Born in 1957, Zhang put down roots and built a life in the frontier for more than 40 years. In 2002, Zhang had the idea of establishing a girls' high school in Huaping. Initially her plans were met with skepticism but her efforts and tenacity paid off. With the care and attention of Party committees and governments at all levels, and the support and help of all sectors of society, Huaping County Girls High School became a reality in August 2008. Under her leadership, over the past 12 years, the school has helped more than 1,800 impoverished girls realize their dreams to further their studies at university, creating an "educational miracle" in the mountains. Thanks to Zhang's unremitting efforts, the school has prospered and built a formidable reputation. It has consistently been ranked the city's top school.