According to the President, studying outside Estonia was one of our small nation's chances for success - to learn from others and, through that, become great in terms of mind, just as Jakob Hurt had once called upon his people. President Rüütel added: "But let's remember that while you place great hopes on possibilities to look around in the world, the more is expected from you. You are like Estonia's business card - it's you who shape opinions of our people and country."
Minister of Education and Research Toivo Maimets called upon the graduates never to rest waiting for better times but to actively help them arrive.
Ragne Riim from the Vesiroosi Upper Secondary School of Rapla, who spoke on behalf of the graduates, suggested that one's success in education depended entirely on the person and his will. She stressed that really well educated citizens were the best the graduates could return to the state.
Public Relations Unit of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 21, 2004
