Opening of the Even Semester, MAN 1 Yogyakarta Recognizes Outstanding and Well-Behaved Students

Yogyakarta — MAN 1 Yogyakarta marked the beginning of the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year by holding a flag-raising ceremony attended by the entire madrasah community. The ceremony took place at the MAN 1 Yogyakarta field on Monday morning (January 5, 2026). After the ceremony concluded, at the same venue, the madrasah presented appreciation awards to a number of students recognized for their achievements and exemplary character during the first semester.

The appreciation was given to students who demonstrated academic and non-academic excellence, as well as those who consistently showed positive character in their daily lives within the madrasah environment. In detail, 27 students received awards for academic and non-academic achievements after winning various competitions, while 34 students were recognized for their strong learning ethic and positive character displayed in everyday school life. The awards were presented directly by the Head of MAN 1 Yogyakarta, Edi Triyanto, S.Ag., S.Pd., M.Pd., as a form of recognition for the students’ efforts, discipline, and exemplary conduct.

In his remarks, Edi Triyanto emphasized that appreciation is an integral part of the educational process in the madrasah. He stated that a madrasah is not only responsible for producing academically excellent students, but also for shaping strong character. “We hope this appreciation will motivate all students to continue achieving, to behave well, and to become role models both within the madrasah and in the wider community,” said Edi.

Meanwhile, the Vice Principal for Student Affairs, Soeprastiyono Nugroho, S.Pd., M.Pd., explained that this appreciation program aligns with the implementation of the Child-Friendly Madrasah initiative that continues to be developed at MAN 1 Yogyakarta. He noted that the madrasah aims to ensure every child feels happy and valued. “Students do not always have to be competition winners; having good attitudes, a strong learning ethic, and consistent compliance with madrasah regulations are equally important. These are the values we seek to instil and strengthen from the very beginning of the semester,” Soeprastiyono explained.

He further added that the selection of award recipients was based on input from teachers and madrasah staff. The assessment criteria included good behavior and attitude, a high learning ethic, and a clean record with no violations of madrasah regulations, including minor infractions. One of the award recipients, Prina Kharismawati from Class XI A, who received a non-competition award, expressed her pride in the achievement and her hope to continue improving herself. “I hope I can inspire my friends to be good students and to keep striving to develop themselves in various fields for future success,” said Prina.

Through this activity, MAN 1 Yogyakarta hopes that a culture of appreciation will continue to grow and have a positive impact on the character development of its students. The contribution of the entire madrasah community is believed to play a significant role in creating a safe, friendly learning environment that fosters the emergence of a generation that is both morally upright and high-achieving. (luf)