Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Speaking at the award-presenting ceremony in Taipei, Chen said all of the 59 award winners are praiseworthy, because they have overcome great difficulties to make outstanding achievements with perseverance and dauntless courage. "Your deeds remind us of the dynamic of our lives," he said.

The Presidential Award for Education was first conferred in 2001 on primary and secondary school students for making outstanding achievements despite formidable obstacles and setbacks. Many of this year's winners are mentally retarded or living under abject conditions.