Historical Success in LGS from Mardin Derik: Umut Güzel Became First in Turkey with a Perfect Score of 500

14-year-old Umut Güzel, continuing his education in the Derik district of Mardin, answered all questions correctly in the central exam held within the scope of the 2026 High School Transition System (LGS), scoring a perfect 500. With this superior performance, the young student managed to rank among the top in Turkey, also going down in history as the first student in the district to achieve this degree. The success achieved by Güzel, a student at Cumhuriyet Middle School, immersed both his school and the entire district in great pride and joy. The District Directorate of National Education announced Umut Güzel's success through its official social media accounts, congratulating him and those who contributed. Thus, the Derik district made a name for itself once again with this historical momentum it has captured in the field of education.

Umut Güzel, noting that the exam preparation process was quite challenging and intense, emphasized that this success was not a coincidence but a result of regular and planned work. The young student stated that the moral support of his family, school administration, and teachers, who never left him alone during this process, always kept his motivation high. Stating that his Support and Training Course (DYK) teachers were among the most important elements guiding him, Güzel noted that he could not have achieved this goal without their contributions. The constant presence of his family and educators helped him overcome exam stress and focus on his goals. Adding that he also worked with devotion and determination, the successful student noted that this process was a period of both academic and personal development for him.

Scoring a perfect 500 in the LGS, in which thousands of students participate across Turkey and where high competition is experienced, is considered a highly exceptional and commendable situation. In his statements, Umut Güzel pointed out that this success was born not only from mental effort but also from a combination of patience and perseverance. Addressing all his friends and young students, Güzel advised them to never give up on their goals, not to give up in the face of difficulties, and most importantly, to believe in themselves. These words represent not only an exam success but also a life philosophy that can inspire the younger generation. Becoming a great role model for other students in the district, Güzel received great attention in the local press and the public.

Mother Bilge Güzel, sharing her son's rightful pride and joy, stated that the happiness experienced is too deep to be expressed in words. Mother Güzel sincerely thanked the self-sacrificing teachers and school administration, stating that they were undoubtedly among the ones who had the greatest share in Umut's success. Stating that the guidance offered by the education community yielded such fruits when combined with in-family support, the mother wished that this success would be a ray of hope for all children in the district. She stated that at the moment, their greatest concern is not the exam success, but rather their child being able to take the most appropriate step for his future. It is clearly seen that the mother and father always provided Umut with a free decision-making environment during this process and respected his personality and desires.

The plans for his future educational life also include clear and high goals; it was expressed that Umut will make the final decision entirely during the preference process. Mother Bilge Güzel stated that they would make a choice in line with her son's goals and support him, announcing that they are considering Turkey's most rooted and prestigious schools, such as Kabataş Erkek Lisesi or Galatasaray Lisesi. She added to her words that they would strive earnestly for Umut to be placed in the school in his heart and mind, and that they hoped the most beautiful outcome would hopefully be realized. Officials from the District Directorate of National Education also stated that it was a historical day for Derik and that they believed Umut's success would serve as a source of motivation for other students in the district. Noting that such individual successes reveal the value given to education and local potential across the country, the officials hope that similar success stories will be experienced in the future.