Dubai Student stands tall winning her third Hamdan Award and making a score of five National Academic Awards

Dubai, April 23, 2015: Award-winning student, Simran Vedvyas, receives the prestigious ‘Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance’ for the third time among the UAE & GCC students

Simran Vedvyas, Grade 11 student, at Esol Education’s Universal American School (UAS) has once again been conferred the prestigious Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance. Simran received the award from His Highness Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance at an award ceremony that included a trophy, certificate and a cash prize, on 22nd April 2015, during a glittering ceremony held at the Sheikh Rashid Hall in Dubai 

Established 17 years ago, the Hamdan Award is a GCC-wide program that recognizes excellence in teaching and learning. Measuring exceptional academic distinction, leadership qualities, extracurricular interests as well as community contributions, activities and contests, the award is a true celebration of Simran’s numerous achievements, which also include two previous Hamdan Awards as well as two Sharjah Education Excellence Awards.  

An Indian by origin Simran continues to holds the record as the youngest girl from the Middle East Region and one of the only six chosen from UAE to carry the esteemed Olympic Torch at the London Olympics UK 2012.  This is an added milestone for Simran in addition to winning several distinguished International acclaims; some of these are the admired Diana International Award UK 2014 as Diana Active Campaigner, prized International Eco Hero Award USA 2014, acclaimed Puruskar at the National Level (India) shortlisted as best student for Paryavaranmitra Leader for Change 2014, legendary John Muir Youth Environmental Conservation Award USA 2014 for her work as an environmentalist, and the well-regarded Principal’s Award for academic and co curricular achievements in her school.

Another significant recognition for Simran that makes a noteworthy addition to a very impressive list of her accomplishments is her selection as World Peace Caravan Youth Ambassador.  She is the youngest of the twelve chosen ambassadors from across the globe to campaign for world peace following the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.  Simran chooses to highlight “attaining healthy lives for all” by her symbolic health campaign “Touch Lives, reach out fullest”.

“We are so proud of Simran, knowing well that her enthusiasm and commitment to academic excellence made her deserving recepient of this prestigious award,” commented Mr. Andrew Torris, Director, Universal American School.  “I believe we need to inspire our students to follow their passions, while letting them inspire us to do the same.  Simran is extremely confident, and her outstanding achievements have made her the first student at UAS to receive the Hamdan Award, inspiring a whole generation of students ahead,” he added.

Ms. Simone Sebban, Secondary Principal of UAS also complimented Simran for the high level of leadership, respect and kindness that she exhibits towards her peers and added “It takes determination, focus and a whole lot of energy for any student to develop the skills they need to succeed in high school and beyond, and Simran has successfully incorporated these skills in her academic phase of life”.

Simran believes that it is her first win of the Hamdan Award in 2009 that motivated her to go in for global participations. Winning this award makes it "the Fifth National Academic Award win for me, an achievement at-large for any student" says excited Simran, after winning the award. She added “This award has given me an opportunity to assess my own capabilities and talents; and it motivates me to constantly challenge myself. Being a constant catalyst in my life, the award has pushed me to see myself; not only achieving more, but, also dreaming more every single day of my life.

To the young and aspiring she conveys the message that - "Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally”