【Epoch Times, January 27, 2025】The joint alumni reunion of Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School in the Americas (American Kaohsiung Alumni Association) was held on January 25 (Saturday) at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Rosemead, Los Angeles County, California. Nearly two hundred alumni attended the 2025 annual meeting, which also welcomed 30 junior and senior high school students from Kaohsiung participating in an educational trip at Diamond Bar High School.
Under the supervision of the founding president of the alumni association, Dr. Huang Zhe-Yang, the incoming president, Xu Shuyi, officially received the seal from the outgoing president and the national policy advisor of the Republic of China Taiwan, Dr. Lin Rong-Song. Xu Shuyi, a graduate of Kaohsiung Girls’ High School Class of ’80, expressed gratitude to the former president Lin Rong-Song and the board members for their dedication over the past year. She stated that the American Kaohsiung Alumni Association, a non-profit organization established over a decade ago, will continue to focus on charity work in the coming year. Additionally, they plan to organize more outings and social events to encourage more alumni in the Americas to join. Xu Shuyi pledged to continue the efforts of the previous presidents and lead the alumni association to new heights.
Chikin Yao, the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles, also attended the annual meeting. He encouraged students from Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School to seize the opportunity to study in the United States and presented a $300 gift card to wish the students a successful educational journey.
Chikin Yao expressed concern about the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China Taiwan has donated $500,000 to the Los Angeles City Fire Department Foundation. They are also coordinating fundraising efforts and donations from overseas communities, demonstrating the Taiwanese American community’s support and sense of responsibility towards their local community. The cultural office has officially opened a new building with both functionality and a touch of artistry, aiming to provide a more pleasant experience for overseas Taiwanese residents, welcoming them to visit and interact at the facility.
Director Chung Pei-Chen of the Los Angeles Overseas Community Center expressed her honor to participate in the joint alumni reunion of the two schools. She specifically highlighted Kaohsiung being ranked as the top “sustainable and happy city in Taiwan,” with Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School gradually becoming the preferred choices for Taiwanese students. The significant achievements in various areas such as economy, education, environment, social welfare, health, and diversity integration in Kaohsiung in recent years are noteworthy. Chung Pei-Chen also encouraged Taiwanese residents in Los Angeles that when they have the chance to return to Taiwan, they should consider visiting Kaohsiung to witness the local changes and explore the happiest city in Taiwan.
Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Superintendent of the Walnut Valley School District, Tony Torng, a board member of the Walnut Valley School District, David Hong, Principal of Diamond Bar High School, and Kaylee May Law, a councilwoman of Walnut City, all attended the alumni meeting.
Kaylee May Law expressed delight in the collaboration between Taiwanese high schools and the Walnut Valley Unified School District, celebrating the sister school relationship between Kaohsiung High School, Kaohsiung Girls’ High School, and Diamond Bar High School. She remarked, “It’s wonderful to see these young people so dedicated and motivated to education.” She presented certificates to students from Kaohsiung High School and Kaohsiung Girls’ High School in recognition of their volunteer service and hard work in learning.
The president of Kaohsiung Girls’ High School Alumni Association, Guo Shu-Ching, came from Taiwan to attend the annual meeting and delivered a special speech on “The Century of Kaohsiung Girls’ High School,” sharing inspirational stories of her pursuit of education, giving back to her alma mater and society, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience. Students from Kaohsiung High School performed a play titled “Taiwan’s Brave” and a dance performance of “Snow White and the Five Dwarfs,” while female students showcased an indigenous dance entitled “The Hunter,” concluding the annual meeting on a high note. ◇