While the bright morning sun cast its golden glow across the horizon, another radiance filled the hallowed hall of the Bangladesh‑China Friendship Exhibition Center -- the proud smiles of O‑ and A‑level students being honoured for academic excellence.

More than five decades ago, Niloufer Manzur, a young teacher and mother of two, set out to establish a school that would provide children with a strong academic foundation while developing their conscience and sense of responsibility towards their country.

The future is bright for you. Today, this is a huge stage, but I believe it is too small for your achievements.

After receiving recognition for their exceptional O- and A-level results, many awardees carried with them something more enduring -- a shared conviction that their education should serve not only their personal ambitions but also the future of Bangladesh.

Excitement lit up her face as Nazifa Anjum Hoque Apshora of Methodist English Medium School posed for a photo with friends, holding a placard that read, “I don’t chase grades, grades chase me.”

It was a day filled with pride, joy and optimism yesterday as students, families and educators gathered for the 25th The Daily Star-Prime Bank O & A Level Awards at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center.