On August 8, 2009, Taiwan experienced a severe natural disaster when Typhoon Morakot hit the southern part of Taiwan, leaving in its wake nearly total destruction. Among those schools hardest hit by Typhoon Morakot was the National Cishan Agricultural and Industrial Vocational Senior High School (CAIS).

Boosted by the supportive post-disaster reconstruction efforts from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and an outpouring of island wide and community support, the National Cishan Agricultural and Industrial Vocational Senior High School is now a shining example of how such national and local efforts helped to revitalize and rekindle this school’s amazing recovery.

Bursts of applause greeted Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou, as he attended a special luncheon ceremony for the reopening of the Ci Wei Bridge, a major project for reconstruction, for this recovering community.

For this dedication ceremony, the National Cishan Agricultural and Industrial Vocational Senior High School’s Martial Music Club participated, led by Principal Chen Gong-sheng.

Additional acolytes for this courageous school include: the campus construction of the Qin Yi Building, which was awarded by the Ministry of Interior a Silver Certificate Award for the successful use of new eco-building construction methods and use of eco-materials; students’ competition success from the Department of Machinery with gold and silver awards in the National Skills Competition, which were awarded by President Ma; gold and silver awards going to students Hong Min-xuan and Yang Hao-wei for successful placement during the second stage for the national team selection for the International Skills Competition; and as hosts to the 2010 National Agriculture-related Skills Competition of High School Students.

However, these outstanding accomplishments would not have been possible without the continuing dedication and devotion to their students from the school’s principal, teachers and staff. Because of them, the students were able to display exceptional confidence in their own abilities. These students are a remarkable gift to Taiwan.