ABU DHABI // Reem Al Dhahani was one of 150 pupils honoured at a ceremony last night for their achievements in Grade 12.
Confined to a wheelchair, Reem, 19, said she didn't let the fact that she was born with polio get in the way of studying arts in school and scoring an average of 96.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs, congratulated each of the pupils who had achieved a minimum score of 98 per cent.
Emirati special-needs students who scored 95 per cent or higher were also honoured.
They were also given a certificate of appreciation at the ceremony at Emirates Palace last night.
Reem, from Sharjah, said she was looking forward to studying multimedia at the American University of Sharjah.
"I want to go into IT and design websites for companies," she said.
Her mother, who had six other children, said she was very proud of her daughter, who clutched her leather-bound certificate of appreciation tightly.
Sheikh Mansour said: "I am very proud of our top-performing students who stand among us today.
"They worked very hard and pro-ved to themselves and to the UAE leaders that our youth is more than capable and ready take part in challenging situations.
"It's an accomplishment you should be proud of, one that will help you to grow as an individual."
Humaid Al Qattami, Minister of Education, said the nation's leadership had guided the students with encouragement, motivation and positivity.
"Today is a major milestone in the lives of each and every single student here today," Mr Al Qattami said.
Dr Mugheer Al Khaili, director general of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, said the country's leaders had also helped Adec to achieve 21st century education.
"Our youth is our country's future," Dr Al Khaili said. "Your efforts today will be translated into action tomorrow. We look forward to following up on further success for each and every one of you."
