The State government is encouraging students who excel in their examinations by recognising them as shining stars, and this support should inspire them to achieve greater heights and become role models for others, said NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha.

Addressing the students during the Shining Stars Awards–2026 programme, organised by the School Education department and Samagra Shiksha, at the Maris Stella College auditorium in Vijayawada on Monday, Mr. Lakshmisha recalled his school days when he received a dictionary for scoring high marks in Class V.

He reminisced the joy on his mother’s face when he showed her the prize. That was a defining moment for him, he said, adding that it inspired him to pursue excellence.

Vijayawada East MLA Gadde Rammohan told the students to work and study hard since education has the power to transform the future of an entire family. Twenty-Point Programme Implementation Committee Chairman Lanka Dinakar also spoke on the occasion.

District Library Organisation Chairman M.S. Beg, District Intermediate Education Officer B. Prabhakar Rao, officials from Samagra Shiksha, parents and students also took part.

A total of 175 students were honoured during the event, including 135 students who secured outstanding marks in the Class X examinations and 40 Intermediate students who excelled academically. Each student received a cash award of ₹20,000 along with a medal and certificate.