At the rencently concluded National Forum of the CTB Global Youth Innovation Research Forum, the Nice2CU Pioneer Team—a student club from Shanghai Hongrun Boyuan School (SHBS), which is a Griggs China Member School, stood out from over 2,000 competing teams nationwide with their outstanding research project and profound humanitarian concern, winning the National Forum First-Class Honor and successfully earning a qualification to advance to the Harvard Global Forum!

This glory stems from seven years of deep commitment. In 2019, a Special Olympics Unified Sports event brought SHBS and Zhujiajiao Special Education School together. When the event resumed in 2023 after the pandemic, the student club Nice2CU was officially established. Its full name, "Nice to Connect & Unfold," reflects the vision of connecting hearts and blossoming together. Through a model of "regular companionship + skill development + social connection" in 2024, the relationship between the two schools has become normalized. From coffee-making to charity roadshows, these young students have demonstrated the power of companionship through action.

In October 2025, five students—Haochen Xie, Kejing Wang, Zehan Zheng, Yixuan Wan, and Yi Wu—formed the Pioneer Team and entered the CTB competition with a deep focus on the autistic community. Their project, titled "Star Companion Program: Peer Companionship and Inter-School Expanision for Autistic Teenagers," took four months to develop. They independently designed a "3+1" framework for peer companionship for autistic adolescents—a breakthrough that not only marked a significant leap in the club's professional expertise but also represented a pioneering exploration at the high school level in China within this field.

In February of this year, the team successfully advanced to the National Forum. At the recently held National Forum finals, they underwent two and a half days of intensive presentations and defense sessions. With their solid research foundation, sincere storytelling, and innovative solutions, they earned high recognition from the judges—ultimately securing the National First Prize and successfully locking their ticket to the Harvard Global Forum.

Faculty advisor Shuming Yu received the CTB Outstanding Organization Award, and SHBS was certified as a "CTB Rising Star Base." As Teacher Yu aptly put it: "In public service, what we ultimately gain may not lie in any thoughts or constructions, but in those moments of spiritual connection, in the most genuine feedback established between people and between people and the world." From the sports field to Harvard, these young students have responded with action to the fundamental questions about the nature of public service—continuing their work even when there is no applause.

In April, they will take the "Star Companion Program" to the Harvard stage, engaging in dialogue with the world and amplifying the voices of the autistic community.

Once again, warm congratulations to Nice2CU! The glory of the National First Prize belongs to every devoted young companion, to Teacher Yu and all the mentoring teachers who have silently supported them, and to Hongrun Boyuan for its unwavering support of innovative public service initiatives. Wishing you all continued success as you shine on an even broader international stage!