The Nerja Town Council has awarded the XII Academic Merit Awards to 20 students from IES Sierra Almijara and El Chaparil, with an incentive of 500 euros for each outstanding record.
This morning, the Villa de Nerja Cultural Centre became the stage for recognising academic effort. Twenty students from Bachillerato and Vocational Training from the two institutes in the municipality received the XII Academic Merit Awards, an initiative from the Education Department that rewards each of the brightest records of the year with 500 euros.
The Councillor for Education, Ana María Muñoz, presided over the event accompanied by the Youth Councillor, Daniel Rivas. Both presented the awards in a ceremony that brought together teachers, families, and members of the educational communities from IES Sierra Almijara and El Chaparil.
Recognition of effort and perseverance
The awardees were selected for their excellent grades and dedication throughout the year. From IES Sierra Almijara, the winners are Malaika Vega, Bella Karolina Runol, Juan José Jaime, Antonio Jaime, Alicia Nicole Paulsen, Aitana Sánchez, Alba Romero, Noah Corbacho, Alena Bystritskaia, and Natalia Molis. From IES El Chaparil, the awardees are Ángela Dolezal, Aitor Fossi, Guillermo Torrús, Antonio Rodríguez, Carla López, Saule Juskyte, Marina Rodríguez, Arsenii Pertsev, Tom Wild, and Estefanía Escobar.
Ana María Muñoz wanted to personally congratulate each of them and highlighted that "these awards represent a direct recognition of the commitment and personal sacrifice required to achieve an excellent academic record." The councillor also thanked the work of the management teams and teachers from both centres for their involvement in the comprehensive education of the youth.
An economic incentive that eases family expenses
The 500 euros each student receives not only represent a moral recognition but also provide financial assistance for Nerja families. In a context of rising prices, such initiatives allow young people to cover expenses for school materials, transport, or even the first steps towards university. For many, this award can be the boost they need to continue striving in their studies.
The Nerja Town Council, through the Education Department, has been promoting these awards for twelve years, which have become an unmissable event in the academic calendar of the municipality. The continuity of the initiative demonstrates the council's commitment to educational excellence and the motivation of local young talents.
The pride of an educational community
The ceremony was marked by an atmosphere of celebration and shared pride. Family members and teachers did not hide their satisfaction as they watched the young people take the stage to collect their diploma and cheque. Applause and cheers echoed through the halls of the Villa de Nerja Cultural Centre, while the awardees posed smiling for the obligatory photos. There were emotional tears from some mothers and hugs among classmates.
IES Sierra Almijara and IES El Chaparil have once again demonstrated that quality public education is possible in Axarquía. The variety of profiles among the awardees—from sciences to humanities, including vocational training—reflects the educational richness of both centres.
Next steps for the awardees
For these twenty students, the award is just the beginning. Many of them will continue their studies at university or enter the workforce with a solid academic foundation. The Nerja Town Council is already working on the next edition of the awards, which will continue to recognise local talent. In the meantime, the 2026 awardees can enjoy a somewhat more relaxed summer thanks to the 500 euros, which will surely help pay for a treat or save for the next school year.
The date for next year is marked on the calendar: the Villa de Nerja Cultural Centre will once again host a new edition of these awards, which have become a tradition in the municipality. Students who wish to apply already know what it takes: study hard, strive, and who knows, perhaps next year it will be them taking the stage.
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