[Hsinchu, Taiwan – May 2026] Students from Cheng-jheng High School have once again achieved remarkable success at the 17th Quanta You-Yi Award: Guide Master Competition. This year marks a significant milestone as students delivered their first-ever guided tours entirely in English, with two participants successfully advancing to the semi-finals, continuing the school's legacy of excellence in this competition.

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the Quanta Cultural and Educational Foundation, this year’s competition saw a staggering 1,627 entries from 22 counties across Taiwan, as well as Taiwanese schools in Vietnam and Malaysia. In the recently announced shortlist, two students from Cheng-jheng High School stood out with their interpretations of the theme "Baroque Light and Shadow." Their selections—Caravaggio’s Young Sick Bacchus and Rembrandt’s The Slaughtered Ox—earned them high praise from the judges. Upon hearing the news, the students were both deeply encouraged and overjoyed.

Among the finalists, Sean delivered an all-English tour of Caravaggio’s Young Sick Bacchus. Using an engaging mix of inquiries and humor, Sean successfully captured the audience's attention. He skillfully used relatable life metaphors to translate the artwork’s meaning, demonstrating impressive creativity and charisma. Furthermore, he grasped the core of the piece, connecting the artist’s personal struggles with the possibilities of self-portraiture. Looking ahead to the semi-finals, Sean stated he intends to focus on the precision of his pronunciation and diction, seeking a perfect balance between humor and substance to enhance the persuasiveness and professionalism of his tour.

Another student, Gabi, presented Rembrandt’s The Slaughtered Ox. Gabi exhibited a calm and steady stage presence, providing a deep and insightful analysis that reflected a profound understanding of the work. For the upcoming semi-finals, Gabi aims to further refine his delivery: "I will work on relaxing my body language to make my movements more fluid and natural. I also plan to incorporate clearer gestures to help the audience focus on specific details of the painting, making the overall guidance more intuitive."

A total of 16 students from Cheng-jheng High School participated in the competition this year. Dedicating their spare time to diligent practice, these students demonstrated a passion for art and a steadfast commitment to overcoming challenges. Their journey—from being complete novices to speaking articulately about Baroque art—showcases the transformative power of aesthetic education on campus.

Acting Principal Chen Hung-sheng remarked, "Every submission video allows us to witness our students' metamorphosis—from hesitation to confidence, and from mere reading to logical expression. We extend our highest recognition even to those who did not advance to the next round. Every youth who bravely told a story in front of the camera has already found their own stage and their own unique 'light and shadow'."