A total of 440 students were officially recognised today during the opening session of the High Achievers Awards ceremony, an annual event that celebrates exceptional academic performance in the Maldives’ O-level and A-level examinations.

This year’s ceremony spans five sessions, held across multiple venues over two days. The main proceedings are taking place at the Social Centre in Malé, drawing a large gathering of students, parents, and education officials to commemorate the occasion.

Presiding over the inaugural session was Dr Mohamed Waheed, former President of the Maldives and current Special Envoy to the President. In his address, Dr Waheed commended the students for their academic excellence and perseverance, while also acknowledging the vital contributions of families and educators in shaping their success.

Awards presented during the first session focused on O-level high achievers. In total, 221 students were recognised for ranking among the top nine nationally, with an additional 219 students honoured for placing in the top eight. These accolades are part of a broader effort to formally recognise academic merit across various levels of achievement.

According to the Ministry of Education, the total number of award recipients across all sessions is expected to exceed 1,800, highlighting a marked rise in the number of high-performing students in this year’s national examinations.

Among the distinctions awarded are several prestigious national honours. These include the President’s Award, presented to students securing first place in the O-level examinations; the President’s Scholarship, awarded to top-ranking A-level students; and the High Achievers’ Scholarship, which recognises candidates who have attained an ‘A’ grade or higher.