The Olgov Basic School of Vitebsk District has been named after the hero pioneer Gera Shcherbakov, who was once its pupil and lived in the village of Podberezye.
During the war years, this fourteen-year-old youth refused to go to the rear with his mother and joined his father's partisan detachment. One day, despite the adults' prohibitions, Gera stealthily joined a group of saboteurs on a mission and helped to derail an enemy echelon. When the partisans began to shoot the surviving fascists, the boy threw a grenade, saying: "This is for your grandfather and for my mother!"
In late April 1943, a group of partisans cut off from the main forces, including Gera Shcherbakov, repelled enemy attacks. Armed with the rifle of a fallen comrade, the pioneer fired at the advancing fascists. When the partisans ran out of ammunition, the Hitlerites decided to capture them alive. At the moment the young hero threw his last grenade, a bullet ended his life.
The Olgov School sacredly honours the memory of the brave fellow countryman: a certificate awarded to Gera Shcherbakov for excellent academic performance and exemplary behaviour is still kept there. The school's pioneer squad bears the hero's name. Teachers and pupils also maintain contact with Gera's sister, Svetlana.
Representatives of regional and district authorities and public organisations attended the celebratory ceremony. Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, and Viktor Dorozhkin, Chairman of the District Council of Deputies, were given the honour of unveiling a memorial plaque dedicated to Gera Shcherbakov.
– Today, you are the heirs of young heroes, – Vladimir Terentyev reminded the younger generation. – You must cherish the peaceful sky above your heads and honour our history, as the future depends on each of you.
The school pupils promised to glorify Gera Shcherbakov's name with academic achievements, good pioneer deeds, and worthy behaviour.
A mural dedicated to the Year of Peace and Creation in the Republic of Belarus was also presented to the guests of the celebration. Its author is Valery Abramenko, a pupil of the Vymnyanskaya School.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by