Houston Pine Academy’s 2024 Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony was held at the academy’s auditorium on Thursday, May 16th, at 10:30 am. Over a hundred attendees, including Director of the Overseas Compatriot Education Center Wang Yingrong, Overseas Compatriot Affairs Advisory Committee Member Song Mingli, Vice Chairman of Golden City Bank Yang Minggeng, former Pharmaceutical Department of St. John’s University Dr. Wu Wenzheng as the keynote speaker, Chairperson Chen Meifen, board members, dean Xu Shenghong, teachers, students, and volunteers gathered for the event.
The ceremony, hosted by Teacher You Yunzhen, began with a group performance of the American national anthem and the academy’s anthem accompanied by music teacher Huang Shiting. Chairperson Chen Meifen congratulated all the students on reaching a new milestone on their learning journey, emphasizing that Pine Academy does not have a graduation ceremony but a completion ceremony because learning has no end. She also introduced the long-time friends, Dr. Hou and his wife who recently moved back, and expressed gratitude to the selfless dedication of the board members, teachers, and friends in the community, saying, “It is because of your long-term support and assistance that we have achieved what we have today.” Chen Meifen also thanked the Overseas Community Affairs Council and the Overseas Compatriot Education Center for their strong support. She mentioned the newly established Chinese language learning center, which under the efforts of the experienced bilingual teacher Huang Canqin, successfully completed its first semester’s courses and will hold its own graduation ceremony next Saturday, a cause for celebration.
Wang Yingrong mentioned that Pine Academy provides a lifelong learning space for overseas retired seniors and actively supports participation in overseas community activities, including initiatives like supporting “Taiwan’s return to the WHA” hiking event and organizing relief activities for the Hualien earthquake victims, extending sincere gratitude and thanks to all.
During the ceremony, students showcased their achievements with floral arrangements displayed in the library and lobby, handicrafts and paintings exhibited in the corridors, showcasing the colorful and fruitful learning lives and outcomes of the students.
English teacher Dr. Jayme Long led the students in a performance of English tongue twisters that entertained the audience. The Japanese class sang the “Momotaro” song, and the Korean song “Arirang”, while students expressed their gratitude to the teachers, causing Japanese teacher Rika Okamoto to shed tears of emotion. In line with the May Taiwanese Traditional Week, floral design teacher Zhang Shuzhen invited 88-year-old Vice Chairman Huang Fengchun to join her for a live floral performance on stage. The results of the cell phone class, piano class performances by students, and flute and piano performances by teachers Huang Shiting and Wen Yaru filled the graduation ceremony with pride and joy.
Special guest Dr. Wu Wenzheng delivered a speech on practical aspects of “Medicare Part D Coverage” for the elderly, arranging interactive sessions with lively audience participation. The ceremony concluded smoothly under the closing prayer by Pastor Chen Qingfang.