Russia's High School Seniors Ring the 'Last Bell' in Self-Isolation
Every year on May 25, Russia's high school seniors close out the last day of classes with the ringing of the "Last Bell."
In addition to the nationwide ringing of the "Last Bell," the soon-to-be graduates typically celebrate the day by dancing, wearing traditional school uniforms, giving and receiving flowers and hugging their classmates goodbye.
This year, however, they were forced to mark this long-standing tradition online due to the coronavirus.
Here's a look at how the "Last Bell" rang even in self-isolation:
In addition to the nationwide ringing of the "Last Bell," the soon-to-be graduates typically celebrate the day by dancing, wearing traditional school uniforms, giving and receiving flowers and hugging their classmates goodbye.
This year, however, they were forced to mark this long-standing tradition online due to the coronavirus.
Here's a look at how the "Last Bell" rang even in self-isolation:
This Zoom video conference is a bit more muted than in-person celebrations.
Sergei Karpukhin / TASS
It's common tradition for students to pin small bells to their uniforms — and this tradition carried on even in isolation.
Anton Novoderzhkin / TASS
Sweatpants aren't allowed in this Zoom call.
Anton Novoderzhkin / TASS
For teachers, saying goodbye to their favorite students is bittersweet — especially this year, when an uncertain future lies ahead.
Sergei Karpukhin / TASS
In Russia's third-largest city, Novosibirsk, students pose for a scaled-down photo by the river.
Kirill Kukhamr / TASS
In some regions, like the Vladimir region, self-isolation restrictions are slowly being lifted, meaning students could take photos together outside.
Even students in small towns wouldn't miss the chance to dress up for their last day.
Students in Russia have been largely attending classes online since mid-March.
Even though Moscow is still under strict quarantine, these students "couldn't help but celebrate the Last Bell."
