The university hosted the traditional review-competition «Shevchenko readings – 2026», dedicated to the memory of Taras Shevchenko. This year, teams from the Eucational and Research institutes No. 1-5, Sumy branch and Kremenchuk Flight College – took the stage to read Kobzar's word in a new way, in their own way, but sincerely.

The event began with an insightful composition «The Wide Dnipro Roars and Moans» performed by the People's Choir of the Ukrainian song «Smotrych». After the National Anthem of Ukraine was played, those present observed a moment of silence in memory of soldiers and civilians who died as a result of the armed aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine. The atmosphere was both solemn and deeply moving – where every word has weight and meaning.

The competition program included two nominations – «Recitation of works by Taras Shevchenko» and «Original genre». In the first –, the participants demonstrated acting skills and their own understanding of classical works. «Plague», «Causal», «Testament», «To Osnovianenko», «They say...», excerpt from the poem «Witch». Each item of the programme – is a separate story lived on stage: with its own emotion, intonations, life experience, inner tension and sincerity.

In the nomination «Original genre», the audience saw vocal and choreographic compositions, musical and theatrical productions, modern creative interpretations. Young people proved: Shevchenko – is not only the pages of the textbook, but a living nerve of the nation, which sounds different, but is always relevant.

The performances of the participants were evaluated by a competent jury headed by the Vice-Rector of the university Serhii Bortnyk. Its members included: First Deputy Mayor of Kamianets-Podilskyi Oleksandra Shevchuk, Acting Chief of the Kamianets-Podilskyi DPD of the MDNP in Khmelnytskyi region Ihor Bespalii, investigative forensic Judge of the Khmelnytskyi City District Court Svitlana Dankova, Chairman of the Board of the Football Club «Epicenter» Fedir Daniv, Head of the Department of Social and Humanitarian Work Olena Sashurina, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Disciplines and Ukrainian Studies Nataliia Yelnikova, Head of the Department of Food Supply Serhii Subota.

While the jury was summing up, the stage continued to live art. The audience was impressed by the performances of the drum and saber girl units, as well as the contemporary dance ensemble «Aquarel». Drive, rhythm, plasticity and national character created a powerful final wave of emotions.

A special part of the event was Serhii Bortnyk's expressive performance of excerpts from the works of Taras Shevchenko «Son», «Kavkaz» and «Both dead and alive...». It was not just an artistic number, but a deep example of how Kobzar's word sounds today – confidently, relevantly, convincingly.

Based on the results of the evaluation, the jury determined the winners in each nomination and the total number of points. Diplomas were awarded to laureates and winners by the Vice-Rector of the university Serhii Bortnyk and honored guests of the event.

In the nomination «Recitation of Taras Shevchenko's works», I place went to the ERI No. 5, II place – the ERI No. 1, III place – Kremenchug Flight College.

In the nomination «Original genre» I place was awarded to the ERI No. 1, II place – to the creative team of the ERI No. 5, III place was taken by the creative team of KFC.

According to the total number of points, the places were distributed as follows: I place – the ERI No. 1, II place – the ERI No. 5; III place – KFC.

For a significant contribution to the national-patriotic education of youth and support for the development of Ukrainian culture, the thanks of the university were announced to the Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council, the Kamianets-Podilskyi District Police Department, the Chairman of the Board of FC «Epicenter» Fedor Daniv and the team of the modern dance ensemble «Akvarel».

Daniil Dzoba, a cadet of the Educational and Research Institute No. 1, was awarded the encouraging departmental award of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine – wristwatch.

Vitalii Romaniuk, Director of the ERI No. 1 was awarded the «Badge of Honor» from the MDNP in Khmelnytskyi region, and Oleksii Kryvoruchko and Albina Iliina, cadets of the ERI No. 1, received thanks from the MDNP in Kharkiv region.

«Shevchenko's readings – 2026» became not only a creative competition, but also a space for the power of speech, inner maturity and unity. While young people read Shevchenko, his thoughts remain alive, and Ukraine has a future.