A King Constantine Medal Story: Gevorg Vahramyan

Gevorg Vahramyan, a student at “Shirakatsy Lyceum” International Scientific-Educational Complex in Yerevan, Armenia, has been awarded his school’s King Constantine Medal for his leadership, vision, and tenacity in representing his homeland on the global Round Square stage. His efforts to raise awareness of Armenia’s culture and identity through international collaboration have inspired peers across the world.

“Through my experiences at Round Square conferences, I came to realise that many people, no matter where they came from, knew very little about my country. Some had never even heard of Armenia. That realisation, combined with my deep sense of patriotism, sparked a powerful desire to represent and raise awareness about my homeland — to share its history, its endurance, and its beauty with the world.

“With that motivation, and after attending around 20 Round Square conferences, I proposed the idea of hosting Armenia’s first-ever event. What followed was the conference The Beauty of My Country, which I co-hosted at Shirakatsy Lyceum. It was followed by Childhood Heroes in Us, our first international conference, which brought together students and teachers from 13 schools across five countries. Encouraged by their success, we went on to collaborate with The Doon School in India and the British Overseas School in Pakistan to host Sustainable Wellbeing. Each event was a step towards connecting Armenia to the wider world — not only through information but through understanding.

“Being born Armenian sets a high bar for perseverance. Armenia is one of the world’s oldest nations, the only country still existing from the world’s earliest map, Imago Mundi. Our people have survived empires, invasions, and the brink of extinction. Remembering the Armenian Genocide and the resilience of those who came before me has always kept me grounded. I often reminded myself that my language, culture, and national identity were preserved through generations of people who never gave up. Remembering who I am and what I represent gave me the strength to keep going when organising international events felt overwhelming.

“There were moments when it could have been easy to stop — the logistics, the planning, and the language barriers all presented challenges, but giving up was never an option. I believe that if one’s goals and plans are clear, giving up simply does not occur to you. Just as my ancestors refused to give up on our country, I could not give up on representing it. Round Square gave me the means to share Armenia’s story and with purpose.

“The most powerful part of this work has been witnessing people’s reactions as they discover Armenia. I have seen genuine shock and amazement as participants learned about a nation that has existed for millennia, with a 1,620-year-old alphabet still in use today. Many have told me it changed their perspective completely, as if their lives could be divided into “before discovering Armenia” and “after.” To see others gain a new understanding of resilience and cultural endurance has been one of the most rewarding outcomes of my efforts.

“Through all of this, I have learned lessons that I will carry for life: to never quit what I am dedicated to, to finish with dignity what I start, and to remain resilient even in the most difficult times, trusting that hard work will always pay off.

“The King Constantine Medal is a symbol of pride, perseverance, and purpose. It represents years of effort, the spirit of initiative, and the love I have for my country. It reminds me that one person’s determination can build bridges of understanding between nations.

“To other students, my advice is simple: remember your roots, hold yourself to high standards, and give everything your best effort. The satisfaction that comes when your work makes a difference will be worth every challenge. And to Armenian students everywhere: never forget that no hardship compares to what our ancestors endured. Represent our culture, our people, and our homeland proudly and with devotion.”

How to Represent Your Country on the Global Stage

1. Start with pride and purpose.
Begin by learning deeply about your own culture, history, and identity. Let your pride in where you come from be your motivation. Knowing why you want to represent your country will keep you going when challenges arise.

2. Turn awareness into action.
Find creative ways to share your country’s story: through conferences, school projects, or collaborations. Take the initiative to create opportunities that connect others with your culture.

3. Stay resilient when things get tough.

Planning international events or leading new initiatives can be daunting. When it feels overwhelming, remind yourself what you stand for and who you are representing. Tenacity isn’t about never facing difficulty, it’s about pushing through it with purpose.

4. Build understanding, not just recognition.

Your goal isn’t only to be seen but to be understood. Create spaces where others can experience your country’s history, traditions, and values in a way that fosters empathy and connection. That’s how awareness turns into lasting respect.