The 2026 Northern California Chinese School Federation Academic Competition Awards Ceremony was held in a grand manner at the Golden Gate Bay Area Overseas Chinese Education Center on March 28th (last Saturday). A total of 436 students from 28 Chinese schools participated in the competition, covering 16 events and 51 categories. Ultimately, 203 students stood out and were awarded trophies and certificates, creating a lively atmosphere at the event.
Federation President Fu Qijun told The Epoch Times that the academic competition not only evaluates students’ achievements in Chinese language and cultural learning but also provides a platform for challenging oneself and fostering confidence. He emphasized the crucial role of dedicated teachers in guiding students to excel in the competition, expressing appreciation for their hard work. Fu Qijun also thanked parents for their continuous support of their children’s Chinese language learning. Many families attended the event to witness their children’s achievements, with some even bringing grandparents, including a moving moment of a 90-year-old grandfather accompanying his grandchild to receive an award. Special thanks were also extended to volunteers and the organizing team for their efforts in the successful completion of the event.
Chuang Yashu, Director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, informed The Epoch Times that the Northern California Chinese School Federation has long been committed to promoting Chinese language education and passing down Chinese culture. This year’s competition attracted over 400 students to participate in various categories such as writing, recitation, speech, translation, painting, and calligraphy, providing a platform for students to showcase their learning achievements and receive encouragement. She hopes that the award-winning students will continue to elevate their Chinese language proficiency and shine on the future world stage.
This year, the awards ceremony was divided into two segments for the first time. The first phase took place at 2 p.m., encompassing 9 events with 98 students taking the stage to receive awards, including Mandarin recitation, impromptu Mandarin speech, Mandarin speech, translation, reading assessment, Chinese phonetic alphabet, Bopomofo phonetic symbols, Chinese typing, and composition. A student who won first place in Mandarin speech A group demonstrated live on stage, receiving enthusiastic applause for the culmination of their long hours of preparation.
At 3:40 p.m. on the same day, the second phase of awards presentation continued, recognizing 105 students across 7 categories, including CFL/CSL recitation, Cantonese recitation, Cantonese speech, Western painting, Chinese painting, brush calligraphy, and pencil calligraphy. The outstanding demonstration by the champion student in Cantonese recitation and speech A group brought another highlight to the event.
Onstage, students exuded confidence, while offstage, family and friends eagerly awaited, capturing moments through photography and video recording. The entire venue was filled with warmth and emotion, with each scene capturing the efforts and glory of the children, leaving a precious page in their growth journey.
Nearly 20 overseas Chinese community leaders and mainstream officials attended to show their support, along with over a dozen Chinese school principals, board members, and teachers. Dignitaries included Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners Wei Dezhen, Lin Zhengyuan, Liu Lingxia, Cupertino Vice Mayor Zhao Liangfang, Fremont Vice Mayor Zhang Yajing, as well as Councilors Liu Ruimeng and Fremont Unified High School District Chair Kou Huifeng. Advisory commissioners Li Hanwen, Lü Yuzhen, Li Wenxiong, Ye Yunhe, and others also gathered to witness the students’ moment of glory. ◇