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.
In September 1980, I enrolled my children in Chinese classes at Irvine Chinese School. There, I met many parents, and as time went by, we became close friends.
One day in 1984, Dee Donn, then President of the Chinese Cultural Association, encouraged us to take our children to participate in a group relay race.
Due to a shortage of participants for off-campus sports competitions, four parents with seven children drove in two cars and headed straight to the sports field in Monterey Park.
Celebration of Victory at the 1990 Southern California Chinese Athletic Games
Cheers Rising · Champions Running
There, we met Clara Lin, who had already brought four young boys (two of them being her sons). In a rush, we formed two relay teams—one for boys and one for girls—but we were still one boy short.
I vaguely recall that Principal Hedy Ho’s eldest daughter stepped in to fill the gap. Amid the enthusiastic cheers of "Go! Go!" from a group of energetic young mothers, the Irvine children took first place in both races.
That was the first time we cheered for Irvine Chinese School, and we were especially thrilled to bring honor to the school. Those once vibrant and dynamic individuals are now in their eighties, approaching their nineties!
Key members of the school (from left): Albert Hu, Shih-How Chang, Ming-Nan Smith, Sandy King, Whei-Jen Che
Courts Gathering · Friendships Lasting
A group of sports-loving parents later formed a volleyball team, gathering punctually every Friday at 6 p.m. at the volleyball court to play.
Fifteen years flew by in the blink of an eye, and deep friendships were forged among the teammates.
As Albert Hu once said, he took on the heavy responsibility of computer registration director out of a moment of soft-heartedness.
Ming-Nan Smith also assumed the complex role of general affairs director in a moment of impulsiveness.
Ming Lin served as the volleyball coach, and David Sun became a key behind-the-scenes supporter of the Chinese School Building Fund.
On February 4, 1990, UCI Executive Vice Chancellor Dr. Chang-Lin Tien (right) visited ICS to give a speech
Hearts Giving · Legacy Building
On the day the Building Fund was established in 2001, within less than ten minutes, four board members each donated $100,000 on the spot, raising $400,000 instantly. How fortunate and admirable these big-hearted individuals were!
Later, at a major fundraising dinner, Joseph Ko invited Dr. Henry Lee to be the keynote speaker.
To boost morale and encourage donations, Mr. Ko generously promised to match the total contributions made at his table.
Additionally, the foundation received an anonymous donation of $10,000, while Ms. Yaxing Liu also donated the same amount. The renowned author/artist Mr. Lan Wang donated all the proceeds from the charity sale of his paintings.
At one point, an enthusiastic supporter provided the Board with the phone number of the general manager of 99 Ranch Market.
When we called to schedule a meeting to explain the school building project, the manager immediately said that a meeting wasn’t necessary and asked us to simply send a written proposal.
The Board felt somewhat discouraged. However, to our surprise, a week later, we received a donation check for $100,000 from 99 Ranch Market. Their magnanimity and commitment to supporting the community were truly moving.
In 1990, Dr. Pauline Yu (third from left), Chair of the UCI Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, visited ICS
Irvine Chinese School is truly fortunate. As we celebrate its 50th anniversary, we fondly remember the individuals from all walks of life who contributed their resources and efforts to establish a permanent campus.
Our heartfelt wish for Irvine Chinese School : Onward and upward!（Brilliant Fifty XIII）