Seventy-two teachers from around the island were honored in a ceremony yesterday for the distinguished contribution to Taiwan's education. Authorities hope that the impressive examples they set may help to restore dignity and pride to their profession.

Mr. Huang has been teaching at Penghu's Huayu Elementary School for 26 years. He considers the school to be his home, and tutors students in his free time.

He teaches his students the importance of ecological conservation, and is there for them until they graduate. Because of its remote location and Taiwan's low birth rate, the school suffers from a high teaching turnover rate.

The school now has a student body of less than 20, but Huang is determined to teach until he reaches retirement age. Ms. Lin is also a selfless educator.

She coaches hearing-impaired children in archery, and says that her goal is to help her students experience life.

The 72 teachers honored by the Ministry of Education this year have shown an ability to adapt to changing times and are committed to making a difference in the lives of their students.

While many senior educators expressed concerns about the lack of ethics and moral education in Taiwan on Teacher's Day, the achievements and contributions of the 72 teachers should be recognized.