[中文版本]

My family has a dog named Remy. He is a purebred Maltese, and he just turned two! His fur is snowy white, and his eyes are hazel brown. His ears are soft, and the fur around his nose forms a round shape, resembling a cartoon character. He also has short legs and tiny paws. He’s a little guy, so he’s not very big—he weighs about seven pounds.

I’ve noticed that Remy doesn’t like taking baths. That’s because he doesn’t like the feeling of water getting into his nose, and he dislikes water in general. However, he loves going on walks and meeting new friends. We’ve also noticed his favorite food is chicken, and he loves gnawing on bones. One thing my family finds frustrating about Remy’s behavior is that he’ll beg for a bone, hide it somewhere, come back to ask for another, and then secretly stash all the bones in one spot. Since Remy keeps going back to my dad for more bones, my dad thinks he’s eaten them all, not knowing that the bones are secretly stashed away around the house. My family and I often find bones in random places, like the laundry room and the bathroom.

As I continue observing Remy, I’ve found that he tries to act tougher and stronger than he really is in front of other dogs. For example, when I take him for a walk and he sees a larger dog, he’ll bark loudly and even stand on his hind legs to look bigger. But the truth is, he’s scared of the bigger one—he’s just trying to get them to take him seriously. This usually only happens with bigger dogs. If Remy wants to play with a smaller dog, he doesn’t need to act tough because they’re the same size. Interestingly, Remy never barks at home—he’s always quiet and calmly stays by our side.

Even though Remy has many different traits—some good, some bad—my family and I still love him very much. We hope Remy stays a part of our family for many more years!

By

秦夏依 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02

 [中文版本]

As the warm spring breeze caressed our faces, many of those around us held celebratory traditions commemorating their legacy and cultures; in the past month, Islamic devotees completed their demanding fasts, Jewish compatriots had their Seder meals after sunset, and Christians honored the resurrection of Jesus with Easter service as well. However, on the opposite side of the world, in the country of the golden stars and crimson flag, the sunny weather of the approaching May means something different: the May Fourth Movement. 

As to its name, the movement celebrates a pivotal event in Chinese history that happened on May 4th, 1919. 106 years ago, in the same warmth of the sun, over 3000 students, led by those from Peking University, marched in Beijing, flying banners and flags over their heads. The sole objective of the students was to protest against the Chinese government and their compliance with the Treaty of Versailles, which decided to transfer German-occupied territories in China's Shandong province to Japan. Coupled with the accumulated pressure of the previous century-long spheres of influence by foreign nations, the young, radical intellectuals viewed this decision, despite China's support for the Allies, as a betrayal by Western powers and a failure of Chinese governance. 

Intertwined with the preceding New Culture Movement, the two advocated for the rejection of traditional Confucian values and the adoption of Western ideals for scientific reasoning, political freedom, and a shift in authority. Such opposition to the republican nationalists and imperialism laid the groundwork for communism and anarchism, inspiring Chen Duxiu and Li Dazhao in founding the Chinese Communist Party.
The May Fourth Movement’s significance lies in its opposition to imperialism, which awakened China’s modern national consciousness and patriotism; its opposition to traditional Confucianism and authoritarian values, marking the awakening of freedom, democracy, and science; and its initiative led by the young people, terming the “May Fourth Youth” as a spiritual symbol of the pursuit of progress and the courage to criticize. Nowadays, this movement is commemorated every year, and May 4th is known as “May Fourth Youth Day” in China. Commemorated annually, this movement is indispensable to China's national consciousness and identity today.

By

沈子越 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02

 [中文版本]

1. General Information

The Washington Chinese Cultural Festival has been successfully held for 22 years and is one of the most influential cultural exchange events in the Chinese American community. Since 2023, TheZ载道 (http://thez.us/) has organized two successful junior essay competitions. The 2025 competition officially launched in June.

This is a great opportunity for young writers to showcase their talent and express their love for Chinese culture. Whether you are a Chinese American, an international student studying in the U.S. or China, or a non-Chinese youth passionate about Chinese culture — we warmly welcome your submission!

