The Long Island Chinese Cultural and Educational Association hosted the Chinese New Year Gala for the year 4722 (according to the traditional calendar) on March 1st at the Sheraton Hotel in Flushing. Over 200 students, parents, and past board members from the association and Chinese school attended the lively event. These students, who were born and raised in the United States, showcased amazing performances in Chinese, demonstrating their learning achievements and commitment to the Chinese culture.
The evening kicked off with a spectacular lion dance by the Herricks High School Chinese Association from Long Island, followed by the God of Fortune blessing the students with red envelopes, wishing them prosperity and academic success in the new year. This segment brought great excitement to the children. Students from ages 4 to 9th grade then performed a variety of programs including singing, classical dance, drumming, Chinese martial arts, and diabolo, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese culture passed down through generations, and creating a festive and joyful atmosphere.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, State Senator John Liu, City Councilwoman Sandra Ung, and Christine Liu, Town Councilwoman of North Hampden, Long Island, offered their New Year greetings to the students and parents, encouraging the students to excel in learning Chinese. Congresswoman Meng shared her personal experience to emphasize the importance of learning Chinese. She mentioned that as an American-born Chinese (ABC), she used to “hate” going to Chinese school as a child, but later appreciated her parents for “forcing” her to attend, giving her the opportunity to preserve and cherish her culture and communicate with elders.
Chairman Shih Yumei, President Deng Yuance, and Principal Gan Juzheng stated in interviews that the Long Island Association, established 45 years ago, aims to help children raised in the U.S. to retain their roots and culture. The Gala received strong support from the board of directors and the administrative team. Many directors from 20 or 30 years ago also returned to participate, highlighting the enduring support for the Long Island Association.
But why is this year referred to as the year 4722 in the traditional calendar? Principal Gan Juzheng explained that this is based on the calendrical system of the Yellow Emperor, the legendary ancestor of Chinese civilization. By using this calendar system, the Long Island Chinese Cultural Association aims to help children understand the long and rich history of Chinese culture.
Long Island is home to a significant population of middle-class Chinese individuals, and the Long Island Association has been maintaining the cultural heritage of generations of Chinese descendants in the area. The school boasts a strong faculty that integrates language learning with cultural experiences, making education enjoyable for the students and stimulating their interest. Many parents who attended the school themselves as children are now sending their own children to learn Chinese. Former principal Huang Yuping explained, “As they grew up, they felt that they didn’t learn enough Chinese as children, so they place particular emphasis on their children learning Chinese.”
This year’s Gala introduced a new segment – a “Antique Appreciation and Public Charity Antique Auction.” Former chairman Doug Lee presented three valuable antiques from the Ming and Qing dynasties for a charity auction. Successful bidders obtained these items at prices lower than market value, with the auction proceeds being donated to support educational activities of the Long Island Association.