“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.”
— Jacques Yves Cousteau.

[LMGlobal.Org] The Light Millennium Global proudly presents the third (bi-annual) 2025 J.U.C. Media, Research, Innovation, and Writing Awards. The 2023 J.U.C. Awards included a dedicated category for #WaterAction among five categories. To continue and expand the Organization’s commitment to the #WaterActionDecade, the 2025 J.U.C. Awards has been dedicated to this theme across all four categories since the initial announcement on March 24, 2024.

NOW, WE HAVE THE WINNERS…
THE RIGOROUS EVALUATION PROCESS HAS BEEN CONCLUDED.

INVITATION:

The 2025 J.U.C. Awards Ceremony (Virtual) is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025. #WorldWaterDay | #WaterActionDecade
When: Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Link to REGISTER (Required): 
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NzeQL8kaTmulnJZDt-j48w 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information through Zoom about joining the meeting.

The Organization initially announced a CALL for the 2025 J.U.C. Awards during its fourth international panel on water, “Water for Peace,” in support of the 2024 UN Water Day. The J.U.C. Awards Evaluation Committee has held five sessions, beginning on January 11, 2025. The latest, the Round-Up session, took place on February 23, 2025.

A distinguished panel of experts carefully reviewed each application throughout the assessment process. After a rigorous evaluation, winners were selected in four categories: Media, Research, Innovation, and Writing. The Writing category includes essays, articles, and short stories.

As part of the second round, the 2025 J.U.C. Awards Interview Session with the Finalists realized on February 21-22, 2025.

As we approach the final phase of the awards, the top three monetary award winners in each category (3×4 = 12) will be announced at the award ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Additionally, an Overall Excellence Winner has been selected from all eligible submissions across the four categories during the Round Up session.

Further, as a result of the Round-Up session, three Special Awards were introduced. Furthermore, in each category, a fourth-place recipient was recognized with an Encouragement Award Certificate under the “non-monetary awards” category by the Evaluation Committee. Among the three Special Awards, one is sponsored by the Atatürk Society of America, while the other two special awards are sponsored by the President of LMGlobal.org and through The Light Millennium TV, in particular to honor the name of Jacques Yves Cousteau (1910 – 1997) since his famous quote, ““We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one,”
 has been an inspiration source of the 2025 J.U.C. Awards since the beginning.

As a result of that, the Organization has increased the number of monetary awards from 13 to 16, while the number of non-monetary awards remains unchanged as per the Guidelines.

What will the Winners of the High school students receive?


1. Overall Excellence $500 |
2. 1st Place in each category $300 |
3. 2nd Place in each category $200 |
4. 3rd Place in each category $100 |
5. Each Special Award recipient will receive a $200 monetary award.
6. The fourth place in each category will be receiving an Encouragement Award Certificate and Recognition.

We are excited to introduce you to the Winners of the 2025 J.U.C. Awards across all categories. However, the actual award placements and categories will be officially announced during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM EST.

We invite you to join us at the Awards Ceremony to celebrate and congratulate our bright, award-winning students while also getting inspired and making a commitment to the Water Action Decade!

Invitation:
The 2025 J.U.C. Awards Ceremony (Virtual) is scheduled for March 22, 2025.
When: Mar 22, 2025, 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) | 7:00 PM TR | 9:30 PM IND / SL
Link to REGISTER (Required): 
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NzeQL8kaTmulnJZDt-j48w 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information through Zoom about joining the meeting.

Furthermore, a Showcase has been scheduled for the award-winning students to present their # WaterActionDecade-related pieces on April 16, 2025. Please mark your calendar.

THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 J.U.C. AWARDS ARE…[*]

(The below listing is solely an alphabetic order according to the last names.)

Below is the list of winners of 16, in particular, who will be receiving monetary awards, along with their bios. However, we will announce the award placement in each category at the Award Ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
We congratulate all the winners and thank each applicant, participating school, and contributing organization, along with the international student coordinators.

Defne ASLAN, Türkiye, a 15-year-old 10th-grade student at Darüşşafaka High School in Istanbul, is committed to bridging gaps in access to technology and information. Through her participation in the competition, she aims to raise awareness of challenges faced by both humans and marine life, hoping her innovation will drive positive change.

Jowish J. AGNELO, India
: Jowish J. Agnelo, a 15-year-old student at Velammal Main Campus, has a background in basketball and a strong academic focus, particularly in IIT coaching. With a passion for reading, exercise, and staying informed about current events, Jowish was encouraged by his family to participate in the J.U.C.  Awards.

