As part of the Children's Day celebrations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Future of Ukraine honorary award to school and university students who demonstrated personal courage and resilience, showed patriotism and active citizenship, participated in volunteer activities, and devotedly defended universal human values and Ukraine's national interests.
Three students from Donetsk Oblast were awarded the honorary distinction "Future of Ukraine" for their resilience, patriotism, perseverance, leadership qualities, and significant contribution to the development of youth initiatives in Ukraine.
We congratulate our talented students on this high distinction:
Nikita Litvin, a student at Lyceum No. 2 of the Pokrovsk City Council. For several years, Nikita has successfully represented Donetsk Oblast and Ukraine in national and international scientific competitions, winning numerous victories, including gold at INFOMATRIX and INOVA 2025. His original device, PenguTime, is an interactive system in the form of a penguin that teaches children time management and responsibility. In 2025, Nikita joined the National Team of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, which attests to his high scientific level. His achievements are a striking example of the resilience and innovative potential of young Ukrainians.
Yana Stepanenko is a student at Secondary School No. 20 of the Toretsk City Military-Civil Administration. Yana's story is an example of Ukraine's resilience. After losing both legs during the shelling of the railway station in Kramatorsk, she returned to an active life and became a symbol of resilience and strength, conquering marathons around the world. Yana runs to support the Ukrainian military, raising funds for prosthetics and rehabilitation. Her journey proves that even after the most difficult losses, there is always a light that leads the way forward.
Artur Tymchak is a student at the Nikolskaya Secondary School No. 1 named after A.D. Yakimenko of the Nikolskaya Village Council. Artur actively promotes Ukrainian culture, volunteers, and participates in numerous educational, environmental, and social initiatives. During the full-scale invasion, he actively helps with the logistics of humanitarian aid and creates youth projects. His daily work is a compelling example of responsibility and deep dedication to Ukraine.
We wish you new achievements, inspiration for the implementation of bold ideas, and further development of personal and team projects for the benefit of Ukraine!