Maple Leaf Students Embrace the Legacy of a Great Man, Embodying National Spirit through the Zhou Enlai Legacy — The 12th "Zhou Enlai Class" Naming Ceremony Held at Shanghai Maple Leaf Bilingual School
Since the inaugural "Zhou Enlai Class" was established in April 2002 with the approval of the CPC Central Committee's Literature Research Office, this prestigious collective has become a spiritual beacon for Maple Leaf students. This naming ceremony not only continues this historical legacy but also solemnly entrusts new generations of students with their mission in the new era.
On September 26, 2025, the 12th "Zhou Enlai Class" naming ceremony was grandly held at Shanghai Maple Leaf Bilingual School in a solemn and vibrant atmosphere. Deputy Mayor Xu Jia of Fengjing Town, Jinshan District, representatives from the school's 12th Parent Committee, and all teachers and students gathered to witness the establishment of the new "Zhou Enlai Class."
Stage plays reenact Zhou Enlai's original aspirations, fostering a profound understanding of deep-seated devotion to their families and country.
The ceremony commenced with students' stirring chorus, followed by representatives from the 12th "Zhou Enlai Class" presenting the original play "Lofty Dreams, National Spirit." Through their sincere performances, the students vividly portrayed Premier Zhou Enlai's lifelong dedication to national rejuvenation, demonstrating his unwavering ideals and convictions as well as his profound devotion to his family and country, evoking frequent, heartfelt applause from the audience.
Amidst solemn ceremonies, the class designation was officially conferred, perpetuating the enduring legacy of Zhou's spirit and igniting the eternal flame of his ideals.
Liu Changyong, Secretary of the Party Branch of Shanghai Maple Leaf Bilingual School, and Ms. Dadang, Principal of the Maple Leaf World School Program, jointly announced the official establishment of the 12th "Zhou Enlai Class." Subsequently, Deputy Mayor Xu presented the designation plaque to the 12th "Honorary Zhou Enlai Class," Principal Zhao conferred the portrait of Zhou Enlai to the newly designated class, and Secretary Liu presented the plaque to the 11th "Honorary Zhou Enlai Class." Deputy Mayor Xu highly commended the school for organizing this meaningful event and encouraged the students of the Zhou Enlai Class to emulate Premier Zhou's example, remaining humble and persevering in their endeavors.
With solemn vows resounding with unwavering commitment, the students pledged to bear the weight of their responsibilities etched deeply in their hearts.
Senior students from the Honorary Zhou Enlai Class passed the torch of legacy and responsibility to the new cohort of students, witnessing their solemn pledge: to carry forward the spirit of "Reading for the Rise of China," adhere to the principles of respect, service, honesty, and diligence, and aspire to become globally competent talents with both moral integrity and academic excellence. Their resolute vows echoed through the venue, demonstrating Maple Leaf students' firm determination to shoulder the responsibilities of the era.
The principal's address inspires hope, while the poetry recitation expresses lofty aspirations.
In her address, Principal Zhao Hong encouraged the newly designated Zhou Enlai Class students to view this designation as a profound responsibility—to carry forward Zhou Enlai's legacy and dedicate themselves to serving the nation. She urged them to emulate the Premier’s example by pursuing academic excellence with diligence, cultivating strong character, and striving to become elite talents equipped with both Eastern and Western perspectives as well as global competitiveness—thereby living up to the expectations of the era and the nation. Following this, students from the Zhou Enlai Class expressed their aspirations through a poetry recitation titled "Star-Charting the World, Writing a New Chapter of the Era," demonstrating their profound understanding of the Premier’s spirit and their youthful pledge to continue striving for greatness.
The ceremony culminated in a group photo taken by leaders, distinguished guests, and students of the 12th "Zhou Enlai Class," marking a successful conclusion. This naming ceremony was not merely a conferral of honor but also a profound lesson in ideological education. Moving forward, the "Zhou Enlai Class" will continue to serve as a spiritual beacon on the Maple Leaf campus, inspiring students to look upon the great leader as their guiding light and courageously shoulder the great responsibility of national rejuvenation. As Dr. Ren Shuliang, Chairman of Maple Leaf Education, aptly stated, "In the years to come, great minds and leaders from all walks of life will undoubtedly emerge from here!" This vision foretells that Maple Leaf students will surely take flight from this fertile ground and soar across the global stage.