The essay competition, as a key brand activity of the festival, has attracted widespread attention and enthusiastic participation from youth. It has become a vital bridge for promoting Chinese culture and fostering China-U.S. youth exchanges. At an award ceremony, Chinese Embassy Consul General Zhu Di noted: “The Washington Chinese Cultural Festival is an important platform for China-U.S. cultural exchange, and the essay competition provides youth with the opportunity to showcase talent and express cultural identity.”

Founded in 2021 by Chinese American youth, TheZ（载道） is a bilingual platform dedicated to encouraging Chinese American youth to write in Chinese as a means of promoting cultural heritage. Its mission is: “Using writing to carry values, make friends through words, pass on culture with ink, and connect the world through text.” The platform has more than 10 editors and youth reporters, has received over 400 submissions, and published more than 700 Chinese and English works. Website: http://thez.us/

2. Theme

Title: A Bridge of Culture Connecting You and Me

Participants may choose from these sub-themes:

• My experience of the Chinese Cultural Festival

• My Story of Learning Chinese

• The Impact of Chinese Culture on My Growth

Theme Description:

In 2025, China-U.S. cultural exchanges continue to deepen, and the cultural bridge extends further. We invite youth worldwide to write about their treasured memories related to Chinese culture — whether an unforgettable festival experience, funny or challenging moments learning Chinese, warm memories of traditional holidays, a delicious Chinese dish, or wise words passed down through generations. Let’s use writing to build bridges, share true experiences, heartfelt reflections, and sincere love for Chinese culture with the world.

3. Organizers

• Organizer: Washington Chinese Cultural Festival Committee

• Advisor: Chinese School Association in the United States

• Host: TheZ.us (http://thez.us/)

4. Participants and Groups

Eligibility:

Youth aged 6–24 worldwide who love Chinese culture and care about China-U.S. relations, with good writing and expression skills.

Groups:

• Elementary school group

• Middle school group

• High school group

• International student group (in U.S. for 5 years or less)

• English group (entries in English; Chinese students must submit in English)

5. Submission Requirements

• Original title, clear theme, authentic content

• Well-organized, fluent writing

• Values original thought. AI-generated writing is strictly forbidden. 

• 300–2000 words (fewer words allowed for younger groups)

• Maximum one Chinese and one English submission per participant (no duplication of content)

6. Process

To address AI writing concerns, the competition consists of preliminary and on-site final rounds.

• Preliminary: Open submission, expert judges select finalists

• Final: On-site in Greater Washington area with live topic assignment, writing, and judging

• Award Ceremony: All participants invited to Washington DC for the event

Qualified works will be published on TheZ.us and awarded certificates. Outstanding works will also be featured online for public voting for the Popularity Award. Teachers recommending students may earn a Talent Scout Award based on number and quality of submissions. All works will be compiled into a publication.

7. Submission & Timeline

Method:

Submit online by scanning the QR code, completing the form, and uploading Word or PDF file.https://forms.gle/7ka8e5n7oj5aRhsN7

Contact: عنوان البريد الإلكتروني هذا محمي من روبوتات السبام. يجب عليك تفعيل الجافاسكربت لرؤيته.

Ms. Li: 703-344-4172

Mr. Wang: 301-250-0119

Details: http://thez.us/

Timeline:

• Submission deadline: September 21, 2025

• Preliminary results: October 18, 2025

• Final & award ceremony: November 2, 2025

8. Festival On-Site Activities

TheZ students will participate in the festival, promote the competition at a booth, and organize an upgraded version of the “How Much Do You Know About Chinese Culture” challenge. All youth are welcome to join on-site activities.

9. Award Ceremony

This year’s competition features a new on-site final in Greater Washington. Finalists will write on-site with live topic assignment and judging. The award ceremony will be independently organized by TheZ（载道）.

We warmly welcome youth to participate, showcase their brilliance, and join in passing on and sharing the beauty of Chinese culture at the festival!

To view the award results of the previous two essay competitions, please visit The Z website at:
http://thez.us/index.php/essay-competition

By

载道 翻译 (Translation) 25-07-24

 [中文版本]

I’ve loved all types of animals since I was little, but penguins have always been one of my favorites.

