The Affiliated High School of Peking University is issuing the very first class ring in China to celebrate its 50th anniversary, China News Service reports.

During a celebration held on Wednesday in Beijing, the class ring, carved with each graduate's name, the year of graduation as well as the school's logo and motto, was awarded by former headmasters to representative graduates throughout the school's 50-year history.

Wang Zheng, current headmaster of the high school, hopes this western tradition could take root in China, enabling every grad to own their unique ring.

The concept of class ring originated with the class of 1835 at the United States Military Academy at West Point, as a diploma and constant reminder of graduates' achievements and the history of their alma mater.

A pioneer in areas other than class rings, the Affiliated High School of PKU dedicates itself to systematic innovations, introducing walkthroughs and tutorial systems, in hopes of promoting student development.

The school was founded in 1960. It was one of the only two high schools that enrolled foreign students in Beijing at that time.

(CRIENGLISH.com October 7, 2010)