As the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and Irvine Chinese School near their 50th anniversary, a special editorial team is collecting reflections from former presidents and principals to preserve this half-century journey.
Irvine Chinese School Class of 1985 (Courtesy of Henry Lee)
In 1976, when Irvine Chinese School was first established, we held classes in borrowed classrooms at University High School.
The principal, Mitzi Fu, and all faculty members were dedicated parents who volunteered their time. Now, 50 years later, the student body has grown from a few dozen to over a thousand—a remarkable achievement that has earned the school nationwide recognition.
The initiative to publish a commemorative special issue has received an enthusiastic response, and I would like to share some old memories here.
Back then, in addition to regular classes, we held annual sports meets with intense competition. Many parents served as referees, and I was the coordinator and commander at the time.
Furthermore, we screened borrowed movies every month from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles for the entire school—teachers, students, and parents—to enjoy together.
I still remember one particular film adapted from the works of novelist Sima Zhongyuan, known for his "folk tales of the mysterious."
The plot was so terrifying that we worried it might frighten the young students, so the screening was suspended halfway through.
Irvine Chinese School PTO president and vice presidents in 1985
Half a century has passed, and Irvine Chinese School has flourished, carrying forward its legacy while paving the way for the future. My heartfelt wishes go out to the school for continued perseverance and success.（Brilliant Fifty II）
Chinese Zodiac 12-Animal Cycle (Hand-drawn by Maureen Lee)