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.
"It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to cultivate people." Irvine Chinese School has now reached its 50th year.
Through the dedicated efforts of many passionate individuals, parents, past principals, and board members, ICS has forged a new path over the years, integrating into mainstream American society and becoming a cornerstone of the local community.
For example, the Irvine Chinese Immersion Academy, a public elementary school established in 2023, has been well-received by educators and parents alike.
It is widely expected that this innovative approach to Chinese language education will generate a powerful ripple effect and continue to expand in the years to come.
10 former principals at the ICS 20th anniversary celebration in 1996：（from Left) Maw-Rong Chin, Bin Yang, Shih-How Chang, Ping Deng Yow, Hedy Ho, Jiapyng Niu, Phen Cheng, Terry Lee, Mitzi Fu, and Peter Liu
Laying Ground・Building Roots
I remember thirty years ago, during my tenure as Principal of ICSl, President of the Southern California Council of Chinese Schools, and National Vice President of the National Council of Associations of Chinese Language Schools, I worked diligently to collaborate with American educational institutions.
My hopes were to establish a nationally recognized AP Chinese exam, to partner with UC Irvine in providing teacher training for ICS, and to work with the Irvine Unified School District so that qualified students from ICS could earn foreign-language credits at public high schools.
Unfortunately, by the time I stepped down as principal, none of these goals had yet been achieved. I felt a bit ashamed. Fortunately, every generation brings forth new talent.
Dreams Fulfilled・Results Seen
Through the persistent efforts of later principals, board members, and dedicated parents, those dreams have since been realized : the AP Chinese exam has long become a reality, Irvine Chinese School credits are now recognized by public high schools, and the Irvine Chinese immersion dual-language program was established several years ago.
Looking Ahead・Reaching Higher
In this era of knowledge explosion, with the rise of AI and the internationalization of Chinese, I hope that ICSL will build upon its achievements and reach new heights.
This includes establishing comprehensive information archives, enhancing teacher training, fostering strong horizontal partnerships with society and the community, and maintaining open vertical communication channels with the city government, school district, and parents.
By leveraging AI technology, we can perfectly integrate diversified and systematic teaching methods. Here, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the 50th anniversary of Irvine Chinese School.
May you build upon past successes and achieve even greater progress and success in the future ! (Brilliant Fifty XVIII)
Read More
Some Remarks on the 50th Anniversary of ICS. Bin Yang ( ICS Former Principal 1992-94 )
Looking Back on My Year as ICS Principal. Ping Deng Yow ( ICS Former Principal 1988-89 )
An Affinity for the Irvine Chinese School. Ann Hwu ( ICS Former Principal 1987-88)
Building Bridges Across Generations and Cultures. Susie Chu ( SCCCA Board Chair 1988-89)
From Parent to Principal : My ICS Story. Hedy Ho（ Former ICS Principal 1986-87 )
United We Strive · United We Rise. Don Niu ( Former SCCCA board chair 1986-87 )
ICS Memories That Still Shine. Phen Cheng (1984-85 ICS Principal)
Reflections of a School Janitor. JJ Lee (SCCCA Board Chair 1979-1980 )
A Journey from One Dream to a Community Legacy Mitzi Fu (1976-82, 1983-84 ICS Founding Principal)