“Learning Chinese connects me with my family, helps me read menus—even order off-menu dishes—and understand why we eat zongzi.”
At Irvine Chinese School’s 2025-2026 graduation ceremony, students shared the joys and challenges of their decade-long Chinese journey.
Language Dreams · Cultural Roots
Some students grew from resisting traditional characters to embracing Chinese culture. Others found stronger family bonds and unexpected opportunities through Chinese.
Held at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, the ceremony drew hundreds of parents. A video of students’ growth and teacher interactions moved some to tears.
Principal Jennifer Su thanked families, teachers, and students, calling language learning a marathon of perseverance and support.
The school honored veteran teachers, perfect-attendance recipients, and Perseverance Award winners.
Irvine Chinese School Principal Jennifer Su with perfect-attendance teachers
Irvine Chinese School’s 2025–2026 high school graduates with their parents
This year, 15 high school students reached a major milestone in their Chinese journey.
Zongzi Stories · Moonlit Memories
Graduate speaker Ashley Yeo began learning Chinese in kindergarten. Years of weekend classes, homework, and poetry now help her prepare for the AP Chinese exam.
She said Chinese taught her the meaning behind traditions: “Zongzi is more than food, and mooncakes are more than dessert.”
Fellow graduate Eugene Herzog called Irvine Chinese School a cultural playground. Through yo-yo, dragon dance, and skits, he built lasting memories and a deeper connection to Chinese culture.
Chinese also brought him closer to family and helped him serve as a museum translator.
Drama Accents · Secret Flavors
After the graduate speeches, the school hosted a buffet for graduates, families, and teachers. In the relaxed celebration, several students stepped up to share their stories.
Abbie Lau admitted she once disliked traditional characters and Zhuyin. By fifth grade, she saw how they helped her read.
Chinese dramas later sharpened her language skills—and even gave her a Beijing accent—while Chinese school deepened her knowledge of idioms and culture.
Ten-Year Journey · Lifelong Rewards
Brandon Chiu began learning Chinese at age five. It expanded his vocabulary, built his confidence, and helped him connect comfortably with Chinese speakers in both the U.S. and China.
Brandon Chiu（From left）、Wilbur Wang、Carl Liu、Abbie Lau
Food lover Carl Liu joked that Chinese makes ordering at restaurants much easier—and sometimes earns him off-menu specialties from the chef.
From mastering Zhuyin and Pinyin to connecting with family and culture, these graduates proved that a decade of Chinese learning offers far more than language skills—it creates a lifelong cultural bond.