“We want to help young people develop their talents, offer scholarships to the most outstanding among them, and provide journeys that will broaden their horizons. We are here for you!” Mr Nikolić told the secondary school pupils attending the presentation of the second “Laza & Will and the Bee” competition, offering a prize trip to London in 2027.
A PRIVILEGE FOR BOTH THE PUPILS AND THE TWO FOUNDATIONS
As Mr Dejan Orlić, Head of Karlovci Grammar School, explained: “We selected a special audience for you: outstanding pupils from our most competitive language stream—Spanish. Entry to the Spanish stream requires the highest number of points. These were all final-year pupils whom we knew would appreciate the privilege they had been given.”
The representatives of the two foundations were equally privileged to present their work and the forthcoming “Laza & Will and the Bee” competition, through which selected pupils will win a trip to London in 2027.
Special workshops led by Professor Marina Milić Radović, creator of the educational game “Laza & Will and the Bee”, will take place at the school itself. They will prepare the strongest candidates for the semi-final on 9 December at the Prometej publishing house and the final at Matica srpska on 12 February 2027.
The Nikolić family’s connection with Sremski Karlovci includes an ancestor who attended Karlovci Theological Seminary. In his memory, the family wished their INVOCACIO Foundation to offer outstanding grammar school pupils a richly rewarding educational journey to London in 2027. In subsequent years, they hope to offer a similar opportunity to a selected student of the Seminary of St Arsenije of Srem: a journey to Budapest, Vienna, St Petersburg, or another place associated with the life of Laza Kostić.
WITH THE BLESSING BISHOP VASILIJE
The day began with a reception at the Patriarchal Palace, hosted by His Eminence Vasilije, Archbishop of Sirmium and Bishop of Srem. He expressed his appreciation and gave his blessing for the two foundations to continue their work in advancing knowledge and providing support and scholarships for outstanding young people. His Eminence particularly thanked Marina Milić Radović for her efforts to bring young people from the diaspora closer to their homeland and Serbian culture.
Following visits to the treasury and the Seminary, a short concert was held. For the occasion, the pianist and educator chose her “Karlovci Dress”, featuring Branko Radičević’s signature and the yellow leaves of Stražilovo.
Linking two of Vasilije Mokranjac’s Dances and his Étude in E minor with Branko’s verses, Marina invited the pupils to discuss the emotions Mokranjac’s music evoked. “Anger, loneliness, hidden discontent, rage…” The words came tumbling out after their attentive listening to music they had encountered for the first time that day—and, to their own surprise, discovered.
Both foundations eagerly await the outcome of their visit: which pupils will enter the competition and be ready to explore Laza Kostić’s work, connecting it with their own interests and talents.
THE ŽIVANOVIĆ MUSEUM OF BEEKEEPING
The Živanović Museum of Beekeeping and Winery also extended a generous welcome to the distinguished guests, introducing them to this unique museum and to Jovan Živanović, the founder of modern Serbian beekeeping. While tasting seven wines and three varieties of honey, Mr and Mrs Nikolić learned about the connection between Laza Kostić and Jovan Živanović, the symbolism of the bee in art, and much more.
THE HOSPITALITY OF AN HONORARY CITIZEN OF SREMSKI KARLOVCI
By the end of this “Golden Day” in Sremski Karlovci, it was clear why Professor Dr Dragan Dankuc had been named an honorary citizen of this celebrated town. A working day filled with golden moments, weaving a golden thread between past, present and future, concluded with a feast fit for royalty at the renowned Bermet restaurant.
There is already every sign that this “Golden Day” will bear “golden fruit” in the years to come.
