A group of high school students from Dujiangyan in earthquake-hit Sichuan Province arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday  to attend the Shanghai International Youngsters' Science and Technology Expo which opens on Wednesday.

The eight students and two teachers are from Dujiangyan Middle School and Dujiangyan Foreign Language Experimental School.

"I'm very excited to have such an eye-opening experience and learn about cutting-edge science and technology achievements in Shanghai," said Wan Renjie, an 18-year-old student at Dujiangyan Middle School.

"I understand that only advanced science and technology can support efficient reconstruction of our home town," Wan told Shanghai Daily.

The students selected to come to Shanghai were required not only to have an interest in scientific innovation, but also to have performed outstandingly in the aftermath of the quake, teacher Li Huaming said.

For example, Wan, a Student Union chairman, led more than 20 fellow students to safety within 20 minutes of the quake, and helped homeless victims set up tents.

(Shanghai Daily July 16, 2008)