Bulgaria's president awarded 35 youngsters with honorary diplomas for their successful performances at various international Olympiads and competitions in the spheres of arts and sciences.

Fifteen teachers, were also awarded for their contributions to the students' successes, and nineteen students and teachers received the president's honorary decoration. "Your talent has already been recognized," President Georgi Parvanov said to the gifted youngsters and their mentors, "but unfortunately as it often happens in this country, the national recognition comes after the international."

The young people who had been awarded were not just Bulgaria's future, they were the country's first Europeans, the president pointed out. "You are the ones who would have to realize all the good and bad promises that Bulgaria's politicians have negotiated with the EU," the president added.