National Hualien Senior High School
National Hualien Senior High School was founded on June 5, 1936 (25th year of the Republic of China, or Minguo25), and has a history spanning 85 years to date.
Initially, National Hualien Senior High School was established with donations from local education enthusiasts in Hualien and was named "Hualien Harbor Middle School." In October 1937 (Minguo 26), it was renamed to the Japanese system "Prefectural Hualien Harbor Middle School". After Taiwan's retrocession in 1945 (Minguo 34), the school was renamed "Taiwan Provincial Hualien Middle School" in December, with Mr. Lin Min-ho as the first principal, followed by Mr. Zhang Ding-chang, Mr. Chen Guo-jun, Mr. Zhou Feng-qi, Mr. Xu Bo-chao, and Mr. Luo Bao-ji.
In 1968 (Minguo 57), with the implementation of nine-year compulsory education, the junior high division was closed. In 1970 (Minguo 59), the school focused solely on senior high education and was renamed "Taiwan Provincial Hualien Senior High School". After the abolition of the provincial government on February 1, 2000 (Minguo 89), it was renamed "National Hualien Senior High School". Its principals included Mr. Ye Qing-yuan, Mr. Zhang Qing-de, Mr. Qiao Zhao-Kun, Mr. Chen Xuan-jing, Mr. Li Shi-Yun, Mr. Ye Ri-Sheng, Ms. Xie Bao-Zhu, and Mr. Zhan Man-Fu. On August 1, 2020 (Minguo 109), Mr. Yang Peng-Yao became the principal of Hualien Senior High School.
Our school is nestled between mountains and sea, with clear waters and lush greenery. The majestic Pacific Ocean surges forth, while the vast Meilun Mountain stands tall with its verdant hues. The old banyan trees represent our traditional spirit, and the breadfruit trees symbolize new vitality, intertwining to form this school - ancient yet vibrant, youthful yet steadfast, steeped in history yet brimming with energy. On this 9.6-hectare (approximately 30,000 ping) campus, we have weathered natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, and undergone transitions from Japanese rule to retrocession. Under the wise leadership of each principal and the united efforts of all faculty and students, Hualien Senior High School has risen from the rubble and been reborn from the fires of war. This perseverance in upholding justice, unwavering in the face of adversity, and resolute commitment to duty regardless of environmental changes, epitomizes the finest qualities of our school.
Today, the office building (Zhongxiao Building), teaching buildings (Renai Building, Xinyi Building, Heping Building), library, science museum, arts building, gymnasium, multi-purpose building, information building, swimming pool, and fitness center form our school's new visage. Yet the spirit of unity between teachers and students, sharing glory and adversity together in love for our alma mater, remains deeply rooted here. The school's traditional spirit will progress with the times and continue to thrive in the new era.
On November 2nd, 1950 (Minguo 39) and December 26th, 1951 (Minguo 40), the late President Chiang Kai-shek visited our school twice. During his stays, President Chiang inspected classrooms, personally reviewed students' assignments, inquired about their living conditions, and inscribed the four words "Nurturing Talents for the Nation" as an exhortation. This is not only an honor for National Hualien Senior High School but also a responsibility.
Under this educational objective, our school has grown from having only 123 local students during the Japanese era to currently hosting over 1,100 students across 36 classes. Over half a century, we have nurtured nearly 30,000 talents for the nation, with countless outstanding alumni including former Vice Premier Qiu Zhengxiong, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien, economist Tzong Je-wei, former Chairperson of the Fair Trade Commission Wu Shiou-ming, former Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court Huang Shi-ming, natural scientists like Wu Mao-kun and Lin Ming-Juei, scholars of education like Chen Han-Qiang and Wu Wu-Dien, financial management experts such as Lin Chien-Shan, Hsu Shih-Chun, and Lin Wen-Ying, literary figures like Yang Mu, Wang Zhen-He, Chen Yu-Hang, Chen Li, Chen Ke-Hua, Wang Shang-Zhi, and former Hualien County Magistrates Fu Kun-Mu, Wu Shui-Yun, Wang Ching-Feng, Wu Kuo-Tung, Chang Fu-Hsing, as well as former legislators like Chuang Chin-Sheng, Chen Tao-Ming, Yang Ren-Fu, Cheng Tien-Tsai, and Wang Ting-Sheng, among innumerable others. Our alumni are scattered across the nation, serving their hometowns and contributing to the country and society.
In recent years, our students have achieved outstanding performances in various areas. In the arts: our wind ensemble and Chinese music ensemble have repeatedly won special awards at national music competitions. In sports: our basketball team has won the national high school A-level championship, while our soccer team claimed third place finishes in the national soccer league in 2017 and 2018, a runner-up finish in 2022, and emerged as champions in 2021.
In mathematics and sciences: our students have frequently excelled in national competitions related to mathematics and natural sciences. In the International Science Olympiads from 1999 to 2022, our school has proudly produced a total of 20 national team members, garnering 5 golds and 2 silvers in the International Biology Olympiad, 1 silver in the International Chemistry Olympiad, 4 golds, 1 silver, and 3 bronzes in the International Physics Olympiad, and 1 gold in the International Earth Science Olympiad, as well as an honor award in the International Mathematical Olympiad. Since 2021, dozens of our students have been awarded the "Outstanding Youth Volunteer and Ambassadors Award" nationwide.In terms of university admissions, our rate of admission to national universities has reached 46% over the past twelve years. Each year, 5 to 8 students are admitted to medical schools, and 90 to 110 students gain admission to top national universities.
Looking ahead to the future, with our diligent and motivated students, our dedicated and tireless teachers and faculty, the nurturing influence of the mountain winds and ocean breeze,and the support and aspirations from the local community, Hualien Senior High School will remain a steadfast institution on the shores of the Pacific Ocean - quietly "Nurturing Talents for the Nation", an enviable alma mater admired by all.