I remember the first time I saw a penguin was at an aquarium. I was very young at the time, around three years old, and I didn’t even know what a penguin was. All I knew was that the animals in the aquarium could live in water. I remember holding my dad’s hand as we walked around the aquarium, full of curiosity and excitement. I saw so many animals: dolphins, fish, turtles—there were all kinds of creatures! Eventually, we walked over to a very large tank, and suddenly, a strange and giant-looking “fish” swam right toward us. It moved so quickly, like a shooting star, and in a flash, it disappeared from our view. I quickly asked my dad, “Daddy, what kind of fish is that?” My dad laughed and said, “That’s not a fish—that’s a penguin.”

I opened my eyes wide and exclaimed, “A penguin? What kind of animal is that? I’ve never heard of it!”

Later, I noticed other penguins waddling out from inside the tank, one after another, jumping into the water. They glided and swam through the water gracefully and joyfully. These penguins had sharp, black beaks, shiny black feathers covering their backs and heads, and soft, snowy-white feathers on their bellies. Their black flippers flapped and splashed rapidly across the water’s surface. They also had pairs of pointy, light pink feet that helped them stand steadily on the ice. All the penguins were short, chubby, and incredibly adorable! I couldn’t help but ask my dad if he could buy me a penguin toy as a keepsake. He agreed and got me a pink plush penguin.

From that day on, I completely fell in love with penguins. Whenever I come across books, clothes, or toys about penguins, I collect them so I can learn more and love them even more. Because I love this animal so much, I’ve also learned a lot about them, and I hope that one day I can visit Antarctica to see them in person—and even study them to help protect our Earth and do my part in protecting penguins.

By

杨善谊 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02

[中文版本]

Changes Coming to the MCPS Grading System in 2025-2026

To address the grade inflation issue in MCPS, Superintendent Thomas Taylor is preparing to adjust the grading system. A recent proposal (yet to be confirmed) suggests changes to how grades are calculated, potentially adopting a downward trending system or a numeric percentage average system. Additionally, district officials have proposed implementing final exams or projects in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies classes to address inconsistent grading standards. Other proposals include setting clear deadlines for reassessments and late assignments, clarifying the "minimum effort" required for the 50% rule, and reducing the differences between various honors courses, such as those related to difficulty and grading standards.

2025 NFL Draft Highlights

• Cam Ward was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, aiming to rejuvenate the franchise.
• Travis Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, was picked second by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded up with the Cleveland Browns.
• Shedeur Sanders, projected as a first-round pick, experienced an unexpected slide into the fifth round, being chosen 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
• Kaden Prather, a Montgomery County native who attended Northwest High School and later the University of Maryland, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as a wide receiver.

Metro’s Better Bus Network

Some residents may have noticed their bus stop signs being replaced by Metro Bus signs. This is part of the Better Bus Network initiative. The new bus network will introduce new route names, along with changes to routes and bus frequency, designed to optimize service across the region. Current routes will end on June 28, and the new system will begin on June 29. According to their website, the new system aims to improve service and connections, offering more frequent and consistent bus service.

By

刘润宇 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02

 [中文版本]

Dogs are our friends. Just like people, every dog looks different. Some have long fur, some short; some have curly hair, others straight, and their colors vary too. I like dogs because they are friendly and fun. Every time I see a dog, I can’t help but smile. If you're feeling down, you can talk to your dog. It will wag its tail and look at you with loving eyes, and that makes you feel so much better.

One of my good friends has a dog named Pluto. I often go to his house to play with Pluto. As soon as Pluto sees me, it jumps on me excitedly and wags its tail nonstop. When I tell it to sit, it sits. When I say stop, it stands still. When I say “shake hands,” it stretches out its front paw and shakes my hand.

Another reason I like dogs is because they are very loyal. Once a dog loves you, it will stay by your side no matter what happens. Playing with dogs is also a lot of fun. Whether it's playing fetch, tug-of-war, or just running around, dogs are full of energy. Seeing them so excited makes me happy too. Sometimes they’re so energetic I can’t even keep up—they run faster than I do! Dogs are always ready for an adventure, whether it’s going for a walk or just hanging out in the yard. They seem curious about everything, and that reminds us to love life.

I really love dogs. They make life so much happier.

By

陈骙钰 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02

 [中文版本]

Many people find the rain annoying,

but I find comfort in it.

The ants start moving,

a sign that rain is coming.

The sky turns grey, like stone.

The wind picks up,

and drops begin to tap on the glass—

it has started to rain.

