The Northern California Chinese School Association held its 2025 Academic Competition Awards Ceremony on April 6th (last Sunday) at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, attracting nearly a thousand people to attend and recognizing over 350 students’ achievements. The competition covered 16 events, 51 categories, with a total of 451 student participants, making it the most grand annual event of the association.
Several guests graced the awards ceremony, including Taiwan Representative Lai Ming-chi in San Francisco, Director Zhuang Yashu of the Bay Area Overseas Chinese Education Center, Overseas Compatriot Affairs Committee members Wei Dezhen, Wu Yiming, Zhang Zhengbang, Cupertino Mayor Zhao Liangfang, Saratoga Councilwoman Zhao Yan, Fremont Unified High School District Vice Chair Kou Huifeng, as well as Overseas Compatriot Advisory Committee members Li Hanwen, Li Wenxiong, and Chen Huixiang. Also in attendance were the President of the Northern California Chinese Alumni Association Xie Zaoxun, President of the Northern California Chinese School Association Li Naya, Vice President Fu Qijun, along with principals, teachers, and parents from various Chinese schools, witnessing the students’ glorious moments.
A highlight of this year’s academic competition was the outstanding performance of students from mainstream schools with immersion Chinese programs, which was a pleasant surprise to many. Schools like Saratoga School made a notable debut at the association and achieved remarkable results. President Li Naya stated to Dajiyuan that many parents actively advocated for their schools to join the association in order for their students to have the opportunity to compete.
This signifies that Chinese education is gradually transitioning from traditional overseas Chinese schools to mainstream campuses, marking an inspiring new trend.
Coordinator Chen Biaohui added that schools like Saratoga, Cherrywood, and Muzai Elementary with immersion programs displayed impressive results, showcasing students’ excellence and indicating the growing importance of Chinese language learning in the mainstream education sector.
President Li Naya emphasized in her speech that rankings are just the beginning, and the cultivation of students’ character and demeanor is paramount. She encouraged students to appreciate others, remain humble, and face future challenges with a mindset of continuous learning.
Director Lai Ming-chi encouraged students to continue improving their Chinese language skills, emphasizing that language serves as a bridge to culture. Proficiency in Chinese not only enhances convenience in daily life and travel but also provides a competitive edge for the future. He expressed gratitude to parents and teachers for their selfless dedication, ensuring the continuous dissemination of Chinese education overseas.
Director Zhuang Yashu mentioned that learning Chinese overseas is particularly challenging, and winning students are truly commendable. She acknowledged the academic competition for providing a platform for children to communicate and showcase their talents, and expressed gratitude for the ongoing efforts of the association in promoting Chinese language education.
Chen Yulin, who won the first place in Translation Group A from the Tzu Chi Academy, was accompanied by her family on stage in a touching moment. Her father stated that his daughter has allowed him to rediscover the value of life, and he hopes she continues to thrive and mature. Chen Yulin joyfully shared her aspiration to work at NASA in the future.
Fourteen-year-old Zeng Jiaxin won first place in Mandarin Oral Group A. Her mother, Mrs. Xiao, mentioned that they encouraged her to learn Chinese from a young age so that she could communicate smoothly with her grandparents. While her daughter is passionate about Chinese and public speaking, she participated not for the sake of winning but to convey love. Zeng Jiaxin also expressed her desire for the competition to spread the message of Christian love.
Mr. Su from Hong Kong’s two sons also excelled in the competition. His elder son, Su Haicen, won the third place in the Cantonese Speech Group B, while his younger son, Su Zitang, claimed the first place in the Cantonese Speech Group D. Mr. Su expressed satisfaction that both his sons have been learning Chinese since kindergarten, primarily using Cantonese but also studying Mandarin, hoping they will continue to inherit Chinese culture in the future.
Li Jiawei, who secured the third place in the Pencil Calligraphy Group D, had his brother Nathan present at the event. Nathan expressed his fondness for Chinese, finding it interesting, and he hopes to visit China in the future to read more Chinese books.
Teacher Song Ruiling from Muzai Elementary led 13 students to victory. She believes that the competition is an important platform for students to grow through observation and competition, enhancing their confidence and learning motivation. She also hopes that the competition will continue to be held annually, letting children know that there are so many people in the Bay Area learning Chinese.