Mark Avetkyan, a student of the 11-B class at Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Lyceum No. 1, was personally awarded the «Future of Ukraine» medal by President Volodymyr Zelensky for his display of personal bravery, patriotism, and active civic engagement. This was reported on the school’s social media pages.
«This is not just an award; it symbolizes that even in the toughest times, young people can inspire, take action, and defend the values that shape the future of Ukraine,» the Lyceum No. 1 in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi stated.

It is worth noting that on June 23 of this year, an enemy missile struck the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Lyceum, claiming the lives of three people. Fourteen individuals sustained injuries of varying severity, including two teenagers. One of these teens, 16-year-old Mark, not only managed to escape from the rubble but also saved his friend.
In August 2025, the head of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Odesa Region, Denys Platonov, presented Mark Avetkyan with the badge «For Courage in Emergency Situations», and in September, on Rescuer's Day, the young man was honored during the ceremony for winners of the annual nationwide campaign «Hero - Rescuer of the Year».
The «Future of Ukraine» medal is a state award established in May 2025 to honor citizens of Ukraine, foreigners, and stateless persons under the age of 18 for their personal bravery, courage, resilience, patriotism, active civic engagement, volunteer activities, and defense of universal values and national interests of Ukraine.