Irvine Chinese American high schooler Darcy Liu is not only a key midfielder on her school’s soccer team, but also a warm-hearted volunteer.
Recently, her artwork was selected as the official school Christmas card, mailed to all students and faculty—a recognition of her talent in both the arts and community service.
Roots & Heritage ｜ Values & Culture
A sophomore at Orange Lutheran High School, Darcy was born and raised in Southern California. Her mother, a second-generation Taiwanese American, enrolled her in Irvine Chinese School from an early age.
Years of language learning, family tradition, and Confucian values have shaped her empathy, kindness, and grounded personality.
Growing up with her maternal grandmother also connected her deeply to Taiwanese food and cultural celebrations. Her favorite dishes include popcorn chicken, siu mai, and stir-fried rice noodles.
During Lunar New Year, she doesn’t just enjoy receiving red envelopes—she loves sharing holiday snacks and traditions with classmates, becoming a young ambassador of Chinese culture.
Run the Field ｜ Reach the World
Darcy’s passion for soccer came from her British father, a longtime fan of the sport. She began playing at age three and later joined Pateadores ECNL-RL where she trained in endurance, conditioning, and game skills.
Today, she is a core player on the Orange Lutheran girls’ soccer team.
Her strong performance even earned her an opportunity to travel to Spain for international youth soccer competition at the renowned Donosti Cup-a memorable experience that expanded her vision of global soccer.
Art with Light ｜ Lines with Heart
Beyond the soccer field, Darcy shines equally bright in art. Sketching, watercolor, pastel, oil, and digital media—she explores them all.
She is especially skilled at using linework, shading, and layered color to create depth, light, and emotion, often surprising teachers with her maturity.
This Christmas, her Nativity-themed artwork was selected as the official school holiday card.
Judges praised her warm palette, soft gradients, and clean composition—simple yet deeply expressive, radiating peace and hope.
“I wanted my painting to bring people hope,” Darcy said, “and to wish for a more peaceful world.”
Warm Deeds ｜ Strong Hearts
Darcy and her mother volunteer with the National Charity League (NCL) Vista Irvine Chapter,a mother-daughter nonprofit focused on community service.
When the Los Angeles wildfires struck earlier this year, Darcy remembered her family’s own evacuation years ago.
She and her younger brother assembled emergency go-bags for displaced families, each containing a handwritten note that read: “You are not alone.”
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She also volunteers at the Bowers Museum and with Ronald McDonald House programs, guiding seniors through art activities and preparing snacks and toys for children in need.
“It makes me happy to help others using the things I love,” she said.
Balancing schoolwork, soccer, art, and volunteering might sound demanding, but Darcy manages her schedule with calm discipline.
“I study about two hours a day,” she explains. “As long as I plan ahead, I can handle everything.” Her mother adds proudly, “As long as she works hard, I will always support her.”
From sprinting across the field to sketching quietly at her desk, from comforting wildfire survivors to serving in local programs, Darcy Liu represents the very best of this new generation of Chinese American youth.
