Students at Albany High gathered for a wonderful Lunar New Year Festival on Thursday to explore this significant holiday celebrated in many Asian cultures.
Thanks to our dedicated Albany High Mandarin Chinese teacher, Hua Lin, our Falcons had the opportunity to take part in an educational program put on by Asian Arts New York, an organization that preserves and elevates Asian heritage through the power of artistic expression. The event featured stunning dances, costumes and musical performances that everyone enjoyed.
Students in Lin's Mandarin Chinese classes also performed a song and dance routine to "Gongxi Gongxi," a Chinese song that translates as "congratulations to you." They also proudly carried a colorful dragon through the audience at various points during the celebration.
Mandarin Chinese has been offered at Albany High for over three decades, and it is a popular course amongst students. Sophomore Emily Hotter reflected on why she believes learning Mandarin Chinese is so important.
"Being exposed to other cultures improves your understanding of people and their experiences," Hotter stated.
At the closing of the celebration, students received traditional red envelopes symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wei Qin, President of Asian Arts New York, for collaborating with Lin and her students to create such an enriching and beautiful Lunar New Year Festival for our school community.