Brian Jeffrey
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong was a student at Nguyen Gia Thieu High School, graduating from the class of 1957-1963 while holding positions as the class president and the Secretary of the Youth Union for classes 9B and 10B.
On the occasion of the school’s 70th anniversary in 2020, the school principal, Mr. Le Trung Kien, reminisced about the honor of inviting General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He was deeply moved when the General Secretary addressed him as “teacher” and preferred to be acknowledged as “Nguyen Phu Trong” rather than using his official titles.
Mr. Kien shared that General Secretary Trong expressed his humble approach by emphasizing his identity as a former student named Nguyen Phu Trong rather than highlighting his current titles during the celebratory event.
At the anniversary event, General Secretary Trong showed humility and a desire to reconnect with his former teachers and classmates, setting aside his official stature.
Mr. Kien praised General Secretary Trong’s modesty and respect, noting his lack of expectation for special treatment based on his high-ranking position. These qualities were evident in his interactions with his past educators and companions.
During the school’s 70th anniversary, General Secretary Trong offered flowers to his former teacher, Mr. Le Duc Giang, sharing nostalgic memories of his school years with fellow students and teachers.
Mr. Kien fondly recalled General Secretary Trong’s dedication, including his challenging daily commute from Lai Da village to school, involving a ferry ride and several hours of walking to arrive at the school by 5 am.
Mr. Kien recounted, “The memories of General Secretary Trong’s early mornings, leaving at 3 am, crossing the ferry at 4 am, and reaching school by 5 am when others were still asleep, inspire admiration and respect among our school’s teachers and students.”
The tradition room at Nguyen Gia Thieu High School preserves numerous memories from General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s student days.
Established in 1950 in Bac Ninh, Nguyen Gia Thieu School, now known as Nguyen Gia Thieu High School, has been a key educational institution. With approximately 2,000 students annually and fully qualified teachers, the school maintains high educational standards, as evidenced by its top rankings in Hanoi’s high school entrance exams.
This year, Nguyen Gia Thieu High School proudly celebrates its national valedictorian, Nguyen Ha Nhi from class 12D1, who excelled in the high school graduation exams.
Thanh Hung
