By Hervé Gobou
The 60th anniversary celebration of Lycée Dion Robert de Man, held on May 10, 2026, highlighted an extraordinary example of resilience and dedication: Kouakou Zoueu Estelle, a visually impaired student in Grade 8 (5e1), who was named the school’s top student with an exceptional average score of 18.55 out of 20. An inspiring story indeed.
Estelle is proving that a physical disability should never become a mental barrier and can be overcome through determination and hard work to achieve outstanding academic success. This is precisely what has been witnessed during the 2025–2026 school year at Lycée Dion Robert de Man.
Perseverance, determination, a passion for excellence, and a commitment to hard work have defined the academic journey of this young girl, whose mental strength has become one of her greatest assets, supported by the encouragement and guidance of the school principal.
“When I arrived at this school, I was at the lowest level… Thanks to my ‘father’ (the principal), I reached the level I am at today,” she said after receiving an award recognizing her remarkable academic achievement.
“I intend to make good use of this distinction,” added the award recipient, demonstrating her determination to continue striving for excellence.
The academic awards ceremony also highlighted the remarkable progress of female students in the Tonkpi Region. Among the 24 students honored, an overwhelming majority were girls.
At the senior secondary level, Batoua Fatou Ange Marline distinguished herself as the top-performing student of the upper secondary cycle with an average score of 15.78 out of 20 in Terminale A. She earned the prestigious title of Miss Literature, much to the delight of the event’s patron, Kokounseu Madé.
The celebration of academic excellence in the Tonkpi Region offers two important lessons: first, that young women possess tremendous intellectual potential and can excel at the highest levels; and second, that physical disabilities should never be viewed as obstacles for those who are determined to succeed.
