Ham Rong High School on the opening day of the 2025-2026 school year. Photo: Linh Huong
From hardship to rise
Born in the context of the country's reunification, Ham Rong High School was established under the decision of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Administrative Committee in 1975 (formerly Town 2 High School), and in 1976 the Ministry of Education decided to change its name to Ham Rong High School. In the first school year (1975-1976), the school had 18 classes with about 700 students, including 6 specialized Literature - Math classes of the province, laying the foundation for the Thanh Hoa excellent student movement in the following years.
In the early days, the facilities were extremely poor: makeshift classrooms, rickety desks and chairs, students had to sit and study with one book. But Ham Rong teachers and students overcame with extraordinary determination. On the podium, teachers imparted knowledge under the light of oil lamps; in the classroom, students listened enthusiastically with the desire to improve. It was this spirit that created Ham Rong's fortitude, resilience, creativity and kindness.
Affirmation stage - nurturing talent
From 1975 to 1982, the school not only provided general education but also taught gifted students. The first specialized Literature - Math classes made Ham Rong famous, many students won national prizes, many later became outstanding scientists , leaders, artists, and businessmen. By 1982, the specialized block was separated into Lam Son Specialized High School, while Ham Rong continued to develop steadily in the direction of mass education, maintaining quality, discipline and humanity.
The period of innovation - shining talent
Since 1986, the country entered the period of renovation, Ham Rong quickly affirmed its reputation, becoming one of the schools with the highest entrance scores in the province. The rate of students passing the university entrance exam reached 98 - 100%. Along with academic achievements, the cultural, sports , and Youth Union movements developed strongly: art performances, Phu Dong Sports Festival, volleyball, badminton, traditional camping tournaments... have created a rich spiritual life, helping students develop comprehensively.
Entering the 21st century - comprehensive innovation
Since 2000, Ham Rong High School has undergone a comprehensive change in both its facilities and teaching methods. High-rise classrooms, electronic libraries, national standard laboratories, smart classrooms with interactive boards and modern equipment systems have become symbols of a pioneering school in digital transformation. Nearly 60% of the teaching staff have master's degrees, many of whom are former students returning to teach, contributing to spreading the tradition of "Good teachers - good students".
The school constantly expands international cooperation, organizes exchanges with students from Japan, Korea, Singapore, France..., helping students practice foreign languages, integration skills and aspirations to reach out to the world. These are steps that demonstrate a long-term vision, helping Ham Rong not only become a bright spot in Thanh Hoa's education but also a prestigious address in the national education network.
Achievement and pride
According to statistics, in the past 5 years, 100% of high school graduates have been admitted to universities, many of whom are valedictorians and salutatorians of top schools. In 2021, the school's students participated in the International Science and Technology Competition in the US. In 2023, Le Xuan Manh, a Ham Rong student, became the first Thanh Hoa contestant to enter the final round of "Road to Olympia" and won the championship, marking a special milestone for the school. In 2024, Ham Rong students continued to win the national prize in Chemistry. For many consecutive years, the school has been in the top 100 high schools with the highest university entrance exam results in the country, affirming its position and solid quality in the education sector of Thanh Hoa.
Teachers' merit - an undying source of light
That success was built by the efforts of generations of teachers, who enlightened knowledge and personality for many generations of students. From Principal Vu Danh Lan in the early days, to later generations of leaders such as: Mr. Nguyen Van Phung, Mr. To Te Tuom, Mr. Do Khac Thieu, Ms. Le Thi Dang, Mr. Le Van Hung, Mr. Thieu Anh Duong... each person left a deep mark in the development journey of the school. If teachers are like silent ferrymen, then Ham Rong students are the long river of knowledge, flowing forever towards the horizon of knowledge, carrying endless love and gratitude.
From this school - all directions shine
Over the past 50 years, more than 25,000 Ham Rong students have grown up and are contributing to all areas of the country. Many hold important positions in Party and State agencies; many are generals, scientists, doctors, businessmen, artists... No matter where they are, they still share a spiritual support and pride in Ham Rong School. Some return to build schools and give scholarships to poor students; some are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, selflessly saving patients; some are successful everywhere, but every time they return to school, they are moved to say: "Helping students continue to go to school is also my way of showing gratitude to my old school."
These examples have made Ham Rong famous, proving the enduring vitality of a school “for the people, for the future, for the homeland of Thanh”. Tradition and aspiration. With its great contributions, Ham Rong High School has been awarded many noble prizes by the State: Third-class Labor Medal (2003), Second-class (2009), First-class (2015), along with many Emulation Flags and Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province. The school's Party Committee has excellently completed its tasks for many years; the mass organizations have always maintained the title of comprehensive strength.
Entering a new phase, Ham Rong aims to build a high-quality school on par with the national level, aiming for international integration, continuing to promote traditional values, accelerating digital transformation, building a friendly, creative and humane learning environment.
The Day of Return - a Sea of Emotions
During the 30th, 40th and soon 50th anniversary, I have returned to my old school many times, moved by the sight of the school yard shaded by royal poinciana trees, the bright and beautiful classrooms, the youthful teachers and the energetic students. Meeting old friends, we hugged each other, tears welling up in our eyes. Some people came from far away, bringing their children and grandchildren to tell stories of their youth; others quietly burned incense in memory of their deceased teachers. On those occasions, groups of former students held hands and sang “My Beloved School”, turning the space into a sea of emotions, where time seemed to stop.
Connecting the past - lighting up the future
Half a century has passed, Ham Rong has written a proud history. From the temporary classrooms in 1975 to the modern school today is a journey of will, of teacher-student love, of the desire to rise up. To me, Lam Son - Ham Rong is forever a beloved school, an immortal flame that lights up the journey of life. "From here, each student carries the light of knowledge and compassion to go through life". Ham Rong - 50 years of a journey, 50 years of a belief, and will continue to shine in the future.
Associate Professor, Dr. Dong Dai Loc
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ham-rong-50-nam-truong-thanh-va-tu-hao-268188.htm
![Dong Nai OCOP transition: [Article 3] Linking tourism with OCOP product consumption](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/402x226/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2025/11/10/1762739199309_1324-2740-7_n-162543_981.jpeg)
Comment (0)