I stay in bed with a book,

while outside, the rain pours down.

I turn on just one light,

and the sound of the rain fills the room.

Everything feels calm.

After the rain, I step outside.

The air is fresh and clean,

and the sky brightens,

soft colors spread across the evening.

Sometimes, I like to exercise in the rain—

it feels different from dry days.

Though many dislike the rain,

I believe it is a gift to the world.

By

刘大卫 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02

[中文版本]

A few months ago, my team and I joined the "Be a Zero Hero" initiative and started a dedicated plastic film recycling bin at Herbert Hoover Middle School. Unlike regular recycling bins, this bin is specifically for collecting plastic bags and other types of plastic film products that are not commonly recycled. Our goal is to reduce the amount of plastic bag waste on campus while encouraging more people to develop good recycling habits.

From an Email to Campus Environmental Action

The launch of this project began with an email I sent to the school principal, Dr. Kim. With her support, I met with Mr. Ostry, who then helped coordinate a presentation of the project at the Student Government Association (SGA) meeting. Eventually, we successfully set up the recycling bin on campus. Montgomery County has a well-established recycling system that handles most everyday recyclables, but plastic bags and plastic films are not included. With our recycling program, these plastic bags and other plastic films can be recycled and repurposed into outdoor furniture, such as park benches. In fact, our "Be a Zero Hero" student club recently donated a bench made from recycled plastic to Richard Montgomery High School. This bench was a reward for our contribution of over 2,000 pounds of plastic bags and films collected over the past two years.

Teamwork Helps Bring the Project to Life

The success of this project wouldn't have been possible without the help of many people. I would like to especially thank Dr. Kim, whose strong support helped us set up the recycling bin on campus. Additionally, Kenneth Shue, the founder of the "Be a Zero Hero" program, provided immense support from the planning stage to the final implementation. He was always there to guide and assist us. I would also like to thank Mr. Ostry for helping us promote the project school-wide and coordinating with the Student Government Association. Finally, I want to thank my team members—Melody Zhou and Julia Zhu—because it was everyone's collective effort that made this all possible.

Small Actions, Big Changes—A Call to Reduce Plastic Waste

I hope every reader will do their part to reduce unnecessary plastic waste. Whether at home, in your workplace, or at school, you can collect recyclable plastic bags and films and take them to designated recycling bins at local stores instead of throwing them away. Montgomery County students, if your school already has a "Be a Zero Hero" recycling program, please actively participate by placing eligible plastic films in the recycling bins. If not, you can be a promoter of the "Be a Zero Hero" program. Contact us for guidance and assistance on setting up a plastic film recycling bin.

This initiative not only effectively reduces plastic waste, but also aims to raise more awareness about environmental protection, so that we can all work together to create a better world!

By

姚乐之 翻译 (Translation) 25-04-01

  [中文版本]

One day, Mom took the whole family to the National Natural Botanical Garden for a visit. As soon as I arrived, I caught a whiff of a fresh fragrance. My eyes were immediately drawn to a pink flower.

The flower was big and smelled wonderful, with layer upon layer of petals that were especially beautiful. My mom told me that this was China’s national flower, called the peony. That instantly reminded me—I had painted this flower before in traditional Chinese painting class!

I gently touched a petal of the peony with my hand—wow! It was so soft! The petal felt as soft as a kitten’s fur. I began to observe the flower more closely. Its petals were layered just like a creamy cake, and my mouth started to water like a waterfall! The flower was just too beautiful!

I leaned in for a smell, and the fragrance was simply amazing. As I kept looking, the flower suddenly transformed into a ballerina in a pink dress, gracefully dancing to the rhythm of music. Her dance was so elegant and gentle. I was completely captivated. As she danced, background music somehow started to play, and with the music, her dancing became even more beautiful and graceful! I looked around and saw that all the other flowers were watching the peony dancer too. The garden around me had turned into a luxurious stage, with all the lights focused on the peony ballerina. When her dance ended, all the flowers applauded and praised her. The peony dancer bowed to show her thanks.

Suddenly, someone called out, “Cheng Xindi!” It was Mom—her voice snapped me out of my daydream. That’s when I realized I wasn’t watching a peony performance at all—I was just admiring flowers at the botanical garden!

By

程心笛 翻译 (Translation) 25-05-02