Nguyễn Bảo Nguyên Khôi, a student in class 12C2B at Hùng Vương High School for the Gifted in Gia Lai Province, won first prize in English at the 2025-2026 National Excellent Student Competition for high school students. His achievement was the only first prize awarded among 120 students from Gia Lai Province recognized at the competition.
His close friend, Phùng Hồ An Nguyên from class 12C2A at the same school, achieved a near-perfect SAT score of 1,560 out of 1,600, placing him in the top 1% of SAT scorers worldwide.
The two students, both from Diên Hồng Ward in Gia Lai Province, have been friends since childhood. Living only a few hundred meters apart, they attended the same schools and classes through multiple stages of their education. Their friendship dates back to kindergarten and has continued throughout their academic journey.
From lower secondary school, both students were selected for Pleiku City’s team of excellent students before later passing the entrance exam for the English-specialized program at Hùng Vương High School for the Gifted, one of the region’s most prestigious schools.
Khôi said English has become more than just an academic subject, serving as a bridge to introduce the beauty of his hometown to international visitors. During a trip to Chư Đang Ya volcano, he and fellow students confidently communicated in English with German tourists, impressing them with their fluency and vocabulary.
Nguyên said his friend’s early university admission following the national competition victory motivated him to work harder toward his own goals. Determined that the two would “enter university together”, he dedicated himself to preparing for the SAT examination.
Beyond academics, the pair are active members of the HVMC Music Club at their school. Nguyên currently serves as the club’s president and frequently hosts bilingual English-language programs, while Khôi leads the instrument section.
Khôi is also known among friends for balancing academics with sports and music, participating in activities including cycling, running, swimming, gym training and mountain climbing. He can play several musical instruments, including guitar, drums and piano.
The friends said they regularly encourage each other before major exams and maintain a tradition of celebrating achievements by treating one another to meals after successful results.
Their friendship has also left a strong impression on their families. Hồ Huỳnh Bảo Châu, Nguyên’s mother, said watching the two boys grow up side by side from kindergarten to achieving major academic success together showed that their friendship was “a priceless gift”.
