A new chapter of hope for Lan Huong, the “White Chrysanthemum” student

On October 5, Lam Dong Newspaper and Radio - Television, in collaboration with the Lam Dong Study Promotion Association and the Lam Dong Provincial Youth Union, held a scholarship presentation and community support program for Hoang Xuan Lan Huong, a Grade 6 student in Class 6A1 at Ka Do Secondary School.

Lan Huong was selected as the “White Chrysanthemum” student for September 2026 and is the 230th student supported by the program during its 25-year journey.

Lan Huong lost her father to a serious illness at a young age. Her mother, Nguyen Thi Thay, has since shouldered the responsibility of raising three children while struggling to make ends meet.

Lan Huong is the second daughter. Her older sister, Hoang Nguyen Thuy Tien, is a Grade 9 student at the same school, while her youngest sister, Hoang Xuan My Gia, is only five and attends the kindergarten class at Ka Do Kindergarten.

Despite growing up without her father's care and amid severe financial hardship, Lan Huong, who lives in Nam Hiep 1 Village, Ka Do Commune, has consistently worked hard and achieved strong academic results.

Her efforts have earned praise from teachers at both Ka Do Primary School, where she previously studied, and Ka Do Secondary School.

What makes Lan Huong particularly remarkable is her determination to keep studying despite the difficulties surrounding her family. She has maintained strong academic performance for years while remaining a diligent, well-behaved and responsible student.

Behind the image of a bright and hardworking schoolgirl is a family burdened by hardship — and a child who has had to experience the struggles of life at an age when she should be focused primarily on school and growing up.

Outside school hours, Lan Huong often helps her mother with temporary work at nurseries in the commune on weekends and whenever she has free time. The work provides a small income to help support the family.

Seeing how hard her mother works has made Lan Huong even more determined to share the burden. She hopes to contribute, in her own small way, to easing the financial pressure her mother continues to face.

The scholarship presentation and meeting with the “White Chrysanthemum” student took place exactly one month after the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

At the event, Lan Huong received support and encouragement from government agencies, mass organizations and local authorities, as well as businesses, donors, teachers, parents and students at Ka Do Secondary School.

Speaking at the program, Lan Huong said she was moved by the support she had received from donors, teachers and fellow students.

She also promised to study hard and work toward her dream, hoping to live up to the trust and expectations of those who had supported her.

The support for Lan Huong did not stop at the scholarship ceremony. Her story has also reached schools across the province.

Tran Thi Tuyet Thanh, Vice Principal of Don Duong High School, said that after learning about Lan Huong's circumstances and the program, the school's teachers, staff and students contributed to help support her educational journey.

The school also hopes to continue supporting Lan Huong when she eventually enters high school there.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Principal of Ka Do Secondary School, expressed her appreciation for the attention and support Lan Huong has received from government agencies, mass organizations, donors and local authorities.

She said the financial support would provide Lan Huong with additional motivation to continue studying and turn her dream into reality, while expressing gratitude to everyone who has shared her journey.

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The White Chrysanthemum program is very meaningful for students facing difficult circumstances. I hope the program will continue to grow so that more disadvantaged students can have the opportunity to stay in school and pursue their dreams.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Principal of Ka Do Secondary School

Lan Huong received more than VND167 million in total support through the “White Chrysanthemum – Supporting Students on Their Journey to School” program.

The scholarship and contributions from donors represent more than financial assistance. For Lan Huong, they are a source of encouragement and confidence as she continues pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor in Ka Do, a community known for its intensive vegetable and fruit production.

Le Dang Hien, Vice Chairman of the Ka Do Commune People's Committee, said the support was highly meaningful in helping Lan Huong overcome her immediate difficulties and remain on her educational path.

According to him, local resources are limited and cannot meet the needs of every student facing hardship. The contributions of businesses, organizations, donors, teachers and fellow students therefore provide valuable additional support, helping Lan Huong achieve greater stability and continue her studies with confidence.