Masan Yongma High School Alumni Association Selects Two Recipients for the '2024 Proud Yongma Award'

Main Award: Poet Jeong Ilgeun
Special Award: Alumnus Choi Wondu

The Masan Yongma High School Alumni Association announced the recipients of the ‘2024 Proud Yongma Alumni Award’.

The main award was given to ▲Jeong Il-geun (53rd class, poet), and the special award was given to ▲Choi Won-du, senior alumnus (32nd class, journalist).

Poet Jeong Il-geun. Provided by Masan Yongma High School Alumni Association

Poet Jeong Il-geun, marking the 40th anniversary of his literary debut, published his 14th poetry collection and a commemorative poetry book. Many of his poems are included in middle and high school textbooks and are featured annually in the national college entrance exam mock tests. Additionally, he has received numerous prestigious national poetry awards, earning recognition as a representative lyrical poet of Korea in the literary world, greatly honoring the reputation of Yongma alumni.

Choi Won-du alumnus. Provided by Masan Yongma High School Alumni Association

Senior alumnus Choi Won-du significantly contributed to the transition of his alma mater, Masan Yongma High School, from a vocational high school system to a single-track humanities system in 2001, playing a decisive role during a pivotal period for the school. He has also shown passionate dedication to the development of the alumni association and is highly respected in the local community as a senior figure, serving as a role model for Yongma alumni.

Kang Ki-cheol, president of the Masan Yongma High School Alumni Association, stated, “This award was established and implemented to honor alumni who have contributed to the development of the nation and local community and further enhanced the prestige of our alma mater, thereby boosting the pride of Yongma alumni and encouraging them to devote themselves more to their respective fields.”

He added, “The recipients of this honor have demonstrated the Yongma spirit through challenge and boldness. We present this award with respect and gratitude.”

The award ceremony is scheduled to be held on February 6 at the ‘2025 Annual General Meeting of the Alumni Association,’ with the recipients and many alumni in attendance. The main award recipient will receive a prize of 5 million KRW and a plaque, while the special award recipient will receive 2 million KRW and a plaque.

Meanwhile, the ‘Proud Yongma Alumni Award’ is given to alumni who have elevated the prestige of Yongma and made significant contributions to the development of the local community. Established in 2023, this will be the second time the award is presented. The Masan Yongma High School Alumni Association plans to continue this award in line with its purpose going forward.