Miory Regional Executive Committee

The Olgovskaya Basic School of the Vitebsk District has been named after the pioneer-hero Gera Shcherbakov, who was once its student 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. Once, despite the adults' prohibitions, Gera secretly went on a mission with a group of sappers and helped derail an enemy train. When the partisans began shooting the surviving fascists, the boy threw a grenade saying: "This is for Grandpa and for Mom!"

In late April 1943, a group of partisans cut off from the main forces, including Gera Shcherbakov, repelled enemy attacks. Armed with the submachine gun 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 when the young hero threw his last grenade, a bullet ended his life.

The Olgovskaya school reverently preserves the memory of its brave fellow townsman: to this day, it keeps a certificate of merit awarded to Gera Shcherbakov for excellent academic performance and exemplary behavior. The school's pioneer unit bears the hero's name. Additionally, teachers and students maintain contact with Gera's sister, Svetlana.

Representatives of the regional and district authorities and public organizations attended the ceremonial event. Regional Council of Deputies Chairman Vladimir Terentyev and District Council of Deputies Chairman Viktor Dorozhkin were given the honor of unveiling the memorial plaque dedicated to Gera Shcherbakov.

– Today, you are the heirs of these young heroes, – Vladimir Terentyev reminded the younger generation. – You must cherish the peaceful sky above your heads and honor our history, for the future depends on each of you.

The school students promised to glorify Gera Shcherbakov's name through academic achievements, kind pioneer deeds, and decent conduct.

Additionally, the holiday guests were presented with a mural dedicated to the Year of Peace and Creativity in the Republic of Belarus. Its author is Valery Abramenko, a student of the Vymnanskaya School.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by