The Yilan County Government held the 2026 Yilan County Senior High School Coming-of-Age Ceremony – “Lanyang Leads the Way, Riding the Waves Forward” on the morning of June 8 at Guishan Island. Students from senior high schools and vocational high schools across the county participated in the event. With the blessings and witness of teachers and parents, the meaningful and challenging ceremony guided young people into a new stage of life and encouraged them to face future challenges with confidence and determination.
Acting County Magistrate Lin Mao-Sheng stated that the age of eighteen is a significant turning point in life, symbolizing not only greater rights but also greater responsibilities. He expressed his hope that, after experiencing the coming-of-age ceremony, young people would uphold the values of integrity, gratitude, courage, and responsibility, actively face the challenges of life, and carry forward the hardworking, resilient, and persevering spirit of the people of Yilan. By doing so, they can contribute positive energy to society. He further emphasized that a coming-of-age ceremony is not only an important milestone in one’s life, but also a symbol of a young person’s transition from being cared for to becoming a responsible and proactive citizen. This year’s theme, “Lanyang Leads the Way, Riding the Waves Forward,” aims to inspire students to inherit the pioneering spirit of Yilan’s early settlers and to face future challenges in education, employment, and life with firm conviction and courage, becoming a new generation capable of leading the times.
The event incorporated local cultural exploration, team-building challenges, and life education activities. Through hands-on experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of Yilan’s rich cultural heritage, history, and natural environment, strengthening their sense of identity with and responsibility toward their hometown. In addition, team tasks and challenge-based activities helped cultivate communication, collaboration, mutual support, and problem-solving skills, allowing students to demonstrate their youthful energy and limitless potential.
For many years, the Yilan County Government has continued to promote coming-of-age ceremonies for senior high school students. Through diverse formats—including mountain exploration, marine experiences, cultural field studies, and outdoor challenges—the program helps young people develop self-identity and a sense of social responsibility during their formative years. Throughout the years, these activities have consistently focused on preserving the pioneering spirit of Yilan, fostering local identity, and encouraging young people to challenge themselves.
The ceremony concluded successfully with all participating teachers and students jointly reciting the Declaration of Adulthood. This symbolic moment marked the official launch of the students’ journey into adulthood. Carrying with them the blessings and expectations of their hometown, they now move forward with confidence and courage, ready to ride the waves of life, spread their wings, and create a bright and inspiring future for the new generation.