"Our Taiwanese people initially had no secondary school; if there was any, it started with our school."
This statement, proudly inscribed on the commemorative monument at the school's entrance, marks the beginning of our school's esteemed history. During the Japanese occupation, the colonial policy severely restricted the educational opportunities of our Taiwanese compatriots, curbing their national consciousness. Taiwanese students faced limitations on enrollment and were constrained in their choice of study programs, all to fulfill the colonial goal of subjugating the Taiwanese. Perceiving the Japanese intent, our forebears, including prominent local figures such as Lin Lie-tang, Lin Hsien-tang, Lin Hsiung-cheng, Koo Hsien-jung, and Tsai Lian-fang, valiantly established a school for Taiwanese students. Despite numerous obstacles from the Japanese colonial government, their unwavering commitment, and the collective fundraising efforts, which amassed over 240,000 dollars and land donation of 15,000 pings by Mr. Lin Lie-tang, led to the construction of the school in 1914. It officially opened in May 1915, with the school building completed in December, marking the beginning of a school built and run by locals for the cultivation of Taiwanese youth. At the outset, Taiwanese youth eagerly sought admission, regarding it as an honor, though each class could only accommodate 100 students due to limited facilities. Among these, only two or three were Japanese, proving the intellectual superiority of the Taiwanese. The establishment of our school not only provided equal educational opportunities but also significantly boosted the confidence and dignity of our people.
Initially named "Taiwan Public Taichung Middle School," it was renamed "Taiwan Public Taichung Advanced Common School" in 1919, a four-year program. In 1922, it became "Taichung State First Middle School" with a five-year program. In 1943, the Japanese government shortened the schooling period by a year to facilitate conscription, turning it into a four-year program. After Taiwan's liberation in 1945, it was renamed "Taiwan Provincial Taichung First Middle School," comprising both junior and senior high sections. In 1948, the Ministry of Education recognized it as one of the thirty-nine excellent middle schools nationwide. In 1968, with the implementation of nine-year compulsory education, it became a provincial senior high school and a municipal junior high school in 1970. It was renamed "Taiwan Provincial Taichung First Senior High School" and later reformed to "National Taichung First Senior High School" in 2000. Finally, it became "Taichung Municipal Taichung First Senior High School" in 2017.
The principals during the Japanese era were as follows:
Tatsuichi Tagawa: February 1915 - March 1919.
Hideo Azukizawa: June 1919 - November 1924.
Torakuro Shimomura: June 1925 - September 1928.
Moto Michi Kusunoki: October 1928 - July 1931.
Yoshi Nori Yoshikawa: August 1931 - March 1933.
Ryoshin Hiromatsu: April 1933 - July 1940.
Keiichi Tanaka: August 1940 - October 1945.
Post-liberation principals were:
Mr. Shu-Rong Jin: 1945 - 1954.
Mr. Hsin-Min Sung: 1954 - 1960.
Mr. Jin-Ao Huang: 1960 - 1967.
Mr. Feng-Chi Chou: 1967 - 1969.
Mr. Mao-Ting Tuan: 1969 - 1981.
Mr. Hsiao-Pin Tang: 1981 - 1987.
Mr. Chi-Tung Chen: 1987 - 1995.
Mr. Shi-Tsung Chen: 1995 - 1999.
Mr. Rui-Rong Tsai: 1999 - 2000.
Mr. Bing-Kun Tsai: 2000 - 2008.
Mr. Po-Chia Kuo: 2008 - 2012.
Mr. Mu-Chu Chen: 2012 - 2020.
Mr. Lung-Yen Lin: August 2020 - Present.
Each principal, regardless of their tenure, shared a unified goal in the school's development, which has led to its current scale. The school's establishment, the spirit of its founders, and its traditions of excellence have shaped its unique character. These include patriotism, honor, unity, hard work, and simplicity. On May 1, 1987, the school's 72nd anniversary, alumni Vice President Dong-Min Hsieh urged the entire school to uphold these values.
The school's long history and growing reputation have produced numerous distinguished alumni who have served as pillars of the nation and pioneers in various fields. Under the leadership of Principal Mu-Chu Chen, the school continued to honor its glorious traditions and forge new paths. In August 2020, under the leadership of Principal Lung-Yen Lin, a former Director of Academic Affairs, and in the second year of the implementation of the 108 Curriculum, the school aimed to lead the trend and reach new heights. The school has collaborated with various universities to offer diverse elective courses and micro-courses, providing students with opportunities for personalized learning and lifelong education.
In summary, the history of Taichung First Senior High School is a testament to the resilience and vision of its founders, the dedication of its leaders, and the talent and ambition of its students and alumni.
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