The national stage of the subject-based Olympiads for school students has reached its conclusion, bringing to the podium yet another generation of driven, knowledge-oriented youth who believe in their own abilities.
An award ceremony for the winners of the 2024–2025 academic year subject Olympiads was held at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia (MoESCS).
In addition to announcing the names of the diploma recipients one by one, the Minister of MoESCS addressed the recent changes made to the Olympiad procedures in recent years. These changes aim not only to strengthen a sense of fairness and trust in the competitive process but also to expand the geographical diversity of participants.
“Usum” School has shown unprecedented participation in various stages of subject Olympiads in recent years. However, according to the school’s Deputy Principal and geography teacher, Anna Smbatyan, ninth-grader Vahe Makaryan’s victory stands out among them. While the school has had students who received diplomas or commendations at both the regional and national levels, Vahe is the first to receive a first-degree diploma in Geography.
This victory is far from accidental. Many at school are well aware of Vahe’s insightful analyses of world history events and geopolitical developments. His interest in geography began at a young age when he happened to pick up an atlas.
In an interview with usumschool.am, Vahe shared that this was his first time participating in any subject-based Olympiad, making it not only a valuable experience but also a true challenge.
“This victory has definitely inspired me to continue deepening my knowledge of geography in the years to come,” said Vahe. He also found the preparation process quite impressive — including in-person and online meetings with his teacher, analysis of theoretical materials, practice with past Olympiad examples, and more.
When asked how he felt seeing his name at the very top of the participants’ list, Vahe shared that it was his older brother who first told him the news and congratulated him — and, naturally, he was overjoyed.
At the end of our conversation, when asked what advice he would give to others aspiring to become Olympiad winners, Vahe said that no special qualities are required. “You simply need to love what you’re doing, gather knowledge, and be willing to work hard and stay focused,” he said. Although he hasn't yet made a firm decision about his future profession, he does not rule out the possibility that geography will play a role in it.
It is also worth mentioning that graduates from “Usum” School from various years have also taken their place on the honor podium of subject-based Olympiad․
To not think freely is to not think at all!
