-format educational project of the National Centre RUSSIA.
