Guangzhou No.7 Middle School

Founded in 1888, Guangzhou No.7 Middle School stands as a testament to the enduring power of education. Originally named Pooi To Girls’ School, it was established by Miss Emma Young, an American missionary sent by the Southern Baptist Convention. Imagine a time when girls’ education was a radical idea. Miss Young, with limited resources, championed this cause, opening the school with just six students. Guangzhou No.7 Middle School’s early years were marked by growth and resilience. The school relocated to its current location on Yanjiang Road in 1907. It officially became Guangzhou Pei Dao Girls’ Middle School in 1919, even establishing a night school to expand access to education. The school faced immense challenges during the Second Sino-Japanese War, including evacuations and temporary closures. Yet, it persevered, even operating a branch in Hong Kong. Guangzhou No.7 Middle School’s history is intertwined with that of Pei Zheng Middle School. Both schools, with roots in Christian missions, were nationalized in 1953. Pei Zheng became Guangzhou No.7 Middle School, while Pooi To became the 30th Middle School. A few years later, in 1958, the two schools merged at the former Pooi To campus, becoming Guangzhou Normal College Attached Middle School. This marked a significant shift, bringing together two distinct educational traditions. In 1962, the school officially regained its name, Guangzhou No.7 Middle School. Guangzhou No.7 Middle School has continued to flourish. It achieved the status of a provincial-level key school in 1994 and a national-level demonstrative high school in 2007. The school’s motto, “Love, Integrity, Faith, and Perseverance”, reflects its commitment to holistic education. This is embodied in the school’s emblem: a four-leaf clover. A symbol of good luck, it also represents the school’s values. Even a celestial body bears the school’s name. In 2007, an asteroid discovered by alumnus Ye Quanzhi was named “Sui Qizhong,” meaning Guangzhou No.7 Middle School. Guangzhou No.7 Middle School has produced numerous distinguished alumni. They include Li Fanghua, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Katherine Cheung, the first Chinese woman to obtain a pilot’s license in the USA. As you stand before Guangzhou No.7 Middle School, remember its remarkable journey. It’s a story of overcoming challenges, embracing change, and nurturing generations of talented individuals.