Prizes awarded to the 28 best graduates in Croatia

The Ministry of Science, Education and Youth has awarded prizes to 28 top high school graduates in Croatia this year, marking another successful cycle of the state final examination, known as the državna matura. With nearly 30,000 participants achieving an average score of 2.8, only a small number distinguished themselves with flawless results. Among them, 20 were gymnasium students and seven vocational students who either achieved the highest average scores in mandatory exams at the advanced level, or completed all required exams with 100 percent accuracy. Each recipient received a prize of 350 euros. Josip Tomić, a student from Gymnasium Velika Gorica, was recognized for having written all three mandatory exams with the best results in the country. He expressed gratitude to his family, especially his mother, who had supported him over the past four years. He also encouraged his peers to pursue their studies not just as professionals but as individuals committed to contributing to society. His message resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of using knowledge for the greater good. Other notable recipients included students from Gymnasium MIOC in Zagreb and Gymnasium Lucijana Vranjine. These schools have consistently performed well in recent years, though several others such as III. Gymnasium in Osijek, First Gymnasium in Varaždin, Gymnasium in Split, Čakovec, and the Bishop Classical Gymnasium Ruđera Bošković in Dubrovnik also made headlines for their outstanding performances. In addition to the main awards, the Soljačić Prize, valued at $5,000, was won by Mauro Kritovac from Gymnasium MIOC. The Dr. Ante Žužul Prize for the best result in Croatian Language and History was claimed by Fran Đurkan from Gymnasium Sesvete, while Leopold Futivić from XI. Gymnasium in Zagreb took home the Dr. Ante Žužul Prize for the best result in History. Mislav Dujak from Gymnasium “Matija Mesić” in Slavonski Brod received the Dr. Ante Žužul Prize for the best result in Croatian Language. History, as an optional subject on the matura exam, is increasingly chosen by fewer students. This year, only 522 candidates attempted the exam, with Leopold Futivić standing out among them. He praised the exam’s difficulty and expressed excitement about studying history at the Catholic University of Croatia. Two of the top graduates, Mauro Kritovac and Benjamin Bojan Vojković from III. Gymnasium in Osijek, have decided to continue their higher education abroad. They will study at the University of Twente in the Netherlands, joining other international students like Helena Čeč from III. Gymnasium in Osijek, who is pursuing a degree in astronomy. Helena chose to study abroad because she felt her educational options in Croatia were limited, particularly in specialized fields like physics and astronomy. She explained that while there are integrated programs in physics at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy (PMF), they lack the specialization she sought. She prefers the more direct path offered by foreign universities, where she can focus on her interests without unnecessary delays. The top graduates, now university students, have shared advice for future high school students. One emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with classroom material and highlighted the value of active participation in lessons. Their experiences underscore the challenges and opportunities faced by young Croatians as they navigate their academic futures.