Chinese model teacher's story told onscreen

Audiences tuned to China Central Television on Monday witnessed a different side of Zhang Guimei, a recipient of the July 1 Medal, the Communist Party of China's highest honor.

Zhang, the principal of Huaping High School for Girls based in Lijiang, Southwest China's Yunnan province, served as inspiration for the newest episode of the third season of China in the Story, a weekly cultural TV series aired on Sundays on CCTV.

Ai Liya, a 56-year-old actress from Inner Mongolia, brought Zhang's love for her students to life onscreen with her performance.

In the fall of 2020, Zhang ordered the best local milk tea she could find for her entire school and surprised all 468 of her students. It was their "first cup of milk tea in autumn".

"When the milk tea arrived, the entire campus became vivid with excitement," said Zhang Xiaofeng, the school's office director.

"I wish one day these children can drink whatever they want when they walk on streets," Zhang Guimei said.

Zhang not only cares about her students all the time, but also consistently stays by their side as they go about their day at school.

Zhang, with her signature loudspeaker in hand, punctually organized students to go through all seven school routines, earning the nickname "Zhang Qihan", or "Zhang who calls seven times".

The seven routines are: getting up, tidying up, singing, having meal, taking afternoon nap, sleeping and bedtime," said Yang Jingjing, an alumna of the school.

During every year's national college entrance exam, or gaokao, Zhang would also personally escort participants to the exam site.

"Don't be afraid girls, I will be waiting outside for you all," Zhang said.

"With her waiting outside, all of us felt very safe and secure," Yang said, recalling the time she took the exam.

Zhang's motherly love has touched the hearts of many students, including Yang, whose mother passed away during the second semester of her junior year.

After hearing the news, Zhang brought Yang into her home and cared for the grieving girl.

"I will handle everything else, so you can study," Zhang said.

"Even though your mother passed away, I will treat you like my daughter. I will support you going to school, so do not worry."

Zhang has been granted the title "Role Model of the Times" in recognition of her dedication to the education of girls from poor families.

The school, founded by Zhang in 2008, was the first high school in China to provide free education to girls who would have otherwise been unable to continue their studies after completing their nine years of compulsory education.

Thanks to her efforts, more than 2,000 girls have entered university since the founding of the school.