This year marks the centennial anniversary of two outstanding high schools in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School. On April 27, the 5th Global Alumni Reunion of Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School was grandly held at the Hilton Hotel in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, with over 300 alumni from around the world gathering for activities from morning visits to the Huntington Library to an evening banquet, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
President Lin Rong-Song of the American Association of Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School Alumni, who hosted this year’s event, emphasized the significance of the global annual meeting as Kaohsiung High School celebrated its centennial in 2022 and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School in 2024.
The afternoon program began with alumni mingling and bonding as they entered the venue, greeted by the flags of the two schools, followed by a special exhibition of precious historical materials in the “Centennial Time Corridor.” The oldest attendee of the day at 86 years old, Dr. Qiu Mingquan from New York, together with 82-year-old alumna Liu Meihui, pharmacist, revisited old dreams through exploring the exhibition. In front of the charity booth, the two shared stories of how the school’s spirit of resilience and gratitude for one’s alma mater had greatly impacted them.
In the afternoon forum, Kaohsiung High School Principal Zhuang Fu-tai and President of Kaohsiung Girls’ High School Alumni Association Ding Yu-wen from Taiwan introduced the current developments of the two schools. Ding Yu-wen mentioned that through alumni fundraising, they were able to donate two artistic sculptures, “Dance Towards the Future” and “Reading Girl,” for the landscape project of their alma mater. Zhuang Fu-tai emphasized that the democratic and open educational environment in Taiwan has attracted outstanding students, and under the efforts of past principals and teachers, Kaohsiung High School has established a profound cultural heritage and unique school spirit.
The next sessions included a financial lecture and alumni forum. The Morgan Stanley team led by Yu Chong-xiao discussed investment risks, financial tips, profitable actuarial calculations, legal tax deductions through donations to charities, and the synergy of making money while doing good deeds. The alumni forum hosted by Huang Jian-cheng was informative, with Dr. Huang Zheyang sharing anecdotes from his time as a military doctor, Dr. Xu Yongchang discussing the development of plastic surgery, and Dr. Chen Chang-ping, Director of the Jiafu Medical Diagnostic Center, recommending three essential health checks for seniors above 55: lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. In addition, San Francisco Bay Area alumnus Zhang Jiahao shared his experiences in wine appreciation, while a Kaohsiung Girls’ High School alumna who is a real estate investment expert introduced the trends in real estate in the United States, California, and Southern California.
At the banquet, Liu Ren-yi, President of the Global Kaohsiung High School Alumni Association from Taiwan, delivered a speech emphasizing that the Global Alumni Reunion of Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School has always been the most important event that annually strengthens the emotional bond between alumni. This year’s gathering attracted over 60 alumni from Taiwan, 9 from Japan, and enthusiastic participation from alumni across the United States, including New York, San Diego, Northern California, and Kansas, with more than 30 tables set up for the event.
Director Ji Qinyao of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Los Angeles awarded a certificate of appreciation for “Elite Convergence and Harmony Unity” to the organizer Lin Rong-Song, and specifically recognized four outstanding Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School alumni: Deputy Director Zhang Zheng-yu, Technology Group Leader Chen Jia-yuan, Administrative Secretary Chen Qing-ru, and Li Yu-ling. Director Zheng Ru-hui of the Overseas Community Affairs Division, Director Jian Deyuan of the Taiwan Academy in Los Angeles, Director Xiao Beiru of the Orange County Community Center, and Deputy Director Fang Qiongyi also attended the banquet for a night of joy and camaraderie.
During the event, two awards were presented: alumni Huang Zheyang was granted the “Permanent Honorary President” title, and Ke Qinglong and Wu Zhenjing were recognized with the “Model Alumni Award.”
A highlight of the evening was the “Red and White Karaoke Contest,” where teams from Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School competed in singing, with the red team from Kaohsiung Girls’ High School emerging victorious based on audience votes. The evening concluded with many exciting performances, charity events, and raffles, ending the night on a joyful and fulfilling note. ◇