Nearly €80,000 distributed tonight at the Municipal Theatre to recognise outstanding achievement from primary school to university level
TORREVIEJA, 20 November 2025 – Tonight, the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja will host one of the most anticipated educational events of the year: the fourth edition of the Premios a la Excelencia Académica “Ciudad de Torrevieja”. At 20:30, Mayor Eduardo Dolón, together with Education Councillor Ricardo Recuero and Youth Councillor Domingo Paredes, will personally present awards to 124 local students who achieved exceptional academic results during the 2023-2024 school year. The total prize fund reaches almost €80,000 – the largest amount yet in the history of these awards.
Initiated in 2022 under Mayor Eduardo Dolón’s administration, the “Ciudad de Torrevieja” Academic Excellence Awards have rapidly become a cornerstone of the city’s commitment to education. What began with just over €50,000 and around 100 recipients in the early editions has grown significantly, reflecting both the increasing academic talent in Torrevieja and the local government’s determination to reward hard work and dedication at every educational stage.
“These awards are a clear demonstration of Torrevieja City Council’s firm commitment to fostering a culture of effort, valuing the talent of our young people and promoting academic excellence as a driving force for the progress of our city.”
– Domingo Paredes, Councillor for Youth
Key Facts – IV Edition 2025
- Date & time: Thursday 20 November 2025, 20:30
- Venue: Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja
- Number of award winners: 124 students
- Total prize money: Almost €80,000
- Academic year recognised: 2023-2024
- Categories: Primary Education, ESO, Baccalaureate, Intermediate Vocational Training, University Degrees, Higher Artistic Education, Advanced Vocational Training
- Minimum average grades required: 9/10 for Primary, ESO & Baccalaureate; 8.5/10 for Vocational Training; 8/10 for University & Higher Artistic studies
- Residency requirement: Student and both parents/legal guardians registered and resident in Torrevieja for at least two uninterrupted years
The scheme is unique in the Vega Baja region for covering every educational level in a single ceremony – from six-year-old primary pupils to postgraduate university students and those completing higher artistic qualifications. This inclusive approach underlines Torrevieja’s ambition to support lifelong learning and to keep talented young people connected to their home city, even as many move on to universities in Alicante, Valencia, Murcia or Madrid.
Previous editions have shown a steady increase in both participation and the quality of applications. In the first gala (2022) approximately 105 students shared €50,000, while the second and third editions maintained similar figures. The jump to 124 recipients and €80,000 this year highlights the growing academic strength of Torrevieja’s schools, institutes and the determination of local families to prioritise education despite economic challenges.
The awards also serve a broader social purpose. By requiring long-term residency, the council ensures the benefits stay within the local community and encourage families to put down roots in Torrevieja. In a city with a large international population, these prizes have become a powerful symbol of integration and shared ambition.
Looking ahead, the continued expansion of the prize fund – despite tight municipal budgets – suggests the Academic Excellence Awards are here to stay as an annual tradition. For the 2025-2026 academic year, expectations are already high that the number of award winners could rise further, reinforcing Torrevieja’s reputation as a city that genuinely invests in the future of its youngest residents.
Tonight’s ceremony promises to be an emotional celebration of effort, sacrifice and success. For the 124 students stepping onto the stage of the Municipal Theatre, it will be a night they – and their families – will never forget.
