DOHA — Sixteen standout students from Qatar Foundation’s network of schools and universities received the 19th Qatar Education Excellence Award, with 10 claiming gold medals and six taking platinum. Officials at Qatar Foundation described the winners as prime examples of the organization’s integrated education model, which blends academic rigor with real-world impact.

Hamad Khalifa Al Yafei, a sixth-grader at Qatar Academy Doha, snagged a platinum medal. He couldn’t hide his shock when the news hit. “At first, I couldn’t believe it; I felt joy, excitement, and gratitude that my hard work had paid off,” Al Yafei said.

His projects show his drive to help others. The ‘Baraka’ app links people with extra resources to those in need. His ‘We Are All Winners’ initiative pushes respect and teamwork in sports. “True victory is winning with character, not just results,” he added.

Waad Al-Maadeed, studying at Georgetown University in Qatar, views excellence as an ongoing pursuit. “Excellence is a way of life,” she said. “True success is leaving a positive impact wherever we belong.”

She picked GU-Q to balance global learning with her Qatari roots. “Holding onto our identity doesn’t contradict openness,” Al-Maadeed explained. Her award highlights that commitment.

Hissa bint Khalid Yahya bin Abbas Al Khuzaei graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. She won gold for academic excellence. Her thesis tackled cultural adaptation pressures on Qatar’s Indian community and their mental health.

“My project began with simple observations,” she recalled. Spotting the community’s role at Souq Al Haraj sparked the idea. Over two semesters, her work included an interview with India’s ambassador to Qatar. It ended with a plan for an Indian cultural center at the old Gulf Cinema in Najma.

Fatima Al-Janahi, an alumna of Texas A&M University at Qatar, earned the master’s category award. She completed her degree on the U.S. home campus. “The application process was a deep review of my research journey,” she said. “It’s an indescribable feeling of pride and gratitude to see that hard work honored.”

Shaikha Khalid Al Nasr, at Tariq Bin Ziad School, grabbed gold for scientific excellence. Her record goes beyond grades. It reflects steady growth through hands-on projects and challenges, according to school officials.

Qatar Foundation’s award, now in its 19th year, spotlights students who excel across K-12 and higher education. The 16 winners came from Qatar Academy Doha, Tariq Bin Ziad School, Georgetown University in Qatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, and Texas A&M University at Qatar. Each built portfolios showing innovation, leadership, and community service.

Recipients spoke of the award’s personal weight. It validates years of effort within QF’s ecosystem, which links schools, universities, and research hubs. Al Yafei and others credited the system for opening doors to projects with real impact.

Qatar Foundation leaders praised the students’ values-driven approach. The awards ceremony celebrated not just achievements, but how these young people embody Qatar’s push for knowledge-based growth.