Azra BİLDİK, Türkiye
, is a 16-year-old 11th-grade student at Darüşşafaka High School in Türkiye. She has a deep interest in psychology, reading, and continuous learning. While she aspires to pursue a career in forensic psychology, she also dreams of studying marine biology. Azra hopes that participating in the J.U.C. Awards will provide her with new perspectives and help shape her future path in both fields.

Defne DURDAGI, Türkiye
, is a student from Türkiye with a deep passion for writing, literature, and the arts. Inspired by Greek mythology, she explores its metaphors to highlight the urgency of water conservation. Observing the effects of climate change on Türkiye’s water sources, she seeks to raise awareness through creative storytelling, offering a unique, abstract perspective on environmental activism.

Sehas GAMAGE, Sri Lanka
Sehas Gamage, a 13-year-old 9th-grade student at Whyteleafe Academy, is an enthusiastic performer with a keen interest in the arts. Alongside his love for performing, he enjoys playing table tennis. Initially uncertain about participating, he soon realized the competition’s value in sparking his research interest, and he looks forward to deepening his knowledge in future projects.

Harish GYANI, India, a 9th-grade student at Bhaktavatsalam Vidyashram in Chennai, is curious about science and technology. An accomplished athlete, he has won a gold medal in football and excelled in badminton. He enjoys drawing, crafting, and exploring new places with family and friends. His innovative spirit drives him to learn and experiment with new ideas continuously.

Nushadi HASARANGI, Sri Lanka, 
a 15-year-old student at Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy, is passionate about playing the guitar and dancing. She joined the J.U.C. Awards by creating a video clip to harness the power of media in shaping perspectives, spreading awareness, and inspiring change. Through visual storytelling, she aims to make a meaningful impact and contribute to important conversations.

Cagan ARAS INCEL, Türkiye
Cagan Aras Incel is a junior at TED Ankara College. His passion lies in integrating computer systems with nature to enhance sustainability. During a summer internship, he witnessed significant water waste, which motivated him to explore efficient water management solutions. Through his research, he aims to raise awareness about sustainable water practices and advocate for better water management strategies.

Kağan İPEK, Türkiye
, a 14-year-old 10th-grade student at Darüşşafaka High School in Istanbul, is passionate about technology and environmental sustainability. His participation in the competition is driven by a desire to raise awareness about water management and scarcity. With a strong belief in the power of innovation, he hopes his ideas will contribute to a more sustainable future.

Supuni Sandunika JAYARATNE, Sri Lanka
, a 14-year-old student at Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy, is passionate about graphic design and drama. Dedicated to making a positive impact in society, she participated in the J.U.C. Light Millennium Awards to showcase her talent and inspire others to contribute to meaningful global change.

S.M. Vikaash KUMAR, India, is a young innovator with a record of achievements in science and technology. His contributions include developing a safety helmet for miners, setting a world record for the most science-related videos uploaded on YouTube, and conducting free skill development workshops. He is also the winner of the Smart India Hackathon and recipient of the INSPIRE Award.

Rukiye ÖZÇELIK, Türkiye
, a 15-year-old 10th-grade student at Darüşşafaka High School, is dedicated to water conservation efforts. Recognizing the urgency of the global water crisis, she initiated a volunteer-driven project to promote sustainable water usage. With a passion for platform development and project management, she strives to create impactful solutions that bring communities together for a common cause.

Shai RUKHSHAN, India
, is a 9th-grade student at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya in Nagercoil, India. Passionate about mathematics and sports, particularly football, he also possesses strong leadership skills and a keen interest in sustainable development. Shai aspires to contribute to society by advocating for positive change and environmental sustainability.

Helitha Athukorale REHAN, Sri Lanka
, is a 16-year-old student at Whyteleafe Academy in Sri Lanka. With a deep interest in zoology and astronomy, he aspires to become a zoologist. Beyond science, he enjoys music and songwriting. His participation in the J.U.C. Awards reflects his passion for creative expression and his desire to share his ideas on a global platform.

Sinem Gül TEKIN, Türkiye
, is a 9th-grade student at Darüşşafaka High School, Türkiye. Passionate about environmental sustainability, she actively participates in initiatives to combat water scarcity, including environmental clean-ups and tree-planting projects. Through her work, she aims to raise awareness about global water issues and advocate for sustainable solutions.

S.M. VEBINESH, India
, is a young innovator from India. His achievements include recognition from the National Innovation Foundation, selection among the top teams in various national competitions, and participation in science fairs, including the Inspire Award and IRIS National Fair. Internationally, his project was ranked among the top 35 teams in the 2024 International Earth Prize.

