PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - SMPN 1 Garut has made a brilliant record in the world of education by presenting various brilliant achievements at both academic and non-academic levels.

As one of the barometers of education in Garut Regency, this school is not only a place of learning, but also a forum for students and teachers to explore their best potential.

Under the leadership of the Principal, R. Yusup Satria Gautama, SMPN 1 Garut emphasized its vision to produce students with character, cleanliness and champions. This vision is not just a slogan, but also the basis for every activity and program at school.

As one of the benchmarks for junior high schools in Garut Regency, SMPN 1 Garut has various facilities and programs to improve the achievements of its students, especially the humanist approach given by the principal by treating the students as their own children, so that this is able to optimize the students' achievements and abilities.

"I, especially the school principal, and we instructed teachers, consider children or students at the school as personal children, so the responsibility for entrusting them is heavier," he said (12/2/2024).

According to the Deputy Principal for Student Affairs, Ita Habibie, the success of SMPN 1 Garut in achieving achievements cannot be separated from the active participation of students in extracurricular activities.

By organizing 17 extracurricular activities, the school provides space for students to develop their talents and interests in various fields.

"One of them is that from Monday to Friday we do extracurricular activities, after school around 15.00 to 17.30 we do extracurricular activities," said Ita.

It is not surprising that every week there are seven achievements, both at district, provincial and national levels. The achievements not only come from students, but also from teachers such as Niko Oktarian, a science teacher who has won various awards, including gold medals in the national science Olympiad in 2022 and 2023 which will be held by the Indonesian Science Olympiad Center.

Niko has also achieved writing on the most innovative best practices related to the implementation of the independent curriculum.

He admitted that he was proud and happy to have achieved these various achievements. He hopes that what he has achieved can inspire other teachers.

The same thing was achieved by Tiffany Qinthara Azzahra (13), one of the outstanding students, who has also made her name in various national competitions, such as the National Jumbara and won 2nd place in the National Resilient Youth Division.

Tiffany, who is also a representative of the Youth Red Cross (PMR) SMPN 1 Garut, said that during 2023, PMR SMPN 1 Garut succeeded in achieving various achievements starting from 1st place in First Aid (PP) for women at the national level, 1st place for men at the National level. , 1st Place in National Level Poster Design, 1st Place in National Level Short Film, and 3rd Place in National Level Attractions.

"(The feeling) was very, very happy, where all the efforts that PMR put in were rewarded in kind, where PMR got lots of trophies which certainly made the school's name very proud," said Tiffany.

Apart from that, various academic and non-academic achievements, including: in the fields of PMR, Paskibra, Dance and Silat, are clear evidence of the success of this school in educating and developing its students.

These achievements are not only a matter of pride for SMPN 1 Garut, but also an inspiration for other schools in their efforts to improve the quality of education in Indonesia.

With enthusiasm continuing to burn, SMPN 1 Garut is determined to continue making achievements in order to create a superior generation that is ready to compete at national and international levels.