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| Newly installed lights illuminate the pathways across the Quoc Hoc - Hue High School for the Gifted campus, enhancing its landscape thanks to the shared contributions of alumni generations. Photo: Bao Minh |
Gift from generations of students
Lining both sides of the main walkway at Quoc Hoc - Hue High School for the Gifted, newly installed light posts stand neatly in harmony with centuries-old trees and the iconic red-brick school buildings. As preparations get underway for the school's 130th anniversary, final touches are being applied to complete the "Lighting Up the Schoolyard" initiative.
The project has a total budget of over 800 million VND, featuring 130 small 2.5-meter light posts arranged around the schoolyard and 25 large 3.5-meter light posts along both sides of the main pathway. The selection of designs and installation sites was carefully considered by the school administration and the "Quoc Hoc Toi Yeu" (My Beloved Quoc Hoc) Campaign Committee. For a school with such distinctive architecture and rich history, adding a lighting system must not only meet functional needs but also ensure harmony with the existing landscape.
Mr. Hoang Phuoc Quy, Deputy Head of the "Quoc Hoc Toi Yeu" (My Beloved Quoc Hoc) Campaign Committee, shared that right from the conceptual stage, the school and the committee collaborated closely to select lamp designs, draft layout plans, and establish construction methods, ensuring effective illumination while remaining compatible with the school's architecture.
What is truly valuable is that this idea quickly received a positive response from broad generations of alumni. Just three days after the launch, class and cohort groups registered contributions covering the entire planned number of light posts. From recent graduates to alumni who finished school decades ago, everyone contributed according to their means.
Meritorious Teacher Tran Thi Van Anh, Head of the "Quoc Hoc Toi Yeu" (My Beloved Quoc Hoc) Campaign Committee and Vice President of the Quoc Hoc - Hue Former Teachers Association, reflected: “Many alumni have been away from school for decades, yet the moment they learned their alma mater needed support, they eagerly stepped forward. Our committee merely acts as a bridge-the driving force behind this project is the love for Quoc Hoc felt by everyone who ever studied beneath its roof.”
Love continues
Ten years ago, on the occasion of the school's 120th anniversary, the "Benches of Love" program also received joint support from many generations of alumni. Those stone benches placed under the tree canopies became places for students to rest and chat after classes. Now, on the 130th anniversary, new light posts are erected, continuing these simple yet meaningful deeds.
The "Quoc Hoc Toi Yeu" Campaign Committee is also coordinating with the school to launch the "Words of Love" program to celebrate the school's birthday. Each class cohort will select 6 to 10 photos, accompanied by a short poem, a memorable story, or a few lines of message. These photos and wishes will be printed on decorative boards displayed along tree trunks on campus during the anniversary celebration.
Current students studying at Quoc Hoc are also excited ahead of the major anniversary. Ngo Le Uyen Phuong, a student at Quoc Hoc - Hue High School for the Gifted, expressed her delight seeing the schoolyard beautified and new light posts installed: “I feel the schoolyard is getting more and more beautiful, and I am really looking forward to the 130th anniversary. Knowing that this project was made possible by contributions from generations of alumni makes me cherish my school even more.”
The celebration of the 130th anniversary of Quoc Hoc - Hue High School for the Gifted is drawing near. The "Lighting Up the Schoolyard" project will soon become a familiar part of this pink-tinted school along the Perfume River, standing alongside ancient trees and classroom buildings that have connected generations of Quoc Hoc teachers and students.