[中文版本]
On December 7, 2024, the Second Washington Chinese Culture Festival concluded with the Youth Essay Contest Awards Ceremony held at the A Plus Adult Medical Day Care in Maryland. The contest, themed "Ties to China," began in July and attracted 170 enthusiastic participants from across the U.S. and China. Through their writing, the contestants showcased the profound charm of Chinese culture, reflecting the cultural confidence and creativity of a new generation.
Over 50 award recipients and their families gathered to celebrate this cultural milestone alongside festival organizers, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., and distinguished guests from the Washington, D.C. area.
Highlights
Over ten students from the Zaidao website actively participated in the event, handling various tasks. Student representatives Rachel Wang and Emily Jia presented reports on the contest's preparation and evaluation process. Over four months, the contest received 166 submissions, including 109 in Chinese and 57 in English, a 2.2-fold increase from the previous year. Notably, 27 submissions came from non-Chinese participants, eight of which were written in Chinese, showcasing the depth and breadth of cultural integration.
Heartfelt Reflections
During the awards segment, contestants shared their thoughts on the creative process and their understanding of Chinese culture:
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Tian Minkai, the first-place winner in the high school category, described how last year's bamboo dance performance at the festival inspired his essay, reigniting his passion for Chinese language and writing. His essay this year shared his experiences learning Chinese and his connection to Chinese culture.
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Yang Xiaoyue, another high school first-place winner, spoke about how the festival inspired her to narrate life influenced by Chinese traditions, solidifying her love for expressing cultural appreciation through writing.
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Betsana, a student from the Washington International School and a non-Chinese participant, shared her insights on learning Chinese, emphasizing how it was a wise decision to deepen her understanding of the world. She expressed pride in articulating the influence of Chinese culture through this competition.
Award Presentation
The ceremony peaked during the awards presentation. Winners of the first, second, and third prizes, along with honorable mentions and the "Most Popular Online Article" award, took the stage to receive trophies and certificates. Special gifts, including dragon-themed toys and Xinhua dictionaries, were provided by the Chinese Embassy.
The event also honored exceptional educators and institutions with the Bo Le Award and Organization Award for their contributions to Chinese education and cultural promotion. Teachers like Nong Qiumei, Bai Hongjie, and others were among the 20 awardees, while schools such as the Washington International School and Sino-American Student Scholars Exchange Association received organizational recognition.
Cultural Legacy: A Bridge Across Borders
Zhu Di, Consul General of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the festival as a vital platform for U.S.-China cultural exchange. The essay contest offered youth a chance to showcase talent and express cultural identity.
Chen Jiange, chair of the Chinese-language judges, noted the remarkable growth in both quantity and quality of submissions, encouraging participants to further enhance their writing skills and appreciation of Chinese language and culture.
John Noran, a seasoned English writing judge, praised the contestants' works, expressing admiration for their ability to convey the beauty and power of culture.
Looking Ahead: Writing New Cultural Chapters
The success of the essay contest relied on support from the festival committee, the Chinese Embassy, educational institutions, media, and the broader community. Media outlets like the Chinese American News and New World Times provided extensive coverage. The online voting for the "Most Popular Article" attracted significant attention, with some articles exceeding 50,000 views. The Zaidao website hosted interactive activities such as a cultural trivia contest and essay contest promotions, resonating with the local community's passion for Chinese heritage.
Moving forward, the Washington Chinese Culture Festival and essay contest will continue to use literature as a bridge for U.S.-China cultural exchange, inspiring more youth to embrace and preserve Chinese culture. As one parent noted, "This is not just a competition but a profound lesson in understanding cultural values."
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt blessings. Here's to another successful festival next year, bringing more touching cultural stories to life! Special thanks to sponsors like Universal Stones, New Light Sign Company, Richen Group, Hibachi Seafood Buffet, and Pleasant Gardens Assisted Living for their generous support.
For the full list of winners and to read the essays, visit the Zaidao website (http://thez.us).
