INTRODUCTION 
The “Hope Never Fades” book is a compilation of the 2021 & 2023 J.U.C. Awards’ first and second-place winners’ in Research and Writing submissions, the Introduction to the Media Projects, and the Overall Excellence and Special Awards.
The J.U.C. Media, Research & Writing Awards was developed and implemented by Bircan Ünver for “In Loving Memory of John Unver Culkin”, as a bi-annually program for international high school students through The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization (LMGlobal.Org, 2001, NY). It was initially introduced in NYC on January 29, 2020.
The 2023 J.U.C. Awards, along with the “Hope Never Fades” book launching event dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye. The book launching event took place at the 40th TUYAP Book Fair in the Marmara Room (1st Floor) on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 12:00 to 13:30 PM.
The 2025 J.U.C. Awards are dedicated to the #WaterActionDecade (2018 – 2028), which is also included in the book via the “What is Next?” piece that aims to introduce the concept of 2025 to high school students at an early stage towards encouraging for submissions.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

Presented on November 3, 2023
At the 40th TÜYAP İstanbul Book Fair, Marmara Room

[LMGlobal.Org] Today, within this organization by Light Millenium, we have another priority to mark the 100th year of the Turkish Republic. Here, We are celebrating not only a century of independence but also the enduring power of the written word by means of J.U.C. Writing Competition. I am very proud to be here as the team leader of the Darüşşafaka High School Foreign languages department with our students. 12 brilliant students have achieved great success in writing competitions over the past two years and their works took place in the book “HOPE NEVER FADES”. Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the importance of writing in our nation’s history and culture.

Writing has been instrumental in preserving our rich cultural heritage. The stories, researches, and essays penned by generations of writers have captured the essence of our nation, carrying our traditions and values forward. Writing is a bridge connecting the past and the future. It enables us to revisit history, learn from our ancestors, and carry their wisdom with us. At the same time, it allows us to provide a better future. The written word has the power to inspire and motivate change. 

I have an advice to the students to KEEP ON WRITING. YOU are the promising voices of our future.

I have witnessed all the students’ dedication, and their willingness to explore different themes and styles. Their success is a source of great pride for all of us here.

Once again I would like to thank Ms. Bircan and all in the organization for lightening up students’ perspectives in writing and also congratulate you for your great effort and enthusiasm in publishing “HOPE NEVER FADES”. 

Hope TRULY  never fades. 

Thank you. 

_ . _

About BURCU TUNCEL
Burcu Tuncel is an experienced educator who has been serving as the Head of the Foreign Languages Department at Darüşşafaka High School. She initially began her teaching career after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English Language Teaching from Marmara University in 2000, specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL). With a passion for language education, Burcu dedicated 9 years to the department, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a dynamic and effective learning environment for students. For the past 4 years, she has contributed her expertise to her latest institution, further enriching her career in education.