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.
Just about a month ago, a friend from out of town shared a YouTube video with me, adding a specific note: "This was filmed right there in Irvine."
Taking a closer look, I realized the location was indeed the SCCCA’s Kuan-Yuan Tai Educational Building!
2011-2012 SCCCA board chair Vivien Kao at the ICS End of Year Celebration
Fifty Years · Culture Rooted
In the blink of an eye, SCCCA is approaching its 50th anniversary. As a sanctuary for the preservation of Chinese culture in Southern California, it has evolved into a highly influential organization.
The services provided to the community have expanded beyond the original foundations of Chinese language instruction and traditional arts, gradually delving into the spiritual and cultural core of modern and contemporary life.
Like any successful institution, SCCCA has faced different challenges at various stages of its development, requiring difficult choices and decisive action.
The brilliant achievements we see today are the result of the collective dedication and participation of past and present Boards of Directors, the entire teaching staff, various clubs, and enthusiastic community members.
2011-2012 SCCCA Board Chair Vivien Kao（2nd from right）with SCCCA Board members at an IPSF event
Purpose Endures · Future Unfolds
I deeply hope that the Association will continue to evolve with the times and strive for excellence—opening new horizons to promote inter-ethnic understanding and harmony as a way of giving back to society.
Never forget the original purpose. Looking back, one can only smile with gratitude.（Brilliant Fifty XXIV ）
Read More：
The Transformation & Growth of SCCCA Andrew Yen ( SCCCA Former Board Chair 2007-2009, 2010-2011)
Thirty Years at ICS Memories Still Vivid Shi-yun Chung (Former ICS Principal, 1998–2000)
Reflections on the 50th Anniversary Joan Chien (SCCCA Former Board Chair 1996-98 ）
Building on the Past Opening a New Chapter Peter Liu ( ICS Former Principal 1995-96)
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)