Madise’s election as president sparks pride at former school

Ülle Madise’s election as Estonia’s president has sparked excitement at Tartu Descartes School, where she studied from fourth through 12th grade, ERR reported.

Teachers who taught Madise and Jaan Reinson, the school’s director since its establishment, had hoped she would be elected. Parliament selected her on Wednesday.

“The emotions are certainly very high,” Reinson said. “Not only because the new president is a graduate of our school, but also because we can now hope that we have a good, perhaps even a very good president.”

Reinson also said he was pleased that Parliament had fulfilled its constitutional duty by electing a president.

Although teachers did not anticipate Madise becoming president when she was a student, Reinson said her abilities were evident in retrospect. Madise, formerly known as Antonit, graduated from 12th grade in 1993 with a gold medal. Her former teachers remember her as a diligent and responsible student who consistently received the highest marks.

“She understood things very quickly. There was no need to explain things to her repeatedly,” Reinson said. “She listened carefully and usually understood on the first attempt what was required and expected. She was very correct and well organised.”

Some current students also said they were proud that the president came from their school.

“It is a proud feeling,” said Sven, a student at Tartu Descartes School. “We may not be the biggest or most prestigious school, but there are many very capable, talented and good students here.”

Although some people in Tartu would have preferred another president or more candidates in the election, three young residents said they were satisfied with the outcome. They described Madise as a good choice and expressed hope that she would work responsibly to improve the country.