From a small desk set up in a garage by several Taiwanese doctor’s wives in 1976 to now becoming a beacon of Chinese education in Southern California, the Pomona Chinese School has quietly passed half a century.
On the evening of the 21st (Saturday), the school held a “50th Anniversary Banquet” at the Ontario Delta Hotel, where over 360 dignitaries, overseas Chinese leaders, teachers, students, and parents gathered together to witness this cultural legacy spanning generations.
The banquet was a gathering of distinguished guests, with US Congresswoman Judy Chu delivering a speech and presenting commendations, highly praising the school’s outstanding contributions to language education and cultural identity in the inland region.
Chu stated that language is the bridge to cultural identity, and the fifty years of dedication of Pomona Chinese School hold profound significance for America’s multicultural society. Chung Pei-zhen, Director of the Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Education and Culture Service Center, also participated throughout the event, thanking the school for its steadfast dedication over half a century, setting an excellent example for education in Southern California.
Principal Li Mei-ru emotionally recounted the school’s history, founded in 1976 by a group of Taiwanese immigrant women teaching children to read stroke by stroke in a modest garage. With the growth of reputation and demand, it gradually evolved into a formal non-profit organization.
She emphasized, “This school does not belong to any individual, but to the entire community.”
This resilience proved invaluable during the pandemic. Faced with the impact of school closures, Chairman Deng Kai, Principal Li Mei-ru, and Xu Jie, the president of the parent-teacher association, along with the core team serving for over a decade, led all teachers and students in overcoming technical difficulties to ensure that “Chinese classes would not be interrupted,” demonstrating educators’ unwavering commitment to their mission.
Student Kaylor’s performance received thunderous applause at the event. Both of Kaylor’s parents are non-Chinese and do not speak Chinese, but he insisted on studying at Pomona Chinese School for 13 years. That evening, he soloed on the cello with the famous piece “Jasmine Flower,” with the background screen displaying his transformation from a young child to a confident young man, bringing tears to many teachers and parents present.
Kaylor’s parents then took the stage to express their gratitude, thanking the school for years of selfless teaching, enabling their child to fluently use Chinese and embrace a broader world.
The event kicked off with a magnificent dragon and lion dance, followed by students taking turns to present a visual and auditory cultural feast, including ribbon dancing, Tai Chi fan routines, folk dances, ribbon dances, Diabolo spinning, and bamboo pole dancing; as well as creative drama performances such as “Story of the Year,” a creative show featuring the twelve zodiac signs, tea dances, and a spectacular Sichuan face-changing act.
The organizers also invited local high school students to showcase magic and brass band performances, showcasing the deep interaction between the Chinese school and the mainstream community.
A special award ceremony was arranged during the event to recognize senior volunteers, teachers, and their families who have dedicated themselves for a long time. Li Mei-ru pointed out that many teachers sacrifice their Saturday rest time to teach, all thanks to their families’ understanding.
At the same time, the event also paid tribute to the senior parents of many graduates, thanking them for stepping forward in the school’s early days and laying a solid foundation for today.
“Fifty years is not the achievement of one person, but the belief of a group.” Li Mei-ru said.
Through half a century of practice, Pomona Chinese School has proven that Chinese education originating from Taiwan can not only take root in a foreign land but also integrate into American society, blooming into a splendid cultural flower. As it moves towards the next fifty years, this warm community force will continue to be passed down. ◇