2024 UD Lunar New Year Gala
Albert Zeng, UDHS Student Journalist
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for many Asian communities. On February 10, 2024, the first day of the Lunar New Year, people of all ages from different ethnicities filled the seats of the Upper Dublin High School Performing Arts Center auditorium to enjoy a visual and audio spectacle, celebrating the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes good fortune and success in Chinese culture.
The gala event was co-sponsored and presented by the Upper Dublin Chinese American Association (UDCA), the UDSD Asian American Students and Families (AASF) committee, and Guanghua Chinese School (GHCS), with support from the Upper Dublin School District (UDSD). Directed by Ms. Bei Li and Mr. Honggang Zhang, the gala was a fascinating tour of various cultures, featuring a vast variety of performances from Chinese, Korean, and Indian traditions. Some performer highlights included a collaboration between Ms. Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, and renowned pianist Dr. Cong Fan. They captivated the audience with their rendition of “Festival of Tianshan,” a piece that beautifully represents the majestic Tianshan mountain range. O-mei Shaolin Kung Fu Wushu Academy from Washington D.C. showcased a spectacular performance of Chinese martial arts. Silambam Dance School demonstrated two traditional Indian dances, “Bomma Bommatha” and “Aanandakoothadinaar.” The Korean School of Southern New Jersey performed traditional Korean fan and drum dances. The Dance Troupe from Guanghua Chinese School performed a classical Dunhuang dance: “Kalavinka.” Performing artist Ms. Feihong Song demonstrated different styles in the evolution of Peking Opera. Soprano Siyu Huang delivered a rendition of “Raise Your Glass, Friends,” a beloved Chinese song.
Opera singer Feihong Song performing 'A Hundred Years of Peking Opera Charm'
The event organizers invited many esteemed guests including current and retired Upper Dublin School Board members, UD school district administrators and faculty/staff, members of the UDSD Equity and Empowerment Steering Committee, the UD library director, the President of the board of directors of UDPL, the President of the UD Education Foundation, and Presidents of various Chinese American community organizations. Dr. Ling Liang, the President of UDCA, and Dr. Laurie Smith, the new UDSD Superintendent, both extended a warm welcome. Ms. Stephanie Sun, a Steering Committee Member of the “Moving Montco Forward” Transition Team of Montgomery County PA, shared New Year wishes as a guest speaker.
UDHS teacher Ms. Phoebe Lim receiving the INSPIRE Award
The gala also included the inaugural INSPIRE Award ceremony. The INSPIRE award is sponsored by the Upper Dublin Chinese American Association and is awarded to an individual who consistently demonstrates the characteristics of an excellent educator, which include being Innovative, Nurturing, Spirited, Passionate, Inclusive, Resilient, and Empowering. This year, Upper Dublin High School teacher, Ms. Phoebe Lim, received the INSPIRE Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to Upper Dublin's Asian students and communities.
Final group photo of everyone who performed in the 2024 UD Lunar New Year Gala
The Lunar New Year gala was a joyous occasion for all. It was a wonderful celebration of diversity and a showcase of Asian cultures in the Upper Dublin community. May the Year of the Dragon bring everyone abundant luck and success!
2024 UD Lunar New Year Gala
Albert Zeng, UDHS Student Journalist
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for many Asian communities. On February 10, 2024, the first day of the Lunar New Year, people of all ages from different ethnicities filled the seats of the Upper Dublin High School Performing Arts Center auditorium to enjoy a visual and audio spectacle, celebrating the Year of the Dragon, which symbolizes good fortune and success in Chinese culture.
The gala event was co-sponsored and presented by the Upper Dublin Chinese American Association (UDCA), the UDSD Asian American Students and Families (AASF) committee, and Guanghua Chinese School (GHCS), with support from the Upper Dublin School District (UDSD). Directed by Ms. Bei Li and Mr. Honggang Zhang, the gala was a fascinating tour of various cultures, featuring a vast variety of performances from Chinese, Korean, and Indian traditions. Some performer highlights included a collaboration between Ms. Hai-Ye Ni, the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, and renowned pianist Dr. Cong Fan. They captivated the audience with their rendition of “Festival of Tianshan,” a piece that beautifully represents the majestic Tianshan mountain range. O-mei Shaolin Kung Fu Wushu Academy from Washington D.C. showcased a spectacular performance of Chinese martial arts. Silambam Dance School demonstrated two traditional Indian dances, “Bomma Bommatha” and “Aanandakoothadinaar.” The Korean School of Southern New Jersey performed traditional Korean fan and drum dances. The Dance Troupe from Guanghua Chinese School performed a classical Dunhuang dance: “Kalavinka.” Performing artist Ms. Feihong Song demonstrated different styles in the evolution of Peking Opera. Soprano Siyu Huang delivered a rendition of “Raise Your Glass, Friends,” a beloved Chinese song.
Opera singer Feihong Song performing 'A Hundred Years of Peking Opera Charm'
The event organizers invited many esteemed guests including current and retired Upper Dublin School Board members, UD school district administrators and faculty/staff, members of the UDSD Equity and Empowerment Steering Committee, the UD library director, the President of the board of directors of UDPL, the President of the UD Education Foundation, and Presidents of various Chinese American community organizations. Dr. Ling Liang, the President of UDCA, and Dr. Laurie Smith, the new UDSD Superintendent, both extended a warm welcome. Ms. Stephanie Sun, a Steering Committee Member of the “Moving Montco Forward” Transition Team of Montgomery County PA, shared New Year wishes as a guest speaker.
UDHS teacher Ms. Phoebe Lim receiving the INSPIRE Award
The gala also included the inaugural INSPIRE Award ceremony. The INSPIRE award is sponsored by the Upper Dublin Chinese American Association and is awarded to an individual who consistently demonstrates the characteristics of an excellent educator, which include being Innovative, Nurturing, Spirited, Passionate, Inclusive, Resilient, and Empowering. This year, Upper Dublin High School teacher, Ms. Phoebe Lim, received the INSPIRE Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to Upper Dublin's Asian students and communities.