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.
My name is Hedy Ho, and I had the honor of serving as the fifth principal of the Irvine Chinese School from 1986-87.
In 1977, when our family moved from Tennessee and settled in Irvine, we were fortunate to learn about a newly established Chinese school—founded just a year earlier—whose founder lived in our neighborhood of College Park.
March 1987 tennis meet with ICS Principal Hedy Ho (front row, first from right).( Photo courtesy of Terry Lee)
Leading Minds · Passing Flame
Beginning in 1978, our two daughters, both first-generation Chinese Americans, attended the school for twelve consecutive years, from elementary school through high school graduation.
While working full-time as a retail pharmacist, I was honored to be selected as principal for the 1986-87 term.
I cherished the opportunity to work closely with the faculty, students, and parents during a period of significant growth for the school.
It was a rewarding experience to help guide the school through that transitional phase, and I remain proud of the positive impact we made during my tenure.
Irvine Chinese school kung fu class
Learning Grows · Community Thrives
Looking back, we feel incredibly grateful that Irvine Chinese School provided a vibrant and supportive community where children and their parents could explore Chinese culture in a welcoming setting while navigating the shared experiences of being Chinese American.
In addition to written and oral language instruction, the school offered many elective classes as well as the opportunity to engage in competitive sports, student council, and even organizing school dances.
Parents likewise relished the opportunity to take classes - such as traditional Chinese painting- and to build connections within a trusted network that helped them thrive in their new home.
1979 Chinese New Year poetry recitation
Hearts United · Generations Together
Both of my daughters remain fluent in Mandarin today, and many of the friendships they formed at the school have endured over the years.
It is deeply gratifying to see how much the SCCCA organization and community have grown and flourished.
I’m honored to have played a small part in its journey.
We congratulate SCCCA on its 50th anniversary and wish the organization continued success for many generations to come.(Brilliant Fifty VIII)
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1979 Chinese New Year dance performance