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.
The 50th anniversary of the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association (SCCCA) and the Irvine Chinese School (ICS) is a milestone worthy of both celebration and reflection.
For five decades, SCCCA and ICS have stood as cornerstones of cultural celebration, education, and civic engagement in Orange County.
Their endurance is a testament to the foresight of the founders, the dedication of leaders, teachers, and volunteers, and the support of countless families and community members who have participated in their Chinese language and cultural programs.
PACE Program 2018, which includes members of the IUSD Board of Education (Ira Glasky, Sharon Wallin, Lauren Brooks) and SCCCA.
Heritage Inherited · Roots Planted
My journey with SCCCA and ICS is both personal and professional.
As immigrants from Hong Kong, my parents purposefully instilled in their American-born children a strong bond to cultural heritage.
Because of my own experiences in weekend Chinese schools in San Francisco and Los Angeles, it was inevitable that my children would enroll in ICS and become part of the SCCCA community.
Students Nurtured · Culture Bloomed
My daughters not only learned Mandarin but were exposed to Chinese arts and culture—kung-fu, music, beading, and yo-yo—and participated in community celebrations such as Lunar New Year, the Lantern Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In 2013, I had the privilege of joining the SCCCA Board of Directors, where I served six years, including two as Chairman.
During that time, SCCCA and ICS expanded its core programming by creating, among other things, a preschool, a Chinese orchestra, and a Chinese dance company.
The organization also launched the annual Lantern Festival at the Segerstrom Concert Hall, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a showcase of global Chinese musical talent, renovated its original campus, and acquired additional classroom and rehearsal spaces.
Lastly, ICS earned accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Together, these achievements reflected SCCCA’s steady progress in fostering cultural pride, building youth leadership, and creating bridges of understanding across communities.
40th Anniversary Concert
Horizons Expanded · Glory Shared
I have also seen the impact of SCCCA’s strong ties with the broader community.
What began as a tenant relationship with the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) evolved into a true partnership.
That included developing after-school Chinese language and cultural programs for elementary schools and providing teachers with training in Chinese history and culture (PACE).
This collaboration laid the foundation for the creation of the Irvine Chinese Immersion Academy (ICIA).
As a member of the IUSD Board of Education, I joined my colleagues in voting to approve ICIA as the District’s first and only Chinese immersion charter school—a decision that underscored our belief in the enduring value of bilingual and bicultural education.
SCCCA has also served as a civic forum, hosting candidate debates for local elections and organizing public safety discussions with the Irvine Police Department.
Meeting with Irvine Police Department
Shared Resolve · Legacy Endures
Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, SCCCA once again demonstrated its resilience and commitment to the community.
Classes quickly transitioned online, cultural programming continued virtually, and SCCCA partnered with volunteers and local organizations to assemble masks for healthcare workers.
These efforts, undertaken during a time of fear and disruption, reminded us that SCCCA is not only a cultural institution but also a civic one—capable of mobilizing goodwill and resources when they are most needed.
Looking back over 50 years, it is remarkable to see how far SCCCA and ICS have come.
From modest beginnings in 1975, ICS has educated thousands of students, while SCCCA has provided cultural enrichment and experiences to thousands more.
Along the way, they have continually reminded us that heritage is not static but dynamic—sustained through institutions, strengthened by community, and renewed with each generation.
The 2nd Lantern Festival in 2017
As we celebrate this golden anniversary, I extend my deepest gratitude to the visionaries who founded SCCCA and ICS, to the dedicated educators, leaders, and staff who work tirelessly to achieve their mission, and to the families, volunteers, donors, and community members whose boundless support makes this work possible.
The past fifty years have laid a strong foundation; the next fifty promise even greater contributions as SCCCA and ICS continue to nurture identity, promote understanding, and enrich the cultural and civic fabric of Irvine, Orange County, and beyond.
Congratulations to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association and the Irvine Chinese School on fifty years of achievement.
May the next half-century be marked by the same innovation, community spirit, and leadership that have defined the journey thus far. (Brilliant Fifty XXV)
Read More：
Reflections Inspired by a Video Vivien Kao (SCCCA Former Board Chair 2011-2012)
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)