BELS (Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School) student Öznur Hancı earned a silver medal in the World Philosophy Olympiad, held in Estonia May 15–17.
Öznur, who graduated this year, saw off competition from 83 other young international philosphers to win her medal. She was selected as one of only two philosophy students to represent Turkey after competing in regional and national qualifying rounds.
At the finals, Öznur, along with other entrants hailing from 36 countries, completed a series of complex philosophy challenges. After achieving her impressive second-place finish, Oznur declared that her time in Estonia representing her country was the best experience of her life. “Estonia is a beautiful country, and I met so many other wonderful competitors,” said the teenager.
BELS teacher Sarah Clarkson Spoors, who traveled to Estonia with Öznur, had the following to say about her young charge: “Öznur is a very confident and capable young lady who fully embraced the challenge that the Olympiad provided. She represented both the school and her country with distinction. It was an honor to be part of her wonderful achievement.”