Editor’s Note:
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.
Cultural Express launches the “Brilliant Fifty” series, featuring selected essays that illuminate the people and stories that shaped our community.
Looking back half a century, to ensure that the children of the Chinese community in the Irvine area could preserve their language and promote their culture, a group of passionate educators and dedicated parents jointly established the Irvine Chinese School and the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association in 1976.
Humble Beginnings ｜ United Resolve
In its early days, classes were held in borrowed classrooms at a local middle school. Though the environment was simple, their spirits were high; though conditions were arduous, their original aspiration never wavered.
After decades of diligent cultivation, the Association has not only developed a magnificent school organization and a superior teaching environment, but also, through the collective efforts and contributions of the community in 2005, built the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, the largest of its kind in Southern California.
The Center actively promotes the inheritance of Chinese culture, benefiting countless overseas Chinese students.
Shared Care ｜ Shared Culture
I feel deeply honored to have been involved in serving the Association and the Chinese School during their founding years.
I hold particular admiration for the founding principal, teachers, and parents who, despite the difficult circumstances, gave their all to protect this cultural garden.
I still vividly remember the heartwarming scene at the Chinese School back then : children attentively in class, while their parents exercised, played ball, practiced Tai Chi, or learned Chinese painting on campus—a vibrant and heartwarming picture filled with laughter and vitality.
To enhance the outside world's understanding of Chinese culture, many Association members and parents voluntarily supported museums by developing Chinese cultural artifact exhibitions.
They also sponsored the Irvine Library, leading to the Orange County Library's first collection of Chinese books and hosting of Chinese-language events—a profoundly significant achievement.
Classic Costumes ｜ History Alive
When Laguna Woods (Leisure World) invited the library to provide a program on Chinese culture for viewing, I decided to present a fashion show of Chinese attire through the ages in an intuitive, easy-to-understand, and colorful manner, showcasing the profound heritage of Chinese clothing art.
We borrowed eight sets of highly representative costumes from different dynasties and were fortunate to receive tremendous support from the Chinese School's teachers, students, and parents.
From planning and execution to on-site photography, they poured immense effort into the event. As students dressed in attire from different dynasties walked gracefully onto the stage, it was as if a historical scroll was unfurling before our eyes, truly stunning.
Ms. Zhao first captivated the audience as the graceful Consort Yang, then transformed into the solemn and mighty Qin Shi Huang.
The ingenuity of the role changes drew thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.
The entire performance was compact and brilliant, concluding with a standing ovation and prolonged cheers.
SCCCA presented a traditional Chinese Fashion Show at Laguna Woods (Leisure World)
in 1983 (photos courtesy of Terry Lee)
From just a handful of classes initially, the Chinese School has grown to not only attract students of Chinese descent but also welcome many non-Chinese students who actively learn Chinese and participate in Cultural Center activities, fully demonstrating the beauty of cultural diversity and integration.
Golden Jubilee ｜ New Chapter
Over the past fifty years, the school has weathered storms and nurtured countless students who have spread far and wide.
It has cultivated numerous outstanding talents not only for the Chinese community but also for the international society, achieving remarkable success and earning high praise within the overseas Chinese community, making it a true model.
On this golden jubilee celebration, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and the Irvine Chinese School : May you build upon past successes and pave the way for the future; May you continue to flourish, compose new magnificent chapters, and achieve even greater brilliance! （Brilliant Fifty III）