The journey of three male students from President Ho Chi Minh's hometown to win national awards.

These are the three students: Le Nam Khanh, class 12A1, won first prize in Mathematics with 33.5 points; Ho Viet Duc Luong, class 12A1, won second prize in Mathematics with 31.5 points; and Phan Duc Thuan, class 12A4, won third prize in Chemistry with 21.75 points.

Motivation stemming from the dedication of middle school teachers.

Upon entering Dang Chanh Ky Junior High School, all three students were well-behaved, but not particularly outstanding. However, when they entered the 8th grade and were homeroom teacher of Biology, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, their teacher, completely changed their attitude and mindset towards learning.

"She maintained discipline and order, followed a structured learning method, and always arrived very early for every class to check on each student's homework progress," that was the general opinion of all three when talking about their former teacher.

3 national outstanding students (from left to right): Phan Duc Thuan, Le Nam Khanh and Ho Viet Duc Luong

For you all, from her teaching style to her sharing and close interaction in all activities, especially her ability to understand each student's strengths and weaknesses to encourage and motivate everyone to excel in their studies, has created a vibrant learning environment in the class. The noticeable progress of all students in the class has created a competitive learning atmosphere, motivating everyone to strive for high results.

According to the three students, their greatest fortune was that each subject teacher truly dedicated themselves to their students. They could comfortably eat and sleep at their teachers' homes for weeks or even months at a time, not only learning academic knowledge but also life skills and inspiring them in their studies. Each teacher chose their own method, but the students all felt their enthusiasm. Not only the three students, but all the other students in the class strived to achieve high results to somehow repay the teachers' dedication and commitment.

Ho Viet Duc Luong and his mother

At the end of junior high school, what was impressive was not only the achievement of all three students winning second prize at the provincial level, but also the impressive performance of the entire graduating class: 29 students achieved the title of excellent student at the provincial level, with 6 second prizes and 13 third prizes, and 11 students were admitted to Phan Boi Chau Specialized High School.

And even when entering high school, former teachers always monitor, encourage, and motivate students to pass their exams.

Best friends win first and second prizes in the National Mathematics Competition.

With numerous achievements to his name, Ho Viet Duc Luong is considered a prodigy in mathematics. Passionate about mathematics since childhood, even in 10th and 11th grade, Ho Viet Duc Luong had already achieved impressive results: In 10th grade, he won a Gold Medal in the Student Mathematics Olympiad; a Bronze Medal in the Young Mathematician Talent Search (MYTS); in 11th grade, he won an Encouragement Award in the National Excellent Student Selection Exam; and in 12th grade, he won Second Prize in the National Excellent Student Selection Exam.

Cheerful, intelligent, and energetic, Ho Viet Duc Luong is not only an excellent student but also a "veteran" class president throughout his middle school and 10th grade years. He only "retired" from his role as class president when he was selected for the national student competition team. Duc Luong is also one of the strong volleyball players on the school's volleyball team.

Le Nam Khanh and Ho Viet Duc Luong

Unlike Duc Luong, who was eliminated in the first round of the National Excellent Student Competition in 11th grade, despite feeling disappointed and disheartened, Le Nam Khanh did not give up his passion for mathematics thanks to the lack of pressure from his family and teachers. He was determined to start over and won first prize in the provincial excellent student competition in mathematics.

I don't put too much emphasis on achievements, but I remember what my father said when he learned I got accepted into the most prestigious specialized high school in the country: "Going to Phan High School isn't just about the university entrance exam, it's about the national exam."

Passionate, intelligent, and especially focused on honing his math problem-solving skills, Nam Khánh diligently sought out resources from all sources: teachers, the internet, seniors, and friends. Studying with such enthusiasm, he achieved a breakthrough, winning first prize at the National Excellent Student Selection Exam with 33.5 points.

There's no need to study too much or stay up too late; just study enough time. Did you sleep well at night? How many bowls of rice did you eat? Did you play sports in the afternoon? ... There were so many questions like these from the teachers during the days Khánh and Lương were preparing for the exam. Both strict and very approachable, the teachers at Phan School were always there to support Nam Khánh and Đức Lương through the challenging exam.

Ho Viet Duc Luong with his mother and grandmother

According to Mr. Ho Sy Hung, who is both the homeroom teacher and the math instructor: "Duc Luong and Nam Khanh are two students with a passion for mathematics. Their abilities have been tested through many exams, and they have a very high level of determination in their studies. The results of the National Excellent Student Competition have demonstrated their outstanding academic performance."

Phan Duc Thuan "fulfilled his passion for Chemistry"

As the youngest of three siblings, with both parents retired and quite elderly, and two older sisters who are excellent students, Phan Duc Thuan always strives to excel in his studies.

With a passion for Chemistry since middle school, Thuận's Chemistry teacher always taught enthusiastically, dedicating much time to developing her abilities. And especially, her older sister, also a Chemistry major at Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted, always accompanied and guided her, further fueling her "love" for Chemistry.

Thuan's passion, dedication, and diligence in exploring new knowledge in Chemistry have always been his passion. Along with guidance from his teachers, he also receives support from high-achieving seniors, and self-study is equally important, as Thuan has to read and research foreign materials to prepare for national exams. "Having participated in two national gifted student selection exams, winning an honorable mention in 11th grade and a third prize this school year, I regret that there were a few things in my work that weren't to my liking, and I lacked confidence in myself during the exam," Thuan shared.

Despite the difficulties, Phan Duc Thuan's parents are always proud of their son's academic achievements.

Each student has a different background; some live far from their parents, others in rented accommodation, dormitories, or with relatives. However, when discussing their studies, none of the three mentioned any difficulties. For them, regardless of their circumstances, their parents' support, their teachers, and their friends' encouragement were invaluable. Their gratitude to their teachers and mentors, who inspired them in their studies, is the driving force behind their achievements today.

All three share the common belief that "Quantity leads to quality," each possessing unique abilities, and with sufficient knowledge, they can transform themselves. The efforts of these three young men from President Ho Chi Minh's hometown have yielded truly proud achievements.