INVITATION:

The 2025 J.U.C. Awards Ceremony (Virtual) is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025.
When: On Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Link to REGISTER (Required): 
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NzeQL8kaTmulnJZDt-j48w 
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information through Zoom about joining the meeting.

Global Participation and Impact

The 2025 J.U.C. Awards received submissions from students at several schools and organizations around the world, including:
Darüşşafaka High School (Istanbul, Türkiye)
Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
The Institution of Green Engineers (IGEN) (Chennai, India)
Association of Young Leaders United for Sustainable Development (Burundi)

The program’s success is also due to the dedicated efforts of its student coordinators:
Ms. Duru Büyükbaşaran (Türkiye)
Ms. Rukhshana R.A. (India)
Mr. Lyonga Jewis (Cameroon)
Ms. Mimoza Irtem (Türkiye / U.S. – Outreach Coordinator)

The 2025 J.U.C. Awards Ceremony is scheduled on the World Water Day on March 22, 2025. The winning projects are recognized for their creativity, innovation, and potential to inspire positive change.

THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE OF THE 2025 J.U.C. AWARDS 

Co-Chairs:

• Ambassador Mr. Rodrigo A. Carazo of Costa Rica to the United Nations (2018-2022); Member, UN Human Rights Committee (Geneva)
• Prof. Olcay Ünver, Arizona State University; Vice-Chair of UN-Water and Senior Water Advisor at UN FAO.

Members:

• Ambassador Mr. Yogendra Kumar of India (Retired) & Author of two books & Editor another
• Prof. Victor Lawrence, Director of the Center for Intelligent Networked Systems (iNetS), and former Associate Dean and Bachelor Chair Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology (New Jersey); Secretary General, LMGlobal.org
• Prof. Günay Smith, Professor of Biological and Chemical Sciences at Southside Virginia Community College (Retired); Adviser, LMGlobal.org
• Dr. Dahlia Sabri, Chair, IWRA-Egypt Chapter
• Ms. Ilknur Boray, V.P. Ataturk Society of America & The Atatürk World Platform
• Ms. Bircan Ünver, M.A., Author and Project Director, LMGlobal.org

Youth:

• Ms. Vrushali Gaikwad, LMGlobal.Org – Youth Board Member (2024-2026), Software Engineer
• Mr. Ren Jie, Ph.D. Candidate (2029), School of Marxism, Environmental Politics and Ecological Civilization, Peking University


  
• Project Development Assistant: Mimoza Irtem
  
  
  
  [*] DISCLAIMER: 
THE ORDER OF APPEARANCE IN THE ABOVE BIO LIST OF THE WINNERS DOES NOT REPRESENT THE FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, AND FOURTH PLACES NECESSARY ACCORDING TO THE TOTAL SCORE OF EACH SUBMISSION.

  It simply represents an alphabetic order according to the last names. 

SAVE THE DATE:    
The Virtual Award Ceremony is scheduled for March 22, 2025:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NzeQL8kaTmulnJZDt-j48w 

ABOUT: The 2025 J.U.C. Media, Research, Writing & Innovation Awards, an international encouragement award dedicated to the #WaterActionDecade, challenging high school students to address global water issues, has concluded with a strong showing of young talent. The program has steadily grown since 2021 as a bi-annual program and received 48 submissions from five countries–Burundi, India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Türkiye–for 2025.

Brief History of the J.U.C. Awards
The J.U.C. Media, Research, and Writing Awards were initiated in 2020 by the Light Millennium, a global humanitarian organization. The program was inspired by the legacy of John Unver Culkin (J.U.C.) and aims to empower young people to address global challenges through creative expression and critical thinking. By providing a platform for students to showcase their talents and ideas, the J.U.C. Awards fosters a new generation of global citizens committed to sustainable development.
“In Loving Memory of J.U.C.”; the 2025 J.U.C. Media, Research, Writing & Innovation Awards designed for international High School students by The Light Millennium, Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization (LMGlobal.Org, 2001, New York) With Tax-Exempt Status#501(c)3.

NEXT ~ SAVE THE DATE:
A SHOWCASE BY THE 2025 J.U.C. AWARDS RECIPIENTS
WHEN: ON SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025
TIME: 11:00 (EST) #WaterActionDecade
International High School Students will present their award-winning pieces

©2020-2025 J.U.C. Awards – A Bi-Annual Project for International High School Students by The Light Millennium Global – www.lmglobal.org